Hillside Matsuri | Anime Fandom Takes Over Hillside Centre!

— Event Photography

Regular patrons of Hillside Centre might have been a tad perplexed by the sudden takeover of brightly coloured and elaborately costumed teens and young adults this past Saturday, September 26, when Hillside Matsuri, an anime and cosplay festival, kicked off its inaugural event!

Three cosplayers pose in a decorative anime-themed photo frame at a comic convention.

Link and Zelda Cosplayers

Hosted by Hillside Centre and sponsored by BC Hobbies, the one-day manga, anime and pop-culture convention brought out hundreds of fandom enthusiasts and talented cosplayers to take in the vendors, performances and the highly anticipated cosplay contest!

Three cosplayers pose near a food court, featuring armored Halo and Star Wars X-Wing pilot costumes at a convention.

Cosplay Contest Winners

Person cosplaying as an Asian fantasy character with black wig, silver crown, red bindi, and teal hanfu costume reaching toward camera.

Shi Qingxuan Cosplayer

Person cosplaying with pink wig and headphones, making peace sign, wearing detailed costume at convention.

Megurine Luka Cosplayer

Person cosplaying with white wig and sword prop outside Hobbies store established 1952.

Dante Cosplayer

I had a blast checking out all the vendors, watching the cosplay contest, and photographing many talented cosplayers at the photo pop-up park!

Check out my gallery for more photos of the event!