Who Can Enter?

Everyone who holds a valid DinoCon 2026 ticket may enter the costume competition! The contest is open to kids and adults. Your costume must have a palaeontology or prehistoric theme—think dinosaurs, ancient creatures, or palaeontologists themselves!

Your costume must be appropriate for a general audience of all ages (nothing 18+, R-rated, or NSFW!).

We discourage competitors to enter costumes that are mass produced / store bought.

If you entered last year’s competition, your costume cannot be entered two years in a row.

Please note: If you are under the age of 18, you must have an adult accompany you during the competition. They do not need to be on stage (unless you want them to), but they do need to be seated close by whilst the competition is running.

Costume Changing Room

Our Costume changing room is located in the ‘Dorset’ room and is unisex. This room is only for changing into and out of costume. For everyone's comfort and privacy, please do not use this space for changing base layers and/or undergarments. DinoCon UK is not responsible for loss or damage of items left unattended in the changing room.

Categories & Prizes

There are only 2 categories; Under 16s and Over 16s. Both categories have 3 tiers of prizes:

· 1st Place: x2 free tickets to DinoCon 2027, large whole polished ammonite fossil*, certificate, and rosette.
· 2ndPlace: x1 free ticket to DinoCon 2027, large half polished ammonite fossil*, certificate, and rosette.
· 3rd Place: Small cut ammonite fossil pair*, certificate, and rosette.

*All of the fossils are genuine, ethically sourced, and come with a certificate of authenticity.

When & Where?

The contest will take place on Saturday 25th July at 2:00pm on the main stage in the ‘Palace’ room. Final judging and prize giving will happen on the main stage once all competitors have had their time on stage to show off their costumes. Make sure to sign-up ahead of time!

How to sign-up

Entering the Costume Competition is free for all DinoCon attendees. If you would like to enter the Costume Competition, please complete the sign up form below!

If there are any spaces left before the start of DinoCon 2026, there will be a last minute opportunity to sign up on Saturday morning. Please stop by the DinoCon Merch table, outside the Vendor Hall, anytime from 10am-1pm** on Saturday 25th July to sign up. You will be given a short form to fill in.

(**There are limited spaces available. Sign-up will close early if all of the spaces are filled.)

If you have signed up, please arrive at the main stage in the ‘Palace’ 20 minutes before
the start of the Costume Competition.

Photos will be taken of all competitors during the competition and there will be a
group photo after the competition is finished.

Good luck to everyone who enters!