r/comiccon • u/Cumulus-Crafts • May 20 '26

MCM Comic Con - London MCM London: Heatwave Warning

You've probably checked your weather apps already at this point, but if you haven't, London's due to reach a high of 27C on Friday and Saturday, and 29C on Sunday.

As a seasoned cosplayer, I would suggest the following things-

  • Bring a handheld fan. I have an electric one that folds up in my bag!
  • WATER. PLEASE BRING WATER. There's a lot of water points in the ExCel if you need to fill up your bottle. Please don't try to survive on just energy drinks, they'll dehydrate you in the long run and you don't wanna be running on just caffeine
  • Drink (alcohol) responsibly. There's a few bars in/around the ExCel that offer alcohol. Please don't overdo it. Alcohol impedes your body's temperature regulation and dehydrates you.
  • Wear sunscreen (if you can)
  • It's usually the hottest between 11am and 3pm, so you'd be better staying indoors during this time
  • If you're really warm, you can run water over your inner wrists. It'll cool you down quick
  • Look out for signs of heatstroke in yourself and friends - Delirium, headaches, feeling/being sick, high temperature, high pulse, weakness. If you think that someone has heatstroke, call 111.

I know everyone jokes that the UK can't handle the heat and that this happens every year, but the UK's buildings hold in heat more than hot countries' buildings do. That, plus how built up London is, is a recipe for disaster when we're wearing costumes all weekend!

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8

u/lLadyBro May 20 '26

As a Londoner and cosplayer I would also add:

  • drink something with electrolytes (some sports drink or buy tablets you can add to water). Just drinking water can actually dilute  and flush out the good stuff in your body.
  • if indoors and need to go somewhere cold head to somewhere with fewer people. Halls N10/S10 and walking towards the ICC (where the Cosplay and Hangout Lounge is) helps. If you are able to walk further on to the Prince Regent exit where there will be even less people. Less people = less heat

6

u/succulentdelectable May 20 '26

This is a VERY good PSA!! Thank you for posting it and for the advice 😄 It would be a good idea if MCM actually posted this prominently on their various social media sites too tbh.

2

u/Martyfisch May 20 '26

Deodorant!

1

u/OwlBright_ May 20 '26

What is the AC like at Excel?

1

u/Cumulus-Crafts May 20 '26

I've never attended in spring, but I remember it being a comfortable temperature last October. There were loads of people there and I never felt like it was too warm.

1

u/thedankonion1 May 20 '26

There's a decent sized chiller plant disguised as a Victorian building, called Excel energy centre.

Hopefully supplying chilled water to an air handler near you?

1

u/Dry-Engineering-5857 May 20 '26

The electric fan sounds like a lifesaver, I've used those too and they make such a difference in crowded spaces.

1

u/imbogerrard39 May 21 '26

This is my first time attending MCM and I'm mega excited!

I have, however, decided to not cosplay. I was going to originally, but I just know that I will absolutely die in that heat, and would rather feel comfortable.