HotaruCon 2025 Event Descriptions Out Now!
Want to know what you can expect to see and do at HotaruCon? Read about each event here, and use the schedule to plan your weekend.
8 out of 10 Frogs
Saturday 14:45 - 16:15 Presenter: JammyDescription: An un-frogettable quiz
A Crazy Video Game Quiz?
Saturday 11:15 - 12:15 Presenter: Cerise_QueenDescription: Video Game Fans unite! Join me in testing your knowledge on Video Game History, music and trivia. But it comes with a twist! ;) Grab your teams and press X to join!
A Vague Recollection of One Piece 2: Lore Boogaloo
Friday 17:15 - 18:15 Presenter: leicester d. squareDescription: Last year we tried to vaguely recollect all of One Piece in One Hour; we managed about 20%. This year, join me for an hour of Lore Dump! Did you ever want to know why everyone is so Tall in One Piece? What the most Hard Boiled move any macho man ever pulled in a fight? Or do you just want to know how Devil Fruits affect the peanits? Lets learn together!
An Abridged History of Yuri
Friday 22:30 - 23:30 Presenter: Queers For FearsDescription: What if girls… liked other girls? Come along on this journey as we discuss the ups and downs of the yuri genre through the years, from its early inception to modern day trends. Be warned, lewd activities (holding hands) afoot!
An Awkward Fellow, after all: The life of (the real) Ken Takakura
Saturday 10:00 - 11:00 Presenter: Rude as HECKDescription: What could a girl like Momo possibly see in a Yakuza flick actor from the 60s? We delve into the life and work of Okarun's namesake, Ken Takakura!
Are you afraid of the dark universe? An in depth look at what could have been
Sunday 20:15 - 21:15 Presenter: Dr ProsperoDescription: In 2017, Universal Studios announced the birth of a new shared universe of monster movies, bringing their classic horror icons into the contemporary franchise film landscape. But after the critical and financial failure of its first instalment, the project was indefinitely abandoned. Then, in 2022, the powers that called upon one pulp horror devotee and one snarky film critic to unearth the concept in podcast form. Now in 2025 one adoring fan will introduce you into this world: Are you afraid of the dark universe?
Blood on the Clocktower
Saturday 14:30 - 16:30 Presenter: EmDescription: A social deduction game for 5-16 people. Will the Gardener help the Poppy Grower or the Flowergirl this spring? Don't let the Leech or the black Widow get you when you're swimming in the lake in summer. The Balloonist with their Sweetheart flying in the autumn day whilst the Washerwomen goes about their job. This winter is the Gnome in the home naughty or nice? After all, it must the be season of the Witch...
Call of Cthulhu: The Haunterising
Sunday 21:30 - 23:30 Presenter: KyrieDescription: Halloween may be a distant memory, but you're invited to join us for a spooky Haunted House TTRPG one shot. Expect chills, thrills and audience participation.
Cancelled and Abandoned Hardware
Saturday 18:15 - 19:15 Presenter: SkyblazeDescription: Did you know there was going to be a Nintendo PlayStation? Ever wondered what the deal was with the SEGA Neptune? Find out more in this panel about gaming hardware that never was.
Caring for Your Cosplays - how to safely remove stains and smells
Saturday 15:00 - 16:00 Presenter: Senku IshigamiDescription: Looking good and feeling great in your costume? Haven't got a clue as to where to start to clean and disinfect your costume before the next re-wear? Pop along and I'll share my knowledge with you on how to extend the life of your costumes so you can wear them for years to come.
Chess Rehearsal
Sunday 10:00 - 12:00 Presenter: HotaruConDescription: For Cosplay Chess Participants and Helpers: Mandatory Rehearsal. It is advised you arrive as close to ready as is feasible for your cosplay. Pre-registration is required for Cosplay Chess. Audience will be sat after the rehearsal.
Chinese Medicine 2.0: You can (not) diagnose Shinji
Friday 18:30 - 19:30 Presenter: Chii-renDescription: The fundamentals of 5 Element Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine - featuring Neon Genesis Evangelion!
I'm back on my BS with the Chinese-Medicine-at-a-Japanese-anime-convention in this second rendition of stabbing people for their health!
