Events
The full 2026 programme for NGF26 is here! Presented by The Forum with Lead Partner Norwich University of the Arts.
Featured events
Give Us A Cluedo: The History of British Games
6pm - 7.15pm : The Auditorium
Skill Trees: How Learning to Make Games Can Unlock Many Careers Paths
1pm - 2pm : The Auditorium
Tamagotchis and Death in the Internet Age
11am - 12noon : The Auditorium
Work in Norwich Networking Evening
6.30pm - 9pm : The Forum
Ashens: Dead Player Walking
5pm - 6pm : The Auditorium
The Big NGF26 Quiz & After-Party
7pm - 10.30pm : The Forum
-
Multiple workshopsGames, Worksheets and Resources: use AI to engage
See how the free “no code” platform Playlab.ai can be used to quickly make customised tools for your classroom.
FreeCareersWorkshopActivityAdult only -
4pm - 5pmHow 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.
PanelTalkFamily friendlyWellbeingTabletopSEND -
7pm - 9pmPlastic Invasion: How Warhammer Conquered the World
How did Games Workshop grow from two friends living out of a van to the biggest games company in Europe?
TalkAdult onlyTabletop -
10am - 4pmThe Arena - Wed 27 May
The Forum is home to The Arena during NGF26 where you’ll find a huge variety of FREE interactive gaming fun for all ages. You can just drop by and play. There’ll be plenty of your favourite games there, plus lots to discover and try out!
FreeFamily friendlyThe ArenaSENDSports & ExerciseWellbeingCareersTabletopVideo GamesRetroIndustryShowcaseArts & Crafts -
10am-4pm Multiple DaysThe Actual Reality Arcade
The Actual Reality Arcade is a life-sized interactive game zone for all ages, inspired by classic arcade games where YOU bring the games to life.
ActivityFamily friendlyThe ArenaDrop-inFreeSports & Exercise -
Times varyGame 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.
SENDFreeVideo GamesWorkshop -
Open daily from 10amThe Gaming Lounge
Join us in the cosy board game and puzzle lounge where hosts John 'Actualol' Purkis, Slice + Dice and Norwich Games Convention will teach you how to play new, traditional and locally made tabletop games.
FreeFamily friendlyTabletopThe ArenaActivityWellbeingRetroDrop-in -
Times varyThe 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.
SENDFamily friendlyWellbeingVideo GamesArts & CraftsFreeTabletop -
Multiple drop-in sessionsUnplugged Tots
Hands on, play based activities where children explore STEAM and coding through creativity and imagination - all screen-free.
ActivityFor kidsFreeArts & CraftsWellbeing -
11am - 3pmBoard Game Cafe on The Balcony
Take a seat, pick a game, and let the fun unfold at the free Board Game Café on The Balcony at John Lewis!
ActivityFamily friendlyFreeTabletopDrop-in