The wait is officially over for the region’s biggest gaming celebration.

Norwich Games Festival (NGF26) is returning from Saturday 23 May to Saturday 30 May 2026 for eight action-packed days of interactive fun. Presented by The Forum alongside Lead Partner Norwich University of the Arts, this year’s festival is shaping up to be the most ambitious yet.

The best part? The full programme of events is live right now! Whether you want to prototype your first indie title, smash a local tournament, or introduce the family to the retro classics of your youth, your schedule is about to get busy.

What’s On: Drop In, Play, and Learn

The 2026 festival spans the entire spectrum of gaming culture. From video games and cutting-edge tech to beloved tabletop board games and physical activities, there is a space carved out for every kind of player.

Here is a quick look at what’s waiting for you at The Forum and across Norwich:

• The Arena (Wed 27 – Sat 30 May): The Forum’s main atrium transforms into a massive, free-to-play interactive gaming hub packed with new releases, indie developer showcases, and fan-favourite hits.
• Bespoke Workshops & Masterclasses: Dive deep into the mechanics of the industry. This year features new sessions on app development, audio design for video games, and analogue tabletop creation.
• Industry Talks & Live Shows: Learn how a couple of friends in a van turned Games Workshop into a global empire, or test your trivia knowledge at the Big NGF26 Quiz & After-Party.
• The Game Cave & Actual Reality Arcade: Step back in time with vintage retro consoles or step into the game with life-sized arcade mechanics that use your real-world movement.

From Player to Creator

East Anglia is a quiet powerhouse in the UK tech economy—currently home to nearly 6% of the country’s digital games workforce. If you have ever dreamed of turning a hobby into a career, NGF26 is your ultimate networking event.

Thanks to Norwich University of the Arts, attendees will have direct access to leading lecturers, current students, and local indie developers. You can get feedback on your portfolio, learn about specialised university courses, and hear firsthand from industry professionals about what it takes to break into the business.

Key Dates & Special Highlights at a Glance

To help you map out your half-term week, here are the milestone events you shouldn’t miss:

Date(s)	Event / Feature	What to Expect
Sat 23 – Sun 24 May	The Albion Arena	A fierce, community-driven fighting game tournament featuring Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Mon 25 May	Trader & Collector Day	The ultimate Bank Holiday pitstop to browse, buy, and trade rare tabletop games, video games, and cards.
Tue 26 May	The Arena: Relaxed Day	A dedicated, controlled-capacity day tailored for attendees with SEND-related access needs and calmer programming.
Wed 27 – Sat 30 May	The Main Programme	Free drop-in gaming in The Arena, live panels, and evening events.

Ready to plan your festival? > While a huge portion of the festival is entirely free and drop-in friendly, certain high-demand workshops, evening talks, and tournaments require booking. Head over to Norwich Games Festival to explore the full lineup, download the digital guide, and lock in your tickets before they disappear!

Find out more here – https://norwichgamesfestival.co.uk/

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