Join me as I break down characters of Neon Genesis Evangelion using 5 Element acupuncture to guess their Constitutional Factors and syndromes. Learn treatment principles with me as I explore the best ways to jab each of them with tiny needles. Help me calm Shinji's Shen enough that he can finally get over his Daddy issues and get in the Goddam robot.
Closing Ceremony
Sunday 17:30 - 19:30 Presenter: HotaruConDescription: Whilst HotaruCon won’t be entirely over, this is our formal way of closing out the weekend on Sunday afternoon where we hold our charity auction, announce the winners of our competitions (or let you decide), total what we raised for the Con Charity and wrap up any loose ends.
Comic and Manga Library
Friday 13:30 - 18:00, Saturday 17:00 - 00:00, Sunday 11:00 - 17:00 Presenter: HotaruCon & Sun KittenDescription: Swing by the Activity Room at HotaruCon to relax and unwind! Browse a variety of comics and manga including indie gems (kindly loaned by Morag), or join in on drawing sessions and casual play. Feel free to drop in anytime—just keep an eye out for scheduled activities, as they may fill up quickly!
Cosplay 102
Friday 16:00 - 17:00 Presenter: Chai_SirenDescription: You’ve got the basics down, now what? How to build on the foundation you’ve already created.
Cosplay Blind Date
Friday 19:00 - 20:30 Presenter: Lord MikkDescription: Think you're good at flirting? Test out your charisma skill to woo our cosplay guest. If you're lucky, you may even get a prize (not a real dating game!)
Cosplay Cafe
Sunday 14:30 - 16:30 Presenter: HotaruCon MaidsDescription: Fancy a break amongst the hustle and bustle of HotaruCon for some coffee and cake? Purchase tokens and be served by our themed cafe team, with all profits going to this year’s convention charity, or browse the pop-up vendors.
Cosplay Chess
Sunday 12:00 - 13:00 Presenter: thesparkofrevolution and CereselDescription: Come one, come all, to this epic Chess-themed showdown between Gojo and Geto from Jujutsu Kaisen. Using other attendees as their pieces, making them battle - be it a fight, a dance off, or a duel. So come and watch this fun, dynamic mish-mash of characters, from all the series being cosplayed across the Con, battling it out for victory!
Cosplay Chess Rehearsal!
Saturday 10:00 - 12:00 Presenter: CereselDescription: For Cosplay Chess Participants ONLY, this is a space for you to practice! Hosts Tabby and Mariam will be available with some general tips e.g. using a microphone with your skit. Attendance is NOT mandatory but it doesn't replace the full board rehearsal on Sunday. If you have any kinks to work out or simply would like to rehearse your skits, this space is for you!
Cosplaying for the Stage!
Sunday 13:45 - 14:45 Presenter: Team TrashPanda (Lady Oni & Oni-91)Description: Do you wish to take cosplay to the next level? Have you considered joining a cosplay masquerade or cosplay chess but don't know where to start? Join us and we'll take you on a journey to level your performance game up!
CRITICAL_HITS
Sunday 00:00 - 01:00 Presenter: Dill PickleDescription: Only the heaviest video game bangers that have no right going as hard as they do
Dance of the Seasons
Sunday 20:30 - 22:00 Presenter: HotaruConDescription: Join us for our cherished Sunday evening tradition: the Hotarucon Ball! Step into an enchanting atmosphere set to a magical playlist featuring elegant renditions of beloved Anime, Gaming, Film, and pop culture songs. Whether you arrive as a couple, with friends, or simply to soak in the ambiance, the dance floor welcomes all. You might even share a delightful turn around the room with a new acquaintance. Everyone attending will also have the chance to be crowned Kai’s Firefly of the Season, simply by enjoying the night.
Detroit Metal Quizzie: The Anisong Trivia Quiz!
Saturday 13:00 - 14:30 Presenter: leicester d. squareDescription: Do you know your Sawano Hiroyuki from your Yoko Kanno? Your BanG Dreams! from your IDOLiSH7? Then this is the anime music trivia quiz for you! Back again for a second year, join us for a quiz full of twists and turns and see if you can beat Name That Tune (Savage)!
