What do you like to do for Valentines Day?
A nice romantic meal and a 2-player duel with your significant other? A double date and a co-op campaign with your besties? Perhaps a party games night with your best mates or the family…
Well this year, how about a weekend of board gaming bliss laid on by Tabletop Gaming Magazine? Taking place at Doncaster Racecourse on the 14th and 15th February, Tabletop Gaming LIVE 2026 promises an absolutely stacked weekend of open gaming, family-friendly activities, game previews, talks, potential purchases and more!
Back at the Races
It’s no secret that the last Tabletop Gaming event in Manchester wasn’t perfect. But having spoken to Magazine Editor Matt Chapman recently on an episode of the Bucket List Board Gamers podcast it’s evident to see the team took on board all the feedback, learned lessons and made changes to ensure 2026 will be much improved.
One of the biggest changes is that of the location. Doncaster Racecourse has an excellent track record for hosting similar events such as the UK BP Toy Fair.
With its dedicated event spaces, thousands of free parking spots, a wide range of on-site food options and even a hotel, it has everything needed for a great weekend of gaming!
Other hotels, shops and eateries are just a short walk from the venue too, so there’s something to cater to just about every taste.
What’s on?
There’s going to be plenty to do over the weekend too as TTG Magazine have put on a full card of talks and live events for guests to attend!
This includes talks and panels with game designers, news on new releases from Hachette UK, a LIVE podcast recording by the Bucket List Board Gamers, interactive D&D sessions, a dedicated family-zone, plus a whole lot more!
One of the biggest complaints about the previous event was the lack of open gaming space, which has definitely been addressed in 2026! There will be a plethora of open gaming tables available for attendees to use, and a well-stocked game library to go along with it!
Of course, you’re welcome to bring games from your own collection too, and the aforementioned free parking AND a free shuttle bus from Doncaster Train Station means you won’t have to carry them far!
A Lot for a Little
Advanced tickets can be purchased from the TTG website and are just £20 for the weekend or £13 for a single day, children under 10 enter free and those between 11 and 17 will pay just £15 or £10 depending on whether they are attending for one or both days.
Prices on the door may increase so it’s best to order online if you’re planning on attending, and the website has all the information on what is taking place, how to get there etc.
Personal Picks
So… what am I looking forward to the most?
Being from Doncaster, it’s nice to have an event in my hometown. I’m looking forward to seeing friends I’ve made in the hobby for the first time this year and catch up with them, making the most of the open gaming and lending library!
Listening to Flavien talk is always an honour, so I’ll definitely be checking out the Hachette New Releases and Localisations session to find out what we can look forward to in 2026.
The live D&D sessions are also something I’m keen to check out, and who doesn’t love a quiz?
One thing I’m looking forward to and dreading in equal measure is the LIVE recording of the Bucket List Board Gamers podcast, largely because I’m on the panel! We’ve never done anything like this before, so it’s fair to say the nerves are creeping in, but hopefully we’ll have a great time and if you’re visiting be sure to check us out at mid-day on the Saturday!
Overall though, I’m just looking forward to enjoying what I’m hoping will be a really successful return to conventions for Tabletop Gaming Magazine, and perhaps even the foundations for a regular event in Doncaster for years to come.
