Celtic Stag Steampunk Costume Challenge
Show Off Your Steampunk Flair at Steamfest 2025!
ENTRIES & REGISTRATION OPEN UNTIL 4th April.
Do you have a passion for all things steampunk? Whether you’re a seasoned cosplayer or just love dressing up, the Celtic Stag Steampunk Costume Challenge is your chance to shine! Winners will receive fantastic prizes, bragging rights, and the admiration of the Steamfest crowd! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting event!
Submit your registration by 4th April, and get ready to strut your steampunk at Steamfest on Sunday 13th April @ 10:30am! Our Best Dressed Steampunk Pet competition, however, will be entirely online.
Select a challenge category below to see the judging criteria or click here to register or submit an entry.
Most Creative Adult
Impress with originality, craftsmanship, and creativity.
Best Kids Costume (0-13 years)
A fun and exciting way for young steampunk adventurers to showcase their style.
Best Dressed Steampunk Pet
An online, public-vote competition where your pet could be crowned the ultimate steampunk companion!
Most Creative Adult
How the Judging Works
Our expert panel will score each contestant based on the below criteria, ensuring a fair and comprehensive evaluation. The highest-scoring costume will be crowned Most Creative Adult in the Celtic Stag Steampunk Costume Challenge!
Ready to showcase your creativity? Register now and bring your steampunk vision to life!
Judging Criteria
Think you have the most creative steampunk look with a Celtic twist? Our judges will assess each costume based on the following key criteria:
1. Originality (30pts)
Uniqueness of Concept – How innovative and distinctive is the costume? Does it stand out from typical steampunk interpretations?
Incorporation of Celtic Stag Theme – How creatively does the costume blend the Celtic Stag motif with steampunk aesthetics? Unique and unexpected elements will be rewarded (e.g. motifs like Celtic Knots or Runic Scripts, natural materials like antler, leather or wood).
2. Craftsmanship (25pts)
Quality of Construction – Attention to detail matters! Judges will assess how well the costume is made, including material choice and execution.
Fine Detailing – Hand-made accessories, intricate patterns, and functional elements (like moving parts or lights) can elevate your costume.
3. Creativity in Materials (20pts)
Innovative Use of Materials – Using unconventional or recycled materials in a creative way will earn you extra points!
Sustainability – Bonus recognition for eco-friendly or upcycled elements that enhance your design.
4. Artistic Expression (15pts)
Aesthetic Appeal – Does the costume create a visually striking impact? Judges will look for artistic expression and imagination.
Use of Color and Texture – Thoughtful selection of colors, fabrics, and patterns can bring your design to life.
5. Presentation (10pts)
Confidence & Character – How well does the contestant embody their costume? Stage presence and enthusiasm can make all the difference!
Character Narrative – A compelling backstory or concept behind the costume is a great way to impress the judges.
Bonus Points (Up to 10pts)
Interactive Elements – Costumes featuring sound, movement, or lighting effects that align with the Celtic Stag and steampunk themes may receive additional points.
Innovation – Unique, boundary-pushing designs that redefine steampunk fashion will be highly regarded.
Best Kids' Costume (0 - 13 Years)
How the Judging Works
Each entry will be scored based on the below criteria, ensuring a fair and fun competition. The contestant with the highest score will win the Best Kids’ Costume award!
Encourage your little steampunk adventurer to get creative and have fun—sign up now!
Judging Criteria
Let your imagination run wild! This category celebrates the most creative and playful steampunk-inspired costumes for kids. Judges will assess entries based on the following criteria:
1. Creativity (30pts)
Original Concept – How unique and imaginative is the costume? Does it bring a fresh and fun take on steampunk?
Celtic Stag Theme Integration – How well does the costume incorporate the Celtic Stag theme into the steampunk aesthetic? Playful and inventive interpretations are encouraged! Use of symbols like Celtic Knots / Runes Symbols, Use of Materials like Bone, Stone or Wood.
2. Craftsmanship (25pts)
Quality of Construction – Judges will consider how well the costume is made, with attention to materials appropriate for a child’s comfort and safety.
Attention to Detail – Extra points for thoughtful touches like accessories, decorations, or interactive elements such as lights or moving parts.
3. Fun Factor (20pts)
Playfulness & Enjoyment – Does the costume bring a sense of fun and excitement? Is it something the child enjoys wearing?
Comfort & Movement – A great costume allows kids to move freely and feel comfortable while showing off their creativity!
4. Artistic Expression (15pts)
Visual Appeal – How eye-catching is the costume? Judges will look for artistic flair and engaging designs.
Use of Textures & Patterns – Mixing fabrics, textures, and patterns creatively will help bring the costume to life.
5. Presentation (10pts)
Confidence & Enthusiasm – How proudly does the child present their costume? Judges love to see contestants having fun!
Character Portrayal – Does the costume tell a story? Bonus points for kids who embrace a character and bring it to life.
Bonus Points (Up to 10pts)
Interactive Elements – Costumes with moving parts, sound effects, or light-up features that enhance the theme may earn extra points.
Surprise & Delight – Special recognition for costumes that introduce an unexpected or particularly clever element.
🐾 Best Dressed Steampunk Pet – Online Competition! 🐾
Does your furry (or feathered!) friend have what it takes to be crowned the Best Dressed Steampunk Pet? 🦸♂️⚙️ This is your chance to showcase their most whimsical, creative, and steampunk-inspired look in an exciting online popularity contest!
How To Enter
Submit your best photos and videos of your pet dressed in their finest steampunk attire—whether it’s tiny top hats, miniature goggles, or clockwork accessories, we want to see it all! Entries will be featured online, where the public will vote for their favourite steampunk companion.
Why Online?
As much as we’d love to see pets at Steamfest, the event’s noise and sensory overload could be overwhelming for our furry friends. So, we’re keeping it stress-free and fun with this online-only competition—allowing them to shine from the comfort of home!
🏆 Winner Takes the Title!
The pet with the most votes will claim the title of Best Dressed Steampunk Pet 2025, plus some fantastic prizes!
Get ready to gear up your pet and let the public decide who rules the steampunk pet world!
Entry Form
