The Filmotomy Team visited this year’s AnimeCon UK 2025. The three-day event which ran from 13th to 15th June 2025 was held at the NEC Birmingham. Here’s an exciting run-through of all the highlights from this year’s show.
Cosplay & Artist Alley
AnimeCon is of course known for its cosplay. Dedicated Anime fans flock to AnimeCon cosplaying as their favourite character to showcase their love for the fandom. But it’s not just limited to characters from Anime fandoms.
Mattel’s Monster High Draculaura has a pretty awesome cosplay by FawningCos. Monster High dolls such as, Twyla and Abbey Bominable were also sold via Scotland’s A1 Toys stand. Sadly the store which used to be the go-to for all toys and horror merch is now closing down. The company’s mystery bags included specific items targeted towards franchises such as My Little Pony, WWE, Horror, and more.
Then the Artist Alley featured small businesses selling everything from plushies, hats, and t-shirts to handmade paintings, keyrings, and crochet items among other fan made merchandise.
SMART DOLL
A selection of the latest releases for SMART DOLL by Danny choo were also on display. Designed in Japan back in 2014, they are now a staple name among doll collectors. The dolls are referred to as ‘characters’ and they can be customised through purchasing additional wigs, clothing, and accessories.
It was my first time seeing the SMART DOLL collection in the flesh. However, I always wanted one of their infamous dolls growing up and Fortitude is one of the most stunning dolls in their collection. Designer, Mikela Frost was super nice and knowledgeable all about the dolls. Mikela designs doll clothes on her Etsy, MikelaFrostDesigns made exclusively for the SMART DOLL range.
dearALICE RPD (Random Play Dance)
British boy band, dearALICE were one of the most anticipated guests at this year’s AnimeCon. You can read all about them on Filmotomy here. The group made a special appearance on the Saturday and Sunday for an RPD (Random Play Dance), a Meet & Greet, and a Silent Disco (Sunday only).
Blaise Poses with a Fanmade Flag
The groups dedicated fanbase, named the ACEZ cheered them on throughout the RPD which featured tracks across J-Pop and dearALICE discography including their debut single, Ariana, and their latest track, Sweet.
dearALICE New Merch And Meet & Greet
Newly-released dearALICE merch was also on sale including a new hoodie design available in two colours, and an Ariana slogan shirt. Along with two previously released items – a shirt and tote bag to promote their second single release, Sweet.
dearALICE plan to release their new EP titled, “bitterSWEETsummer” on 27th June 2025. Tracks featured span from an Ariana mix and remix, as well as, Sweet along with five new and previously unreleased tracks, including Save Us, Drums, Roses, and Butterflies. The CD is available to pre-save on Spotify and for pre-order now at this link (along with a free signed photocard whilst stock lasts). dearALICE’s third single, ‘Save Us‘ is out midnight tonight.
The Meet & Greet with all five members – James, Dexter, Olly, Reese, and Blaise featured a photo with the group, and a signed AnimeCon poster designed with Anime versions of the members. As expected the super-nice boyband brought all the right “vibes” with them and carried out yet another successful meet & greet experience for their ACEZ fandom.
The British boy band are next set to perform at SMTown London, held at the 02 Arena on the 28th June 2025. The night will see them perform alongside a long line-up of other popular SM Entertainment artists such as, aespa, NCT 127, Red Velvet, and many more.
Other Features & Events at AnimeCon 2025:
Workshops, such as, tips to crafting your own cosplay outfits, talks and panels from experts, and special guest signings from Anime voice actors including Neil Kaplan, Sarah Natchochenny, and Michael Yurchak among others. Highlighted performances included from dance group, Birmingham Kpop Choom, and a medley by popular music duo, Dariasirene.
Watch All The Must-See Highlights From AnimeCon 2025 Here:
Next year’s AnimeCon will be held in Manchester across three days from 28th February to 1st March 2026.
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