Weapon Policy
We appreciate that for some costumes or characters it can be an essential accessory to carry a weapon. We do have some common sense rules and regulations that we would like you to read before bringing a weapon to the event.
REPLICA WEAPONS MAY BE CHECKED PRIOR TO ENTERING THE EVENT - security will be in place for this purpose at the entrance and will request to check any weapon they see.
Travelling to and from the Event
When travelling to and from the venue ensure any weapons are safely stored, whilst you might be having fun dressed up as a Klingon on the DLR, fellow passengers on the train service may not appreciate your costume choice or accessories - be sensible, don't scare non-event passengers.
The following will need to be shown to security.
Any metallic weapon that may be sharpened to an edge including decorative swords of any style or decorative knives of any style (only permitable for signing purposes, not as part of a costume) - we also ask that any costumes that feature metal be displayed safely so as not to harm anyone if you find yourself in a crowded situation.
The general rule is be sensible, this event could at times potentially be crowded in certain areas, will feature all age groups and any weapon that could cause an incident will need to be checked by security - this can even include weapons that fire disks, foam or even water or silly spray - please just engage common sense, people may not see the 'funny' side if they get hit without warning.
Replica weapons that are clearly home-made and using considered safe 'craft' materials such as wood, fibreglass or plastic, providing they are safe (no sharp edges) and pose no danger are acceptable.
Weapon Checks onsite
Destination Star Trek London recognises that for some attendees the purpose of bringing a weapon to the show could be for signing only, but could be considered 'dangerous' due to cut, weight, size or accuracy as a weapon.
In these cases there is the opportunity to have your weapon checked first and approved by security. Firstly make sure your weapon can be safely stored away in a case or box until required as you walk around the event. When you do reach the signing table we will ask that you hand the weapon over safely to a member of staff or security just prior to getting the weapon signed to enable the guest to receive the weapon in an appropriate manner - it's not a good way to meet a guest if you produce a weapon directly in front of them. Once signed please let the member of staff remove the weapon from the signing desk and hand it back to you as you leave the queue - we would request that as soon as you have the signatures you require that the weapon is either put back into safe storage or returned to your hotel room if it is nearby.
We do ask that ALL weapons for costume or signing purposes are checked first before you enter the event, this enables staff to mark it as safe, or if you are unsure you can get final confirmation.
Photo Shoots
ALL weapons must be checked by a member of staff before they can be allowed in photo shoot areas, this policy exists to ensure there are no delays and these sessions remain safe for guests and attendees.
Alternatively, weapons can be safely left with bags just outside the photo shoot area to be collected when you have had your photo taken and leave the area.
Play Fighting/battles
Getting into the spirit of the costumes is all part and parcel of the event, but we do request that you keep mock fighting to a minimum. We are expecting high numbers and any disturbances that affect the flow of people around the event or is seen to be 'over enthusiastic' could result in all parties being temporarily ejected from the venue or moved on - please comply with any requests a member of staff or security make at these times as they are simply doing so in the best interest of the running of the event, not to spoil your fun. It's a common theme in these regulations but please be sensible and pick your 'fights' sensibly, or preferably not at all.
Weapons that do not pass the security check
If any items are confiscated these items will be safely locked away with clear identification of the owner to be collected at the end of the day, or when you are leaving the event to return home/to your hotel.