Disability Representation in Anime
Sunday 18:45 - 20:45 Presenter: Sailor CadiaDescription: A look at how disabled, neurodivergent, and characters who have various mental health conditions are explicitly or implicitly depicted in anime, manga, and other Japanese media.
Disney Princesses: Icons Of Style
Saturday 11:15 - 12:45 Presenter: Aloe BobcatDescription: A delightful romp through the fashions of animated royalty, conveniently arranged into a tier list for your enjoyment!
Drink & Draw 2 - Electric Boogieloo!
Saturday 22:45 - 00:15 Presenter: Sephy_ChanDescription: What's this?! A panel that encourages art and drinking? Returning once again?! Grab a drink and come join Sephy for this late night art panel. Please note responsible drinking will be enforced :3
Eats, Shoots & Leaves: Pandering to those who want to organise cosplay photoshoots.
Saturday 13:45 - 14:45 Presenter: Nat - Cosplay ChoreoDescription: Does your cosplay eat, do you want to shoot it in a great location and leave feeling amazing that you got excellent photos? I'm here to share my experience and knowledge on organising cosplay photoshoots, tips and tricks to make them run smoothly, and pitfalls to be aware of.
Elevate your Wigs - in more ways then one!
Sunday 12:30 - 14:30 Presenter: AtticGirl CosplayDescription: Ever wanted to try making gravity defying wigs? Want to try out different techniques - come in and have a go while getting advice and ideas to help level up your wig game.
Fanfiction, What is it Good For?!
Saturday 18:30 - 20:30 Presenter: duochanfanDescription: EVERYTHING!! Time to bring out those creative juices and see what you can come up with. We'll be getting you each to build a mini-story, it could even be just a part of a larger story. As this is character-driven. With seven questions to answer, will your character survive till the end? Will they succeed or fail? Well, that bit is up to you. We'll also be psycho analyzing your poor poor character along the way, by assessing your character and their mental health. Disclaimer - We will be talking about Mental Health issues, so please be careful with yourselves.
FireFly Lounge
Saturday 18:45 - 20:15 Presenter: HotaruConDescription: Pull up your chair and join us for an hour that promises to be entertaining as your fellow attendees dazzle you with their talents on the HotaruCon main stage. Sure to astound and delight.
FireFly Lounge Green Room
Saturday 18:30 - 20:30 Presenter: HotaruConDescription: Mandatory for all Firefly Lounge performers. Welcome to the Firefly Lounge Green Room. Enjoy a secure area to store your belongings while you relax with water and snacks, and prepare for your performance!
Floph's Japanese Club Mix
Saturday 23:00 - 00:00 Presenter: flophDescription: Be prepared for a wild mix of high-energy J-core, D&B, future bass, and anime remixes, inspired by japanese club and arcade music!
GO SPORTS!
Friday 14:45 - 15:45 Presenter: Vik & WrenDescription: A fun quiz centred around sports anime with male protagonists, from volleyball to swimming, football to sk8 - If you know your stuff or just want to come along for the vibes, everyone is welcome.
Great Moments in Muppet History
Sunday 13:45 - 14:45 Presenter: Aloe BobcatDescription: A romp through the history of the Muppets and the Jim Henson company featuring all of your Muppet friends ^_^
Hardcore Genki Fun Time NOW!
Friday 22:00 - 23:00 Presenter: PinkAppleJam, The RaggedymanDescription: DJs Raggedyman & AppleJam are here, to fill your ears with fine tunes and to get your feet moving with party beats. Warning: May Contain Excitement!!
History of Sonic The Hedgehog
Friday 13:30 - 14:30 Presenter: BlazeDescription: Let’s speed through 30 years of Sonic’s history!
Hotaru Game Night
Sunday 15:00 - 17:00 Presenter: Team TrashPanda (Oni-91 & Lady Oni)Description: Come along for a chill, fun, and...probably cursed evening of Jackbox fun with the Onis! The Jackbox is open, and no matter whether you want you draw, write, or speak your way to victory, as long as you have a phone, the doors are open!
