7 Not-To-Miss UK Gaming Conferences in 2026

Summary

The UK games industry is booming: household spending reached around £7.8 billion in 2023, and the sector is set for further growth.
Against this backdrop, attending the right gaming conferences in the UK has never mattered more—for developers, publishers, creators and fans alike.
With hundreds of events vying for attention, choosing where to invest your time and budget can be a challenge.
That’s why we’ve curated a vetted shortlist of the top UK gaming conferences in 2026—spanning video games, tabletop and e‑sports, across England, Scotland and Wales.
Each event has been independently scored using our UKEB Trust Score to guide you to those worth your calendar.

Looking to attend a top gaming conference in the UK in 2026?

You’re in good company as Britain’s gaming scene is bigger, broader and more vibrant than ever. From blockbuster video game expos in London and Birmingham to indie festivals and board game weekends across Scotland and Yorkshire, there’s something for every gamer, creator, and fan. But with so much choice, it’s easy to miss the events that truly set the bar.

That’s where our curated shortlist comes in. We’ve scoured the landscape of gaming conferences in the UK and handpicked the essential ones.

Each one is scored for quality and trust and given a UKEB Trust Score, so you can plan your calendar with confidence.

How the UKEB Trust Score Works

To find the best, we rate each conference on five key factors:

Reputation & Organiser Credibility (25%)
Quality & Relevance of Content (25%)
Networking & Business Opportunities (20%)
Accessibility & Diversity (15%)
Impact & Influence (15%)

Each is scored out of 5 and then weighted for a final Trust Score out of 10.

Also read: The most played & top-rated eGames

top-uk-gaming-events-and-conferences-rating-overview

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post was correct at the time of publication, but may be subject to change.

1. UK Games Expo 2026 – UKEB Trust Score: 9.0/10

UK-Games-Expo-2026

The UK Games Expo in Birmingham is the largest tabletop gaming event in the UK. It brings together thousands of board game fans, designers, publishers, and families.

Venue: NEC Birmingham, North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT
Dates: 29–31 May 2026
Entry: Open to the public; day and weekend tickets available (children under 10 free)
Key Themes: Tabletop board games, RPGs, card games, miniatures, game design, and family gaming
Major Events: Game demos, national tournaments, UKGE Awards, seminars, “Playtest” zones, large exhibitor hall, and live game shows
Accessibility: Fully accessible venue with family-friendly facilities and free under-10s entry; step-free access and blue badge parking

2. Develop:Brighton 2026 – UKEB Trust Score: 9.4/10

Develop-Brighton-gaming-conference-2026

Develop:Brighton is the UK’s leading conference for game developers. With 13 conference tracks and high-calibre speakers, it’s the place for creative minds to connect, learn, and shape the future of gaming.

Venue: Hilton Brighton Metropole, Kings Rd, Brighton BN1 2FU
Dates: 14–16 July 2026
Entry: Industry event; ticketed (options for 1–3 day passes, student discounts)
Key Themes: Game development, art, design, audio, indie games, AI/tech, production, careers
Major Events: Keynote panels, Develop:Star Awards, Indie Showcase, After Hours networking, developer roundtables
Accessibility: City-centre venue, step-free access, inclusive policies

3. London Games Festival 2026 – UKEB Trust Score: 8.8/10

London-Games-Festival-2026

The London Games Festival is a week-long celebration of video games, interactive media, and creativity. The festival shines a spotlight on both indie talent and global leaders in gaming.

Venue: Multiple venues across London (including Trafalgar Square, Somerset House, etc.)
Dates: 13–19 April 2026
Entry: Mix of public (free) and industry (ticketed) events
Key Themes: Video games, game design, digital culture, transmedia storytelling, industry funding
Major Events: Official Selection game showcase, Games Finance Market, Ensemble diversity showcase, workshops, public exhibitions
Accessibility: Central London locations, hybrid/online sessions, open to all

4. EGX London 2026 – UKEB Trust Score: 8.2/10

EGX-London-2026

EGX London is one of the UK’s largest public video games expos, and offers hands-on previews of new titles, esports competitions, and a massive indie showcase.

Venue: ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL
Dates: October 2026 (TBC)
Entry: Ticketed, open to the public (all ages)
Key Themes: Video games (console, PC, VR), indie games, esports, cosplay
Major Events: Game demos, tournaments, developer sessions, cosplay parade, live panels
Accessibility: Modern, accessible venue, family facilities, close to DLR & Jubilee line

5. Insomnia Gaming Festival 2026 – UKEB Trust Score: 8.1/10

Insomnia-Gaming-Festival-2026

Insomnia is the UK’s biggest gaming festival and LAN party, blending esports, gaming communities, and interactive fun for all ages.

Venue: Staffordshire County Showground, Stafford ST18 0BD
Dates: 30 April–3 May 2026
Entry: Ticketed (day or weekend, BYOC for LAN)
Key Themes: Esports, LAN gaming, cosplay, retro games, hardware
Major Events: LAN tournaments, stage shows, streamer zone, gaming pub quiz, cosplay contest
Accessibility: Accessible site, support for disabled gamers, diverse events

6. Yorkshire Games Festival 2026 – UKEB Trust Score: 7.9/10

Yorkshire-Games-Festival-2026

The Yorkshire Games Festival is a celebration of games culture and careers, with a strong focus on education, creativity, and diversity.

Venue: National Science & Media Museum, Bradford, BD1 1NQ
Dates: 11–22 February 2026
Entry: Mostly free; open to all ages
Key Themes: Game design, animation, coding, family learning
Major Events: Game Talks (industry sessions), workshops, gaming exhibitions, kids’ coding
Accessibility: Fully accessible, designed for all ages, family activities

7. Tabletop Scotland 2026 – UKEB Trust Score: 7.6/10

Tabletop-Scotland-2026

Tabletop Scotland is Scotland’s leading board games and RPG convention, perfect for hobbyists and families alike.

Venue: Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh EH28 8NB
Dates: 4–6 September 2026
Entry: Ticketed (day/weekend passes, family/group rates)
Key Themes: Board games, RPGs, miniatures, game design
Major Events: Game library, tournaments, bring & buy, seminars, family activities
Accessibility: Accessible venue, all ages, focus on community

So, whether you’re showcasing a new game, seeking investment or simply looking to experience the UK’s gaming culture, these conferences deliver.

If you have been to a gaming conference in the UK that you think deserves a place in our list, write to us.

FAQs

1. What is the biggest gaming conference in the UK in 2026?

UK Games Expo 2026 in Birmingham is the UK’s largest hobby games convention. It draws tens of thousands of visitors, with three packed days of board games, tournaments, demos, and industry panels.

2. Are there video game conferences in London in 2026?

Yes! The London Games Festival 2026 and EGX London 2026 are major video game events, which feature playable demos, industry talks, esports, and a focus on creative culture.

3. How do I choose the best gaming conference in the UK for 2026?

Look for events with a strong organiser reputation, high-quality speakers and exhibitors, plenty of networking or community opportunities, and easy access for visitors.

4. Are there gaming conferences in Scotland and other UK regions?

Yes. Tabletop Scotland 2026 in Edinburgh and Yorkshire Games Festival in Bradford are two top picks outside England’s main cities.

Author Profile

Manuela WillboldChief of Marketing

As the Chief of Marketing at the digital marketing agency ClickDo Ltd I blog regularly about technology, education, lifestyle, business and many more topics.