A long time ago, in 2017, Dungeons & Flagons (D&F for short) was founded in Manchester with the following mission:
“We are dedicated to introducing the joy of board gaming to as many people as possible. Our events are designed to be welcoming, inclusive, and most importantly, fun. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a curious newcomer, you’ll find a friendly environment and a fantastic selection of games.”
This initially involved hosting board game evenings in a variety of pubs around the city centre and the Northern Quarter of Manchester. With the rising popularity of these events, a decision was made to also start running the Manchester Board Game Festival.
Currently running approximately 5 times a year, this festival brings hundreds of attendees from Manchester and far beyond for a long weekend of board games and board game-related events. I’ve been going to these events somewhere between regularly and religiously, so the most recent festival from the 14th to the 16th of June was no exception.
Disclaimer: While there are 500+ attendees at each event, for privacy reasons I’ve taken any photographs at times or in such a way as to avoid showing people without their consent. This event is busy enough that this was quite a challenge at times...
Let’s Play
While there are many side features, the core of MBGF is playing board games. People are welcome to bring their own games, but Dungeons & Flagons has its own very substantial board game library (currently 746 games and likely growing as you read this). They also have Library Bee volunteers in the library who are able to recommend games and have a list of games that they can come to your table to teach. They may also be able to help teach other games, so feel free to check.
So many games, so little time...
Thanks to the support of board game publishers and many purchases by D&F themselves, this library is constantly expanding and updating. It’s a great way to access a lot of new and different games without breaking the bank. There’s also a chance to win a copy of a small number of games each festival from the Play To Win section. A great way to incentivise people to try out new games, and a way to pass on generous donations to the attendees.
As well as the Play To Win, there are other chances to win prizes throughout the weekend. This includes raising money for a chosen charity at each festival through multiple casual competitions.
There are many opportunities to raise money and win some great games
Publishers or designers are also able to book a table to run their own demos, as well as handle sales, tournaments, and events. This time there were tournaments for Courtisans, Flippin Dinosaurs, and the debut of the truly incredible Giant Micro Macro competition.
A special shout out to recurring attendee, regular sponsor, enthusiastic game teacher, and unofficial ray of sunshine Flavien Loisier from Hachette Boardgames UK.
As well as established games, there are also spaces reserved for new game designers to show their prototypes and have their games demoed to, or play-tested by, the public. To raise support for this, any play tester is also put in a raffle to win a free ticket to the next festival.
An example from the Playtest selection, “Ration” from Blood Orange Games
Another popular method to get your hands on games is the Bring and Buy. A long table filled with board games that have been dropped off by attendees, you set the price and hope for the best. A great way to offload some games that are taking up space, combined with lots of temptations to fill that space up again.
Networking Solutions
As with any regular board game event, there is a mix of existing friend groups, families, and new attendees.
To help welcome new players and potentially create new friend groups, there are ways to join up to play. You can grab a “Players Welcome” sign and sit down with a game, then wait for others to join you. Alternatively, keep an eye out for anyone with a sign. You can also ask around at the welcome desk, and they’ll try and help you connect with other players. Additionally, there are bookable sessions that mean you can guarantee a spot with other players. This all really helps new attendees feel welcomed and looked after.
It’s Not Just Board Games
While the main focus of MBGF is playing board games, that’s not all that’s going on. There are a small number of board games for sale, and a large Geek Fayre with many stalls selling a variety of indie geek products. Expect a selection of art, jewellery, books, models, and novelty items.
Just one of the many stalls with cool things to buy
As well as this, there are regular social deduction games, RPG sessions, live shows and seminars. All of this adds up to keeping you busy through the weekend.
What A Weekend
We always have a great time at Manchester Board Games Festival and there’s honestly a really good atmosphere from the hosts, volunteers, and regulars that is welcoming to newcomers. Is it trying to compete with big events like UKGE? Of course not, but that said, there’s a smaller version of most things you’d expect to see in the bigger events, with better seating and a massive reduction in the number of queues and elbows you’ll encounter. It also happens more often, which is a nice way to top up on gaming through the year.
If you’re in the area at the end of August, grab a ticket and give it a go. It’s a 3 day event from Friday to Sunday in the centre of Manchester, due to it being held at hotels they are also able to offer discounts for accommodation during the event if you need somewhere to stay (check their website for details). It’s fun, friendly, and you might come out of it with a surprise board game.
