Britcon 2026 - Demo & Participation Games
Do you want to run a demo game @ Britcon in 2026?
The BHGS are now taking applications from clubs and groups to stage demo and participation games at this year's event.
Fitting neatly into the East Midlands' wargaming calendar "Summer" slot (with Hammerhead and both Partizan shows in the other 3 calendar quarters), Britcon boasts an eclectic mix of historical and non-historical competition games, less competition orientated "organised play" gatherings from gaming communities and of course the Britcon Trade Show including space for a number of show-floor demos and participation games
And, uniquely all of this happens slap bang in the middle of Leicester with great connections to ever conceivable form of public transport as part of a multi-day convention right on the doorstep of all of the evening (and daytime) attractions that Leicester has to offer the discerning wargamer running a weekend demo or participation game!
We can offer demo game groups:
Britcon is a 2-day event with many "there all weekend" players, plus several hundred additional "walk-in" show-only attendees as the show becomes more firmly established as we move into our 5th year in the East Midlands. The main day of the show will again be from 10-4 on Saturday, with a part day on Sunday from 10-2
In terms of layout the demo games are integrated within the main trade show floor, which sits at the very heart of the event. Show attendees walk from the entrance straight into the middle of the show, and all of the residential gamers will also be walking past our stands and demo tables multiple times every day to get to the bars, catering spaces and even the main entrance and exits from the venue each morning and evening.
If your group is interested in applying to run a demo game, or if you have any questions or would like to understand more about taking part in Britcon 2026, please get in touch by email and we can arrange a time to discuss the possibilities.
The BHGS are now taking applications from clubs and groups to stage demo and participation games at this year's event.
Fitting neatly into the East Midlands' wargaming calendar "Summer" slot (with Hammerhead and both Partizan shows in the other 3 calendar quarters), Britcon boasts an eclectic mix of historical and non-historical competition games, less competition orientated "organised play" gatherings from gaming communities and of course the Britcon Trade Show including space for a number of show-floor demos and participation games
And, uniquely all of this happens slap bang in the middle of Leicester with great connections to ever conceivable form of public transport as part of a multi-day convention right on the doorstep of all of the evening (and daytime) attractions that Leicester has to offer the discerning wargamer running a weekend demo or participation game!
We can offer demo game groups:
- Free show entry for all demo/participation game runners
- Free onsite weekend parking for the main organisers of each game, and heavily discounted city-centre parking for other players and helpers
- Leisurely setup times, starting on from Friday lunchtime, to allow you time to create your tablescape
- Late night gaming on Friday and Saturday if your group wishes to continue progressing the action in any particularly engrossing games after the trade show closes for the evening
Britcon is a 2-day event with many "there all weekend" players, plus several hundred additional "walk-in" show-only attendees as the show becomes more firmly established as we move into our 5th year in the East Midlands. The main day of the show will again be from 10-4 on Saturday, with a part day on Sunday from 10-2
In terms of layout the demo games are integrated within the main trade show floor, which sits at the very heart of the event. Show attendees walk from the entrance straight into the middle of the show, and all of the residential gamers will also be walking past our stands and demo tables multiple times every day to get to the bars, catering spaces and even the main entrance and exits from the venue each morning and evening.
If your group is interested in applying to run a demo game, or if you have any questions or would like to understand more about taking part in Britcon 2026, please get in touch by email and we can arrange a time to discuss the possibilities.
2026 Demo Games
As well as a host of traders (including a number of first-time exhibitors anywhere on the wargames circuit) this year's Britcon also features a host of participation games as well, so you can not only splash some cash, you can also roll some dice (or flip cards.. etc etc) during your visit to Leicester's newest wargames show.
This year for your playing pleasure we have the following games on offer:
This year for your playing pleasure we have the following games on offer:
The Peasants Revolt
Martin Hughes and Steve from Steel Fist will be running a huge recreation of the battle of Konigshofen 1525 between the Swabian League and the Revolting Peasants, using the Armati ruleset.
Here are some photos of the game from previous outings:
Martin Hughes and Steve from Steel Fist will be running a huge recreation of the battle of Konigshofen 1525 between the Swabian League and the Revolting Peasants, using the Armati ruleset.
Here are some photos of the game from previous outings:
Warlord Games: Epic Scale Ancients (& other demos)
Warlord Games need no introduction - and especially so at a show hosting the flagship competition for their ever-popular Bolt Action ruleset taking place just down the road from their home town of Nottingham. The Warlord rules portfolio covers some of the most popular and well known titles in the industry, and they will be demo'ing a number of them on their stand at Britcon this year (just in case you haven't already tried them).
