Cosplay is a contraction of the words costume play, a performance art in which participants wear costumes and fashion accessories to represent a specific character.

In its eighth year, the cosplay event was hosted by the library as part of Youth Week, with fans of all ages attending – many dressed as their favourite anime character.

Virginia Cox, the children’s and young adult librarian at the Port Macquarie library, said it is always a popular event.

“Each year it seems to grow in enthusiasm. We had Matt Lin, who is an anime artist, in attendance,” she said. 

“A lot of people enjoy expressing themselves by drawing pictures. Anyone was invited to bring in some artworks, so Matt was a catalyst for seeing their works and encouraging them in drawing that style of arts.

“He also did a demonstration, and was able to connect with like minded people.”

There were roughly 90 people who attended and 23 cosplayers.

“It’s another way of expressing your own individuality. I’m so pleased with how accepting of an event it is,” Virginia said. 

“Some people come in a full costume, and spend a lot of time and thought go into it. Part of it is really being able to express your own individuality and share that enthusiasm with others.”

For a full line up of Youth Week activities, visit http://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/National-Youth-Week-2017