Europe's biggest social deduction convention returns to York for 2026

Ever played a game with your mates where you have to figure out who’s lying? It could be a round of Werewolf, a tense session of Among Us, or just trying to work out who finished the biscuits. That feeling of suspense, trying to read people and uncover the truth, is at the centre of social deduction games. Now, imagine a whole weekend dedicated to that, surrounded by hundreds of people who love the same thing. That's exactly what is happening, as Demons Wake, the biggest social deduction convention in Europe, is officially returning to York from 28 to 30 August 2026. After a completely sold-out event last year, it’s coming back bigger and better, packed with more games, special guests from a famous BBC series, and a massive community of players ready for a weekend of fun, strategy, and a bit of friendly deception.

So what's the big deal with Demons Wake in York?

Think of it as the ultimate playground for anyone who loves games of strategy and intrigue. The 2025 Demons Wake event was so popular that every single ticket was snapped up, leaving many people wishing they’d been quicker. The organisers have listened, and for 2026, they’re scaling everything up. The convention is taking over York St John University, and this time there will be more dedicated gaming rooms, meaning more space for more games. The fun will also last longer, with extended opening hours throughout the weekend.

One of the trickiest parts of a busy gaming convention can be finding a game to join. You might wander around looking for an empty seat or trying to get a group of players together. To fix this, Demons Wake is introducing a brand-new software system. This is a game-changer for the event. It’s designed to make it super easy for players to see what games are happening, find a spot, and manage their schedule over the weekend. No more wasted time, just more brilliant gaming. This focus on the player experience is a huge part of what makes this convention special. It’s a huge boost for the whole social deduction community, making the event run smoothly for everyone involved. It’s the largest event of its kind in all of Europe for a reason.

The lineup is stacked with some very special guests

This is where things get really exciting. It’s one thing to play a game of deception with friends, but how about playing with people who are famous for it? The 2026 event will feature an incredible lineup of 18 special guests, and the headliners are straight from the telly. Five fan-favourite contestants from the smash-hit BBC series The Traitors will be there. The guest list includes:

• Jessie (Series 4)

• Diane and Zack (Series 2)

• Wilfred and Ivan (Series 1)

These are genuine masters of the craft, having navigated the twists and turns of one of the most intense social deduction shows ever made. Attendees will have the chance to meet them, chat with them, and maybe even sit across a table from them in a high-stakes game. Imagine trying to bluff a Faithful or catch out a Traitor who has done it all before in a Scottish castle. The presence of these guests makes this convention an unmissable event for any fan of the series. The full lineup of guests promises a fantastic mix of personalities from across the social deduction world, offering a unique opportunity for players to learn from the best.

More than just games, it's a community event

While the games are the main attraction, Demons Wake is about much more than that. It’s a gathering spot for a vibrant and friendly community. The founder, Ryan, highlighted this spirit, saying,

“We are incredibly proud to bring Demons Wake back to York on a scale we’ve never seen before. With more guests, more space, and a refined gaming experience, 2026 is set to be a landmark year for the social deduction community.”

This sense of community is built on a foundation of being welcoming to everyone. The organisers are putting a big focus on accessibility. It doesn’t matter if someone is a seasoned veteran who has played hundreds of games or a complete newcomer curious to see what all the fuss is about. The goal is to make sure everyone feels included. As co-director Matt put it,

“As with all of our events, we’re continuing to prioritise accessibility for our attendees. Gaming is for everyone and we want to make sure that everyone who wants to be involved, can be.”

This commitment means creating a safe and enjoyable space for all players, which is key to the convention’s success.

How to get tickets (and why a good strategy is needed)

Given that last year’s event sold out in a flash, getting tickets for the 2026 convention will require a bit of planning. They are expected to sell out very quickly, so anyone hoping to attend needs to be ready. The tickets will be released in two stages to give dedicated fans the best chance.

Here’s the breakdown of when the tickets go on sale:

• Early Access Sale: Thursday 2 April, midday

  • For: Members of the mailing list

• General Sale: Friday 3 April, midday

  • For: General public (any remaining tickets)

Standard tickets for the weekend are priced at £55. But there’s an extra incentive to be quick off the mark. The first 100 tickets sold will get a £5 discount, bringing the price down to £50. Signing up for the mailing list is the best strategy to get that early access and secure a spot. The public sale will only happen if there are any tickets left, and frankly, that’s a big 'if'. This is the must-attend event for the social deduction gaming scene in 2026, so it's best to be prepared.