SWAN Settlers Market in Herne Hill will host the upcoming Anime in the Valley weekend event, serving as a gathering for fans of Japanese animation, manga, and pop culture.

The two-day event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12 with operating hours running from 10am to 4pm.

The free-entry event will accommodate an audience of fans, from long-term enthusiasts and hobbyists to casual observers and local families looking for weekend entertainment.

Throughout the venue, attendees will find a diverse marketplace featuring specialised vendors, independent artists, and local collectors selling an array of retail items.

Prospective buyers will be able to purchase an assortment of merchandise on display, including anime collectables, imported Japanese goods, handmade crafts, artistic prints, and various fandom apparel.

Sunday’s itinerary features live musical performances from local artists, who will perform covers of popular songs from well-known anime series.

Sunday will also host the official cosplay competition, with cosplayers invited to dress up and compete in a public showcase of fabricated or assembled costumes.

Registration for the competition is free and available on the day, with the official judging and stage presentations scheduled to commence at 2pm.

Entrants will compete for three distinct official titles, including the best in showdown award, the runner-up placement, and the special judges choice award.

The costume competition is open to participants of all experience levels, welcoming both veteran costume makers and first-time entrants.

Attendees are encouraged to dress as their favourite anime character, though wearing a costume is entirely optional.

To attend, visitors are encouraged to visit Swan Settlers Markets located at 124 Lennard Street, Herne Hill.