The Bristol Video Games Expo is officially back, and after a hugely successful debut last year, the event is levelling up for 2026. Sponsored by The Gaming Newsagent, this year’s show lands on 28th February 2026 at the UWE Centre for Sport, bringing a full day dedicated to retro classics, modern hits, indie showcases, tournaments, special guests, and more.
If you’re anywhere near Bristol next February, cancel your plans. This is where the UK gaming community will be.
A bigger venue, more guests, and even more games
The organisers of Bristol Video Games Expo have secured a larger space this year, giving them room to expand almost every part of the show. Expect more traders, a wider variety of arcade machines and pinball setups (thanks to Continue Arcades), and an Indie Game Exhibition hosted by Debug featuring 20–25 unreleased titles with devs on hand to chat.
And yes, that retro corner is returning.
Special guests already confirmed
The guest lineup at Bristol Video Games Expo is shaping up nicely, with several gaming veterans and creators already announced:
- The Oliver Twins: The legendary duo behind Dizzy
- John Riggs: US retro gaming YouTuber
- Frank Gasking: Author of The Games That Weren’t
- Duncan Gutteridge: The iconic artist behind classic Sonic the Hedgehog artwork, joining for a live on-stage drawing session
More names are due to be revealed in the coming months.
Traders, tournaments, arcades, indies, and more
Bristol Video Games Expo is all about community energy, nostalgia, and getting hands-on. Here’s a snapshot of what’s confirmed:
Traders attending
Sore Thumb Retro Games
Right Sprite Retro Games
Dream Consoles
Retro Bristol
GamersDelight
…and plenty more to be announced.
Activities & attractions
- Retro Gaming Corner
- Museum of Computing showcase
- Indie dev zone powered by Debug
- Free-play arcade and pinball machines
- Tournaments including Mario Kart, Street Fighter II, and more
Whether you’re going for the nostalgia trip, the merch hunt, or to discover your next favourite indie, there’s something here for every type of gamer.
Tickets, pricing & our FULLSYNC discount
Tickets are now live, with early VIP entry available for those who want first dibs on the show floor:
- £7.00 adult
- £3.50 child
- £16.00 family pass (2 adults, 2 children)
- VIP early access: £9.50
- Children under 6 go free
And here’s a little bonus! Readers can take 20% off any ticket using the code FULLSYNC. This link applies the discount automatically: 👉 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1837615701029/?discount=FULLSYNC
When & where
📅 28th February 2026
🕒 11 am–5 pm (VIP from 10 am)
📍 UWE Centre for Sport, Bristol
🔗 bristolvge.com
If you’re a Bristol local, a retro fan, or just looking for a great community-driven gaming event to kick off 2026, the Bristol Video Games Expo deserves a spot in your calendar.
For even more news on the latest events and other gaming goodness, click right here.
