Events
The full 2026 programme for NGF26 is here! Presented by The Forum with Lead Partner Norwich University of the Arts.
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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 -
10am - 4pmThe Arena - Thu 28 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 -
11am - 12noonDeveloping the Next Generation of Technical Game Audio Professionals
Steven Coltart is a British composer, audio lead, technical music designer, and educator whose work spans video games, film, television, and immersive media. This talk examines the key roles within game audio, with a focus on the demand for audio programmers.
TalkVideo GamesCareersIndustry -
11.15am - 12.15pmGame and Play
Join experienced Performing Arts Lecturer, Leigh Tredger at The Garage, for the fun and playful workshop that engages children in movement and acting techniques, whilst exploring characters from video games.
ActivityWorkshopFor kidsWellbeingVideo GamesSports & Exercise -
12.45pm - 1.45pmDiscovering your Video Game Character
Join experienced Performing Arts Lecturer, Leigh Tredger at The Garage, and use motion capture techniques to learn how to create and perform as a video game character of your choice!
ActivityWorkshopFor kidsWellbeingVideo GamesSports & Exercise -
2pm - 3pmDiscovering your Video Game Character
Join experienced Performing Arts Lecturer, Leigh Tredger at The Garage, and use motion capture techniques to learn how to create and perform as a video game character of your choice!
ActivityWorkshopFor kidsWellbeingVideo GamesSports & Exercise -
2pm - 3pmStudio Situations
Making Decisions When Development Gets Messy! A hands-on workshop that encourages you to explore the everyday realities of game-making and studio leadership.
WorkshopIndustryCareers -
Multiple showsWiFi Wars
The entire audience competes, both as teams and as individuals, on games, quizzes and more that are magically beamed into their smartphones and tablets.
ShowFamily friendly -
4pm - 5pmMake Games That Matter - Games Beyond Entertainment
In this talk, Imre Jele explores the best examples of games with purpose and meaning beyond pure entertainment, and puts forward a case of why learning the skills to create games-beyond-entertainment is also a crucial tool to create entertainment.
TalkIndustryCareers -
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