Board game enthusiasts, roleplaying fans and tabletop gamers from across the region will gather this summer as Norwich Games Con returns for its biggest event yet. Taking place on Saturday 22 August 2026 at the Norfolk Showground, the popular convention promises a full day dedicated to gaming, creativity and community.
Now in its fourth year, Norwich Games Con has grown into one of the East of England’s leading tabletop gaming events. What began as a small gathering of friends sharing their favourite board games and roleplaying adventures has evolved into a major convention attracting exhibitors, publishers, independent creators and gaming enthusiasts from across the UK.
The story behind the convention is one many hobbyists will recognise. Around a decade ago, the organisers began hosting informal gaming weekends for friends and family, filling tables with board games and roleplaying sessions across several days. Each year the event became larger as more people wanted to join in, proving there was a real appetite for a dedicated tabletop gaming convention in Norwich.
Although the pandemic forced those gatherings online for a period, the passion for bringing people together never disappeared. Once face to face events returned, the organisers set about creating something much bigger, transforming their long running gaming weekends into the Norwich Games Con visitors know today.
This year’s convention marks another significant step forward, moving to its largest venue yet at the Norfolk Showground. With more space than ever before, visitors can expect an expanded programme of activities designed to appeal to experienced gamers, curious beginners and families looking for a fun day out.
One of the biggest attractions will be the impressive exhibition hall, where more than 80 exhibitors will showcase the latest board games, roleplaying systems, accessories, miniatures, artwork and gaming merchandise. Across approximately 150 stands, visitors will have the opportunity to discover new releases, meet independent designers and browse products from both established publishers and smaller creators.
For many attendees, however, the heart of Norwich Games Con is the free play area. Packed with an extensive board game library, the space allows visitors to sit down with friends or make new ones while trying a huge variety of games throughout the day. Whether you enjoy strategic eurogames, cooperative adventures, family favourites or fast paced party games, there will be something to suit every level of experience.
Roleplaying games remain another major part of the convention. Dedicated RPG sessions will run throughout the day, giving players the chance to embark on adventures guided by experienced game masters. Whether you are a seasoned player or completely new to tabletop roleplaying, these sessions provide an excellent introduction to collaborative storytelling and imaginative gameplay.
Competitive players can also look forward to new additions for 2026, including a tournament based around the much loved board game Settlers of Catan. Alongside organised competitions, visitors will be able to enjoy live demonstrations, special gaming events and the lively Orctioneer auction, which has become a favourite feature of previous conventions.
The expanded Bring and Buy area is expected to prove popular once again. Visitors can browse pre owned board games, miniatures, accessories and hobby items, offering the opportunity to discover hidden gems while giving older games a new home.
Beyond the games themselves, Norwich Games Con celebrates the welcoming and inclusive nature of the tabletop gaming community. It is a place where families can introduce children to their first strategy game, friends can spend hours around a gaming table and experienced hobbyists can share their passion with newcomers. The convention encourages conversation, creativity and connection, making it about far more than simply winning or losing.
Events such as Norwich Games Con also highlight the growing popularity of tabletop gaming across the UK. While digital entertainment continues to dominate many people’s leisure time, board games and roleplaying games have experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years. Modern games offer rich storytelling, clever strategy and memorable social experiences that continue to attract players of all ages.
For Norfolk, the convention is another welcome addition to the county’s growing calendar of community events. Bringing together visitors from across the region, it shines a spotlight on local creativity while supporting independent businesses, designers and retailers within the gaming industry.
Whether you are looking to discover your next favourite board game, explore imaginative roleplaying adventures, compete in a tournament or simply enjoy a day surrounded by fellow enthusiasts, Norwich Games Con 2026 promises an exciting celebration of tabletop gaming.
With its biggest venue, largest exhibitor line up and an ever growing community behind it, this year’s event looks set to be the convention’s most successful yet. For anyone with a love of games, imagination and friendly competition, it is an event well worth adding to the diary this August.
Location: Dereham Road in New Costessey, Norwich, Nr5 0TT
Website: https://www.ticketfairy.com/event/norwichgamescon26