Hotaru Royale
Friday 18:45 - 19:45 Presenter: EmDescription: A weekend-long game of assassin that everyone can join in on, sign ups will happen during this panel with the game to start the next day to give everyone a chance to plot and plan. There will be a (really super nice amazing*) prize for the winner!
*at least I think it is
HotaruCon Feedback Panel
Sunday 12:30 - 13:30 Presenter: HotaruConDescription: Got something you want to let the committee know about how HotaruCon went? Come to the feedback panel and let us know. We welcome all feedback with a view of making HotaruCon the best we can for all of you.
Hotarucon Lip Sync Battle!
Saturday 21:00 - 22:30 Presenter: Team TrashPanda (Lady Oni & Oni-91)Description: Who is ready for the Hotarucon lip sync battle! Get dressed up and go crazy with your favourite tunes and have fun!
How To Wotagei #101: The Power of the Penlight
Friday 19:45 - 20:45 Presenter: K-tanDescription: What better way to hype up your favourite Japanese idols and anime tunes, than learn how to dance, chant along and wave your penlight like a pro!
How Vtubers Are Taking Over The Internet
Friday 17:15 - 18:15 Presenter: maxstarDescription: Interested in VTubers? This engaging and informative panel examines the history, rise, and culture of VTubers. Ideal for newcomers and curious fans.
Imperial Entanglements: The Imperial Japanese Navy and Anime
Saturday 13:45 - 14:45 Presenter: Grand AdmiralDescription: Grand Admiral, HotaruCon's resident boat nerd, invites you to join him for a brief history of the Imperial Japanese Navy, its rise and rapid fall, and how it has lived on in anime.
Introduction to Warhammer 40k
Friday 18:30 - 20:30 Presenter: Inquisitor WhiteDescription: What's a Space Marines, and why all the purging?
Japan 2.0 - Escaping the Golden Route
Sunday 11:15 - 12:15 Presenter: CelerymoondesignsDescription: Last year we learned how to conquer Japan on a budget, so in 2025 we're graduating to explore Japan off-the-beaten track! Want to experience more than Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka or just interested in cherry blossoms without the crowds and geisha without the price tag? This is the panel for you.
Japanese Cyberpunk Cinema
Saturday 11:15 - 12:15 Presenter: The RaggedymanDescription: Deeply experimental and highly abstract, the films of the Japanese cyberpunk movement are defined by scathing critiques of contemporary social anxieties, which are explored through horrific metamorphosis, violent sexual imagery, and relentless dehumanization. So let The Raggedyman guide you through some of the classics; discussing the narratives, subtexts, and health and safety violations of this fascinating genre.
Kaidan: Ghost Stories
Saturday 21:45 - 22:45 Presenter: RobotjellyfishDescription: An evening of spooky tales. Come along to listen to some spine tingling stories, if you dare
Karaoke
Friday 21:00 - 00:00, Saturday 21:00 - 00:30, Sunday 21:30 - 00:00 Presenter: Karaoke TeamDescription: Running across all 3 evenings, join our karaoke hosts calaldees and Shish for karaoke featuring songs from anime, videogames, movies and more. Use the KareKare webapp to reserve your song in the queue, then rock out with your friends!
King's Dices Charity Bingo 2: We Will Explain The Rules!
Friday 16:00 - 17:00 Presenter: King DiceDescription: Are you ready to win prizes and give a little donation to charity at the same time? Welcome to the return of King Dice's Charity Bingo, along with co-hosts Aloe and Ktan, this year has one important difference....we will actually explain the rules of bingo this year! Other than that, get your dabbers out, win some prizes from the Table Of Tat (actually decent prizes I swear) and see who I snag to go to Las Vegas next year for winning too much...
Knot what you expected? A furry porn panel
Sunday 22:15 - 23:15 Presenter: RubiconDescription: Rubicon and Jack Shuck put the Hen in Hentai in this fun Furry twist on the traditional late night questionable content panel.
Kristylae's Video Game Quiz 2: Kingdoms
Friday 17:45 - 19:15 Presenter: KristylaeDescription: Back and hopefully better than ever. Come test your knowledge of the digital games we all know and love. From the modern greats to retro classics, there'll be questions for all. So come and have fun with friends, and compete for fun and delicious prizes.