The highlight will of course be a large demo of their Epic Scale ancients minis under the Hail Ceasar system, but there will also be a chance to try your hand at systems such as Bolt Action, Black Seas, Konflikt 47 and others.
The highlight will of course be a large demo of their Epic Scale ancients minis under the Hail Ceasar system, but there will also be a chance to try your hand at systems such as Bolt Action, Black Seas, Konflikt 47 and others.
2025 demo games.
The South Staffs in Osterbeek - a V2 Chain of Command demo game
On the 17th September 1944 elements of the 2nd Battalion of the South Staffordshire Regiment were taken by glider to Oosterbeek, Arnhem as apart of Operation Market Garden. Further elements of the Battalion were taken to Holland by Glider on the 18th September 1944.
By the 20th Serptember 1944, troops had failed to reach Arnhem and their landing areas had been over run by elements of the 9th SS Panzer Division.
This game is a fictional encounter using the newly released V2 Chain of Command system from Two Fat Lardies which is set on the 20th September in Oosterbeek, along the Utrechsveg where elements of the South Staffordshire Battalion had fallen back to regroup with their Anti Tank and Vickers Platoons.
In this game the Germans will be entering along the Utrechsveg to the west and will seek to drive the South Staffords from the table in their push towards Arnhem. Each side is made up of 1 platoon of infantry with support from company or regimental elements.
By the 20th Serptember 1944, troops had failed to reach Arnhem and their landing areas had been over run by elements of the 9th SS Panzer Division.
This game is a fictional encounter using the newly released V2 Chain of Command system from Two Fat Lardies which is set on the 20th September in Oosterbeek, along the Utrechsveg where elements of the South Staffordshire Battalion had fallen back to regroup with their Anti Tank and Vickers Platoons.
In this game the Germans will be entering along the Utrechsveg to the west and will seek to drive the South Staffords from the table in their push towards Arnhem. Each side is made up of 1 platoon of infantry with support from company or regimental elements.
Packing Heat - Prohibition-Era What a Cowboy
Fast and Brutal Squad-on-Squad Action, as seen at Salute and Colours!
The journalist, Johnny Savage, has found the scoop of a lifetime, and one that might cut it short. He's just took some compromising photos of the local don - Nicky "the Skinner" Scorzo - and he's not happy, making a personal visit with his toughest triggermen!
Luckily, Chief Richard Clarke of the NLPD has caught wind of this and wants those snaps for the DA. Can they keep him safe and secure the evidence before it's too late?
This game uses the Packing Heat rulebook, perfect for Lardy gamers looking for small squads and big stakes!
Part of our "mini-Lard" set of games which would normally have taken place in Lard Workshop, this game has appeared at several shows, including Salute!, and will be available for anyone to play and try in the Britcon Trade Show, from Ioan Davis.
The journalist, Johnny Savage, has found the scoop of a lifetime, and one that might cut it short. He's just took some compromising photos of the local don - Nicky "the Skinner" Scorzo - and he's not happy, making a personal visit with his toughest triggermen!
Luckily, Chief Richard Clarke of the NLPD has caught wind of this and wants those snaps for the DA. Can they keep him safe and secure the evidence before it's too late?
This game uses the Packing Heat rulebook, perfect for Lardy gamers looking for small squads and big stakes!
Part of our "mini-Lard" set of games which would normally have taken place in Lard Workshop, this game has appeared at several shows, including Salute!, and will be available for anyone to play and try in the Britcon Trade Show, from Ioan Davis.
Tatakai
In Tatakai ('battle', in Japanese), you play as a warlord caught in an assassination plot.
Players take it in turns to deploy mercenaries, dispatch enemy agents, and attempt to infiltrate their rival's camp.
Can you eliminate your rival before they assassinate you?
A fast-paced, two-player game of luck, strategy and covert warfare by Tim Grayson.
Players take it in turns to deploy mercenaries, dispatch enemy agents, and attempt to infiltrate their rival's camp.
Can you eliminate your rival before they assassinate you?
A fast-paced, two-player game of luck, strategy and covert warfare by Tim Grayson.
Robot Rebels
Robot Rebels is an easy-to-learn, fast-paced, miniature-agnostic skirmish game designed to capture the dynamism of mecha battles as depicted in Japanese anime such as Mobile Suit Gundam, Evangelion, Macross, and The Vision of Escaflowne.
The game was made by a father and his daughter looking for a rule system that would let them use some Gunpla models for skirmish games. However, despite exploring many options, they couldn’t find a system that delivered the thrilling experience they wanted, finding most games overly complex, with extensive rules, countless options, or cumbersome army lists in which it might take a significant amount of time to create warbands, especially when relying on overly detailed mecha-building systems.
