NGF is back 23-30 May 2026 - Full programme is live, grab tickets for special events and see what's on now!
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Access & Inclusion

The Forum has been designed and operates with accessibility in mind for all.

The majority of Norwich Games Festival takes place at The Forum which has step-free access, level flooring and lift access to all floors.

Quick points

  • The Customers Services team are here to help

  • Step-free access

  • Accessible toilets and Changing Places

  • Accessible parking

  • "Sunflower Snug" located in a quieter space, that still feels part of the festival

  • Hearing loop in The Auditorium and Café Bar Marzano

  • Contrast markings on glass doors and windows

  • Lift access to all floors

  • Guide and assistance dogs welcome

  • Family-friendly facilities

Full accessibility details for The Forum building

This page explains The Forum's facilities to assist in planning your visit.

Accessibility

If you have access requirements and need someone to accompany you to make your visit to a Norwich Games Festival event easier and more comfortable, an additional Essential Companion ticket can be booked for our paid-for events.

For events where tickets are purchased directly with the venue, please check their website for details on how to book Essential Companion tickets.

If you are booking tickets directly with Norwich Games Festival, our booking platform (Ticketsolve) will prompt you to enter any accessibility requirements during the checkout process.

If you would like to discuss specific access requirements, please contact us at [email protected]

During the 2026 Festival

The NGF26 Info Desk can be found in The Arena (Main Atrium) from Tue 26 May. Book for events, workshops and talks, find out what's on and where with the help from our friendly NPC's (aka Events Team). It is staffed between 10am-4pm (5pm Sat 30 May).

The NGF Programme includes events and contributors exploring many themes around access, inclusion and belonging.

Related events

  • Photograph of Nicci Rossini sitting in a garden smiling.
    10am & 11.15am

    Effective Learning Through Games - Emotions

    How Can We Stop 'Catching' Each Other's Emotions During Meltdowns? This workshop explores how emotion cards and game mechanics, practical tips and tools can keep everyone in the family calmer during the difficult times.

    SEND
    Family friendly
    Workshop
    Wellbeing
  • 12.30pm - 1.10pm

    Effective Learning Through Games - Social Skills

    How Can Families Rehearse Social Skills That Feel Natural? This workshop aims to share how you can help your child build their confidence and social relationship skills through tabletop games.

    SEND
    Family friendly
    Workshop
    Tabletop
    Activity
  • 11am - 12noon

    Building Confidence in Networking and Pitching

    Join games writer, journalist and educator Gavin Spoors as he reveals his top tips and tricks when it comes to making meaningful connections and presenting ideas.

    Talk
    Careers
    Industry
  • Times vary

    Game Design and Creation with Playlab.ai

    See how the free “no code” platform Playlab.ai can be used to quickly make customised text-based adventure games or support your own game IRL game design ideas.

    SEND
    Free
    Video Games
    Workshop
  • 2pm - 3pm

    How Games Can Help Your Child Make More Friends (and Keep Them)

    In this 60‑minute session, we’ll explore how both digital and tabletop games can strengthen skills like listening, empathy, turn‑taking and confidence in a way that feels natural and fun.

    Talk
    Wellbeing
    SEND
    Family friendly
  • An illustration of a dungeons and dragons character sheet.
    4pm - 5pm

    How to Make Tabletop Gaming More Inclusive

    A panel of experienced players and professionals working in the tabletop games industry will share their insights into playing, designing, and running accessible tabletop games, both in-person and online.

    Panel
    Talk
    Family friendly
    Wellbeing
    Tabletop
    SEND
  • Multiple drop-in sessions

    Unplugged Tots

    Hands on, play based activities where children explore STEAM and coding through creativity and imagination - all screen-free.

    Activity
    For kids
    Free
    Arts & Crafts
    Wellbeing

    • Our Relaxed Day is on Tuesday 26 May, with tailored ticketed and drop-in events, with a calmer atmosphere.

    Related events

  • A boy smiles while playing an alien inspired boardgame
    10am - 4pm

    The Arena - Relaxed Day

    Curated specifically for those with SEND, families and friends and those interested in learning more about supporting SEND, the Relaxed Day will be a bit quieter, a bit more spaced out, and content is tailored to SEND activities, education and industry practice.

    SEND
    Family friendly
    The Arena
    Free
    Arts & Crafts
    Retro
    Tabletop
    Sports & Exercise
    Video Games
    Wellbeing
    Industry
    Drop-in

    • We understand that the Festival can be busy and overwhelming for some of our visitors. Open throughout the week at The Forum Norwich, The Sunflower Snug is our accessible, quieter space. It’s ideal for transitioning into activities, taking a calm break, or spending your visit in a more relaxed setting. Staffed by trained team members, the Snug offers sensory and calming activities for all ages. You can also borrow ear defenders and fidget toys to use around the Festival.

    Open Tue 26-Sat 30 May, 10am-4pm

  • Times vary

    The Sunflower Snug

    The Sunflower Snug is a calm and relaxed space, open to all, that has been specifically designed with the support of SEND specialists to welcome those who may find attending the main Festival challenging.

    SEND
    Family friendly
    Wellbeing
    Video Games
    Arts & Crafts
    Free
    Tabletop