Leather and Lace Party
Saturday 00:00 - 01:00 Presenter: Team TrashPanda (Oni-91 & Lady Oni)Description: Oh no, it's kinky. Let the TrashPandas enthrall you with a mix of provocative pop and disaster dance bops.
Leather Care for Cosplayers
Friday 20:45 - 21:45 Presenter: AthenaDescription: Do you have a cosplay with a bunch of leather? or even a little bit?
Do you own shoes!? Would you like to make them look better and last longer? Come learn the art of looking after your leather.
Let's Make Onigiri!
Sunday 10:00 - 11:00 Presenter: melikkumaDescription: Workshop to learn how to make onigiri, with hands-on practice - plus, shape your own onigiri to take home!
Life Drawing After Dark
Friday 22:00 - 23:30 Presenter: HotaruConDescription: Life Drawing with a tasteful twist
Making an OC: Art Edition
Sunday 17:45 - 18:45 Presenter: HoneyPandaBunnyDescription: Want to make an OC through art? Some tips and tricks on how to get from concept to final piece!
Manga Library Recommendations
Friday 14:45 - 15:45 Presenter: Sun KittenDescription: Come and find out what's recommended and available in the manga library!
Masquerade
Saturday 17:00 - 18:00 Presenter: HotaruConDescription: A convention staple, it’s the MASQUERADE! Cosplayers take to the stage showing off their costumes; all levels and styles are welcomed and enjoyed! Come show your support, grab awesome photo opportunities and see some amazing characters brought to life.
Masquerade Green Room
Saturday 16:30 - 18:30 Presenter: HotaruConDescription: Mandatory for all masqueraders! Join us in the Masquerade Green Room where you can securely store your bags while enjoying complimentary water and snacks. This is the perfect opportunity to relax, socialize with fellow participants, and prepare for your moment in the spotlight before the main event!
Masquerade Rehearsal/Firefly Tech Check
Saturday 10:00 - 11:00 Presenter: HotaruConDescription: Mandatory rehearsals for both the Masquerade and the Firefly Lounge. This will run through from the Masquerade and into the Firefly Lounge so if you are only participating in one or the other you do not need to remain for the entire rehearsal. Please arrive for the briefing and health & safety talk at the start, and after this you’ll be given a timing scale for how each rehearsal section will run.
Name That Tune
Friday 13:00 - 14:30 Presenter: RobotjellyfishDescription: Back again with more songs to question if you really watch anime
Never Mind The Blurred-Cocks
Saturday 23:00 - 00:30 Presenter: KyrieDescription: After Hentai Got News For You, it was just a matter of time before Kyrie decided to subject you all to more smut and legally-distinct panel comedy.
Not For Broadcast 101
Friday 14:45 - 15:45 Presenter: Shadow of ShinraDescription: Come and learn about a wonderful British-made game where a humble cleaner is unexpectedly thrust into the role of news editor on the very day a new political party secures a landslide election victory. From a record-breaking amount of FMV footage to the 14 possible epilogues and everything in-between, allow me to share why Not For Broadcast and its DLCs have come to mean so much to me.
NU: Carnival 101
Sunday 21:00 - 22:00 Presenter: Vik & WrenDescription: A fun intro to this 18+ Boys Love mobile gacha game. Meet the characters, guess the real dialogue, and enjoy the bizarre storylines... Welcome to Klein Continent! <3 [Warnings: Explicit scenarios mentioned but images censored. Contains Mild Spoilers!]
On your Marks, Get Set, Cosplay!
Saturday 12:30 - 13:30 Presenter: HotaruConDescription: Words pulled from a hat create your prompt...random items (some may call it junk) are your materials. From there you have a time limit to use the items provided and your own imagination, and a member of your team as a model to create your cosplay. The loudest cheer at the closing ceremony wins!
On your Marks, Get Set, Draw!
Sunday 10:00 - 11:00 Presenter: HotaruConDescription: A list of words...random words...pulled from a hat to create your prompt, from there you have a time limit to draw your own creation using these prompt words and the HotaruCon mascots to inspire your creation. Paper and pencils will be available but feel free to bring your own materials. The loudest cheer at the Closing Ceremony wins!
