So I found out today about a con called Minamicon in Southampton, but every site related to it doesn't load. Is anyone else going? Is there a proper website that doesn't crash? This one won't load for me http://www.minamicon.org.uk/

I don't think their page is open until regs is in 6 days times (12/11/12)

But I've heard brilliant stuff about it from other people :3 Never been myself though

Never been but also heard awesome things about it. Site was supposed to be launched today but has been pushed back.

It's also apparently only a very small con and I've heard it sells pretty quickly so something to bear in mind.

I think due to Kita not running next year it may sell out a bit quicker. I heard it took about a week to sell out last time but it has sold out really quickly in the past since it's limited to 300 places.

Personally, Minami's one of my favourite cons because of how laid back everything is, how close everything is (you're about ten minutes away from Southampton city centre which is a plus since most cons seem to be in the middle of nowhere. Plus there's a McDonalds and an Asda nearby so yeah), panels run reasonably on time. Plus there's pinatas! I'm hoping to go again next year....once reg opens.

There seems to be some confusion about the cosplays permitted, I'm guessing my Loki wouldn't be allowed, but video game characters and anime are ok?

That's not true. You can still wear them, but the community of this con are usually those who have been around for some time and are bigger fans of anime and games of Japanese origin. A while back the Cosplay Organiser of Amecon went as a Transformer, so it's not unheard of and people wont frown upon you for doing it either. Just dont expect to see Homestuck cosplays or Thors and Lokis until you're ready to pass out XD

Well maybe thats a good thing, there were a few too many Loki;s at Expo, it's nice being the only one there, lol!

Yes, Minami is incredibly laid-back and you can cosplay as whatever you want. As an illustration, last Minami we had some Barbie cosplayers and a Doctor Who group in the masquerade. My cosplay plans for Minamicon 2013 include My Little Pony and Firefly, so you definitely won't be alone in your non-anime cosplay

Minamicon is pretty much my favourite con. It has a nice atmosphere, everything's really close together so it's difficult to miss people, you can get into town easily if you need anything, but you don't even need to go that far since there's an Asda just around the corner for cheap drinks and nibbles and any other emergencies are nicely covered by the Boots/Tesco/Ryman stores that are within spitting distance of the hotels (I went to Minami one year and completely forgot to pack any underwear. Quickly solved by a trip to Tesco!).

How much are the tickets, roughly? And are there guidelines for the masquerade?

My housemate and I booked our places at the last one and paid £49 each for weekend membership; I will be very surprised if they charge any more for that when registration reopens. There are three hotels in the immediate area: the Novotel, the Ibis and the Etap. Etap is cheapest (I've booked three nights for £100) but very basic, Ibis is a bit more expensive but has a few extra frills, Novotel is the most expensive but you have the benefit of being in the main convention hotel that way - handy if you're bringing a particularly complicated costume!

There'll be full masquerade guidelines on the website when it launches, but it's not complicated, it's mostly just time limits for performances (which are only very loosely followed) and weapons regulations. If you're taking part in the masquerade they'll also hold a full briefing on the Saturday afternoon, so everyone should know exactly what they're doing and you'll get the chance to make sure they have the correct audio for you if you've submitted some.

Right ok, lots of info there, thanks! <3