Interestingly enough, although I've never seen cosplay anywhere in real life before, though I've seen photos, I'll actually be doing it myself in a few weeks time. Here in Leeds there's a tradition - the most challenging pub crawl in the world (sorry Australia, even you guys don't have anything as bad as this). About three miles and twenty pubs and bars, including two on my own university campus, and then traditionally followed by a night of clubbing in the great nightlife of Leeds. It's known as the Otley Run and most people start it at around three in the afternoon, finishing at about eleven at night. So named for the road it stretches along, the Otley Road from Headingley into the main city centre.
Anyway, a friend's 19th birthday is coming up in mid-June so I'm staying in Leeds for a while after the exams are over to celebrate, and loads of people from back home are coming up north to join the fun. Usually fancy dress, the theme for us this time is Pokemon. That's right, a ton of drunk Brummies and Leeds students will be rampaging around in Pokemon outfits. That's about as close as I'll ever get to actual cosplay, since acting doesn't count.
By the way, anyone know a good way of dresing up as Tangela? Preferably a costume that won't fall apart when I get wasted...