One Night At HotaruCon
Friday 20:00 - 22:00 Presenter: Cerise_QueenDescription: Its a beautiful night at Leonardo Hotel at HotaruCon and everyone is in their amazing cosplays, vibing and possibly getting drunk. However there's a murderer on the loose. Can the attendees at HotaruCon unite to find the killer before they get all of us?
Opening Ceremony
Friday 17:30 - 18:30 Presenter: HotaruConDescription: The official opening of HotaruCon. Come meet the committee and hear about some of the amazing things we have planned for the weekend along with important announcements you won’t want to miss.
Origami Crafting
Friday 22:15 - 23:15 Presenter: RobotjellyfishDescription: Learn to fold your way to some cute paper crafts
Penlights & Pashas: Oshikatsu Explained ☆
Sunday 17:30 - 18:30 Presenter: meccha_minaDescription: How do you support your favourite fictional idol? Enter oshikatsu (推し活) a Japanese phenomenon that’s making its way worldwide, learn more about itabags, flower stands and doing the most for your best girl or boy ♪
Pro Skater Boogaloo
Saturday 21:00 - 22:00 Presenter: SixyDescription: Dig out your Vans and pick 'em up to the heavy heavy monster sound! Feel the infectious joy of a fast beat and a slide trombone and let those feet skank away to an hour of ska punk. Air saxophones heartily encouraged!
Q&A Session
Saturday 15:30 - 16:30 Presenter: HotaruConDescription: Details to follow!
Quizney’s Animal Kingdom
Saturday 16:30 - 18:00 Presenter: Queers For FearsDescription: In this instalment of the Quizneyland scuffed Disney Quiz, we’ll be focussing on the creatures and critters that sell a lot of merch …I mean make Disney films endearing. Expect picture rounds, music, trivia and more, with wonderful prizes in store for the winners and losers! Come on down and show you’re the biggest Disney adult at the con! Or don’t, I’m not your mum.
Radio Taisou: Japanese Radio Calisthenics
Saturday 10:30 - 11:00 Presenter: melikkumaDescription: Learn about classic Japanese calisthenics and join us for low-impact cheerful morning exercises, seated or standing! A great way to get energised for the weekend
Ready Player One Video Game Party
Friday 23:00 - 00:00 Presenter: Cerise_Queen, vannaDescription: Join Us for a night of video game music! From differents eras, consoles and even genres. We'll be playing everything that takes you back to the first time you became Player One
Rizin To the Occasion: A potted history of Japanese MMA
Sunday 12:30 - 13:30 Presenter: AthenaDescription: A potted history of Mixed martial arts in Japan, and how they influenced the international scene.
Roll Initiative - It's Time to Level Up Your Cosplay
Saturday 12:30 - 13:30 Presenter: CelerymoondesignsDescription: Are you interested in getting into cosplay but feel like you're level one? Don't know your cosplaybounds from your closet cosplays and need a +10 to your wisdom stats? Or maybe you just need a guide to min-max your con crunch? Here's a panel on quick, simple, and easy ways to level up your bought and thrifted cosplays without rolling disadvantage.
Sheet Music and How to Find it
Friday 16:00 - 17:00 Presenter: EmDescription: Where you can buy or find sheet music from anime and games? Come along a find out useful for all types of instruments
Shoe Making from Scratch
Sunday 10:00 - 11:00 Presenter: Canines_N_Cosplay (CC)Description: Grasp the basics of making your cosplay shoes from scratch. From lasts to material sources
SHUNKASHUTO: DJ JIMROD X DJ GAZU CON-NALE!
Sunday 22:00 - 01:00 Presenter: Jimrod & GazDescription: End your Hotarucon the right way with a variety of music and Cheesy classics
Smash 2 Electric Boogaloo
Saturday 19:30 - 21:30 Presenter: CaptainM00gsDescription: Smash or Pass is back with even more cursed recommendations, so get ready to judge each other hardcore
So Your TTRPG Needs A Villain
Saturday 12:30 - 13:30 Presenter: KyrieDescription: You've picked your game, plotted your world, but how do you build a foe worthy of your players? Professional villain Kyrie is here to help.
