Play Expo, Blackpool, 3-4 October 2026

[RygarR]

Anyone headed down to Play Expo in Blackpool this year?

 

[tin]

For sure. Do we need a vac meetup?

 

[RygarR]

Sounds like a good idea.

 

[RygarR]

Maybe seguing into the Saturday evening?

 

[eliotcole]

Here's the link, if RygarR's lost edit on their original post:

PLAY Expo Blackpool

The UK's longest running retro games expo

www.playexpoblackpool.com

 

[RygarR]

Thanks Eliot. I've fixed the broken link in my first post now.

 

[tronads]

I'll be there.

 

[Fantazia2]

I believe on the Saturday at Expo during the day and in the evening at Arcade Club they are running a qualifying comp for entry to next year's UK Kong Off.

 

[RygarR]

Good to know. AC would be the ideal venue for a soiree...

 

[eliotcole]

Without meaning to tip any hands ... what are the prices like in the market at this shindig?

 

[iamjimmi]

Maybe seguing into the Saturday evening?

I'll be there Saturday and Sunday but may not be playing out in the evening. If I am, AC sounds like a plan. The Play Expo guys tend to host an after show party for the exhibitors but unlike revival (much missed), being a UKVACer doesn't get you a wristband!

 

[kingtreelo]

Without meaning to tip any hands ... what are the prices like in the market at this shindig?

if you have never been, be prepared to be at potentially the biggest shithole you will ever walk into in your life, no idea why they persist on using this disgusting venue every year

 

[tronads]

if you have never been, be prepared to be at potentially the biggest shithole you will ever walk into in your life, no idea why they persist on using this disgusting venue every year

Probably because its cheap, has adequate parking, and its a just effectively a big hall so as long as you plan on staying overnight elsewhere, or eating elsewhere (decent chippy on Norbreck road), then it doesn't really matter.

 

[tin]

100%, the venue itself is fine. The rest of the hotel ranges from below par (the communal areas) to fuckin disgusting (the rooms) so avoid those. But the hall itself - and even the toilets - are good enough. And it's probably cheap. And that chippy is amazing IMHO.