Frustrated by the lack of suitable options the duo decided to create their own system. Their goal was to design a game that could be quickly learned but still offered deep tactical gameplay, making it enjoyable for both newcomers and experienced players. They also wanted a system that keeps both players actively engaged throughout the game. Most importantly, they aimed to create a game that lets players use their mecha models and have fun!
You will be able to try Robot Rebels and experience the excitement of leading a squad of mecha to the victory at Britcon 2025
The game was made by a father and his daughter looking for a rule system that would let them use some Gunpla models for skirmish games. However, despite exploring many options, they couldn’t find a system that delivered the thrilling experience they wanted, finding most games overly complex, with extensive rules, countless options, or cumbersome army lists in which it might take a significant amount of time to create warbands, especially when relying on overly detailed mecha-building systems.
Frustrated by the lack of suitable options the duo decided to create their own system. Their goal was to design a game that could be quickly learned but still offered deep tactical gameplay, making it enjoyable for both newcomers and experienced players. They also wanted a system that keeps both players actively engaged throughout the game. Most importantly, they aimed to create a game that lets players use their mecha models and have fun!
You will be able to try Robot Rebels and experience the excitement of leading a squad of mecha to the victory at Britcon 2025
On Bloody Ground
WiP Games and Miniatures - On Bloody Ground - The Norman Conquest
At the turn of the 11th Century AD a combined force of Irish and Viking allies attacked the North-Western territories of Mercia.
The dispute came down to a long line of traditions from both sides over an area of holy ground destined to be the start of a new place of worship, or a place where plenty of trade could be commenced…
This is a fictional scenario using On Bloody Ground - The Norman Conquest where you can take the side of the defending Saxon forces led by the Mercian Ealdorman Eadric, or the combined invading forces led by Brian Boru!
At the turn of the 11th Century AD a combined force of Irish and Viking allies attacked the North-Western territories of Mercia.
The dispute came down to a long line of traditions from both sides over an area of holy ground destined to be the start of a new place of worship, or a place where plenty of trade could be commenced…
This is a fictional scenario using On Bloody Ground - The Norman Conquest where you can take the side of the defending Saxon forces led by the Mercian Ealdorman Eadric, or the combined invading forces led by Brian Boru!
Kings of War Armada
The Pit are now to all intents and purposes "Mantic (when at a show)" and as part of that awesome responsibility Matt and the gang will be demo’ing Mantic’s Kings of War Armada fantasy naval game at Britcon this year.
Kings of War Armada shares a lot of its' gaming DNA with Warlord Games' Black Seas, making it very easy to learn and play - but in porting (see what we did there..?) the setting over into Mantic's Kings of War universe means the opportunities for generating loads of very different fleets, all with their own unique feel and playstyle, are hugely expanded. Fancy trying your hand at bellowing out "RAMMING SPEED CAPTAIN!" in Orcish? The Pit stand and KoW Armada demo needs to be on your Britcon agenda!
Kings of War Armada is very easy to learn and play, even with the optional rules. The current 2 forces feel unique in their playstyle and the included fleets in the starter-set provide some great games. There are 10 scenarios included in the rulebook for those looking for more than just knocking fleets together.
For those looking for a fantasy ship game, the scope for expansion with Armada is huge with Mantic’s Kings of War setting. You will also be able to play Armada as the Kingdoms of Men with the correct scale ships you may already have when the rules are published. Armada doesn’t have a huge amount of rules detail in terms of ships taking damage to specific sections, as the combat system is streamlined for easy and quickness of play. It does have a lot of flexibility in force building with the optional upgrades, and that can only expand as more factions become available and the game grows.
Kings of War Armada shares a lot of its' gaming DNA with Warlord Games' Black Seas, making it very easy to learn and play - but in porting (see what we did there..?) the setting over into Mantic's Kings of War universe means the opportunities for generating loads of very different fleets, all with their own unique feel and playstyle, are hugely expanded. Fancy trying your hand at bellowing out "RAMMING SPEED CAPTAIN!" in Orcish? The Pit stand and KoW Armada demo needs to be on your Britcon agenda!
Kings of War Armada is very easy to learn and play, even with the optional rules. The current 2 forces feel unique in their playstyle and the included fleets in the starter-set provide some great games. There are 10 scenarios included in the rulebook for those looking for more than just knocking fleets together.
For those looking for a fantasy ship game, the scope for expansion with Armada is huge with Mantic’s Kings of War setting. You will also be able to play Armada as the Kingdoms of Men with the correct scale ships you may already have when the rules are published. Armada doesn’t have a huge amount of rules detail in terms of ships taking damage to specific sections, as the combat system is streamlined for easy and quickness of play. It does have a lot of flexibility in force building with the optional upgrades, and that can only expand as more factions become available and the game grows.