Something Old, Something New, Something Fandom, Something You
Sunday 15:00 - 16:00 Presenter: Nat - Cosplay ChoreoDescription: Join me in exploring fun and meaningful celebrations of love and self identity! Do you love weddings or are in the midst of planning your own? Perhaps you hate weddings and wish they could be more interesting. I’ll share my experience with weddings full of fun, personal and nerdy touches. We’ll also explore how self, identity, and friendships can be celebrated through the use of ceremony and writing.
Sword Art Online: Anime’s Unending Civil War
Sunday 16:15 - 17:15 Presenter: Muri SenseiDescription: SAO is one of the most divisive pieces of media in recent history. Its critics loathe it fiercely, while its fans adore it with equal passion. How did a series subject to such bile and vitriol become one of the most watched anime ever made? Join Muri Sensei as he takes a deep dive into the world of SAO, and learn why this franchise might be more terrifying than we could ever have believed…
The Astrology of Sailor Moon
Friday 13:30 - 14:30 Presenter: Aloe BobcatDescription: Dive into the cosmic wonder your favourite sailor scouts and discover their mythical connections to the planets!
The best time to start watching WWE was at Wrestlemania 39, but the second-best time is now.
Sunday 11:15 - 12:15 Presenter: SagaOfCosplayDescription: Join me as I explain how I went from someone with zero interest in wrestling, to someone who cried at 2AM due to the Mysterio's fighting one another in a single night. I'm here to tell you about the WWE Lore and catch you up on everything you need to know to watch the next live event without having to frantically google why these guys hate each other so much when blood starts hitting the ring floor.
The Depths of Visual Novel Insanity - Ghostly Chain Letter
Friday 20:45 - 22:15 Presenter: NertDescription: Let Nert take you through the journey of The Letter, what looked like a 3-hour cliche horror b-movie effort turned into months of rollercoaster emotions, ending ordering the collectors edition through my tears!
The Idol Quiz!
Friday 16:00 - 17:30 Presenter: Cerise_QueenDescription: Fans of Idol songs,anime and even vocaloid, join us as we'll be hosting this quiz to test your knowledge on what you know about idol songs and vocaloid! We might be evil and even throw in some evil surprises >:3
The Indigenous People of Japan - The Ainu
Sunday 11:15 - 12:15 Presenter: DJChayDescription: The Ainu are one of Japan's forgotten minorities, despite having existed as an independent society for centuries. Join this panel and be introduced to the history of the Ainu and the process of Japanese colonisation that continues to effect the Ainu in modern day Japan.
The Three Minutes Presentation Challenge
Saturday 15:00 - 17:00 Presenter: The RaggedymanDescription: Standby for another information rush; we have fresh batch of mini lectures from enthusiastic luminaries in an eclectic mix of fields, all trying to give you the most infomazing and presenterly experience, ideally inside of three minutes. And you get the most important job of all: listening carefully, asking three questions, and then voting on whomever shall receive a CUPCAKE OF GLORY!!!
The Unofficial HotaruCon 4 Pub Quiz
Saturday 13:45 - 15:15 Presenter: Queers For FearsDescription: It’s back; a pub quiz, but on nerd stuff. Expect picture rounds, trivia, music and more! Come on down, win fabulous prizes, and prove you’re the biggest weeb(s) at the con. Or don’t, I’m not your mum.
The Villains Lair
Sunday 17:15 - 18:45 Presenter: King DiceDescription: Hello. Welcome to the Villains Lair. A chill panel where hellfire will warm you up, and wildebeest stampedes won't occur every 5 seconds. The calm tones of con dad Chris will regal more stories for those who missed the 20 Years panel, and even if you did go there, enjoy as he also performs some villain songs for your enjoyment - you may also join in if you wish for prizes and villainous glee, bonus points for villain cosplays as you sit back, relax and not sell your souls to a sea witch whilst relaxing....
The Wide World of Game Shows: The Good, The Bad, and The Weird
Friday 13:30 - 14:30 Presenter: Team TrashPanda (Oni-91 & Lady Oni)Description: Who doesn't love a good game show, eh? Turns out there's a lot more of them out there in the big bad world than you may have thought, so join us for a whistlestop tour of the highs, the lows and the creamy middles of the weirdest of what this silly, silly genre has to offer. Who knows, we might even play some for real, for some fabulous* prizes.
* Fabulous within a budget of £1.50, naturally. We're not MADE of bleedin' money.
The Wonderful World of Sake
Sunday 19:00 - 20:00 Presenter: TheKillingDollDescription: A history and background of sake
Tier List - Mecha Edition
Saturday 17:15 - 18:15 Presenter: NovaDescription: All mecha are cool, but which ones are すごい (sugoi - amazing), and which ones are くだらない (kudaranai - not so amazing)?
Transformers: Smash or Pass
Sunday 20:15 - 21:15 Presenter: Queers For FearsDescription: Would you make sweet love to a Transformer? Voice your opinion and let’s decide which G1 Transformers the con would like to get to know intimately!
Treasure of the Seasons
Saturday 10:00 - 11:00 Presenter: CCDescription: Come join me in making seasons themed bracelets. Learn how to use eyepins and clasps with jewellery making tools, through a PowerPoint presentation and demonstration. Then unleash your creativity and create your own masterpiece.
TRUEN086 : Lofi Beats to Fail Socially To
Friday 21:00 - 22:00 Presenter: Offshore.Mic, Masochist MichaelDescription: Prepare to be simultaneously confused and obsessed as your eardrums get pounded by beats so slippery you’ll lose your shoes.
Come for the vibe. Stay for the experience. ~ ChatGPT 2025
Back once again with a musical mixed bag, TRUEN086 presents another genre-hopping DJ set!
Turnabout for Teyvat 3
Friday 19:30 - 20:30 Presenter: Amanita Ivy, BexiBeansDescription: Turnabout for Teyvat is back! Who will be tried and what will the verdict be? Come along and be part of the Jury to help the Panel to sentence the convicted!!
Unravelling the Zero Escape Timeline
Sunday 16:30 - 17:30 Presenter: GreyforeDescription: While only consisting of three games, the Zero Escape Series has a timeline akin to a bag of loose string. Come join Greyfore as he attempts to pick at the knots of confusion and leave you with either more questions or all the answers.
Now, it is time. Let our game begin. I wish you all the best of luck.
Wait, What??
Saturday 12:30 - 13:30 Presenter: EmDescription: Wait, What??? General knowledge quiz about anime. With rounds including badly drawn characters and vaguely described plots to name a few! Just how is this quiz back for a 3rd time? Come along and find out!
Warhammer End Times, an Ending Worse than Game of Thrones
Sunday 19:00 - 20:00 Presenter: KristylaeDescription: Not all franchises can end satisfyingly, or have an ending that's just okay. Some crash and burn at the final hurdle. And Warhammer Fantasy fans know this very well. Join Kristy as she talks about one of the most hated events in Warhammer history. What went wrong, what went right, what has happened since, and just why it even happened.
Warrior Cats AMV Party
Saturday 22:00 - 23:00 Presenter: Rubicon Art, Jack ShuckDescription: A celebration of the early YouTube AMVs, this set is full of the pop-punk, alternative, rock, and emo classics of the late 2000s. Relive the era of MS Paint and Movie Maker with some of the bangers of the AMV scene!
Weebs and Crafts: Take 2
Sunday 14:45 - 16:15 Presenter: Frog Hat ManDescription: Fancy doing some crafts, but make it nostalgic... Time to bring out the egg boxes, beads and pipe cleaners for some good ol' kids crafts. Stickers and juice will be supplied for attendance, so I hope you stop by!
What is Super Robot Wars?
Saturday 11:15 - 12:15 Presenter: DanjDescription: Do you like giant robot anime? Do you like turn-based tactical role playing games? Have I got a (new and improved) panel for you! Come along to learn about the Super Robot Wars video game franchise, why it's never been more accessible, and to watch a live gameplay demonstration of the latest game in the franchise – new for 2025 - Super Robot Wars Y!
What The Fuck is a Gundam
Friday 14:45 - 15:45 Presenter: AldermaineDescription: A not-very-serious, vibes-based talk about what the Gundam series is all about, and why The Robots™ are secretly not actually that important.