York Board Games Convention - With Special Guests From The Traitors

Forget everything you think you know about board games being quiet nights in. Something big is happening in York, and it involves hundreds of people, countless games, and a whole lot of fun. From the 24th to the 26th of October, the historic city of York is set to host its biggest-ever board games convention. It's a full weekend dedicated to strategy, laughter, and the satisfying clatter of dice on a table. This isn't just an event for hardcore gamers; it's a massive get-together for anyone who loves playing games, from curious beginners to seasoned pros. The York Board Games Convention is back, and it's shaping up to be an unforgettable event for all players.

Get ready for a massive weekend of games in York

Picture this: a huge space filled with tables, each one home to a different adventure. That's what awaits at the York Board Games Convention. This event is a celebration of all things tabletop. Hundreds of players are expected to show up at St Peter's School for a weekend jam-packed with activities. It’s a chance to meet new people, try out new games, and maybe even find a new favourite hobby. The organisers seem really buzzed about it, building on the success of last year's gathering.

One of the organisers, Ryan, said:

“We’re so excited to be doing this again. Last year we had so much fun that we knew we had to do it again, bigger and better!”

And 'bigger and better' seems to be the theme. This year’s convention has more space, which means more room for games and, crucially, more exhibitors showing off their latest creations. It’s a proper festival of board games, where the main goal is simply to have as much fun as possible. Whether you're into complex strategy games that take hours or quick, silly party games, there’s something here for you. The whole event is designed to be a brilliant, social experience centred around the joy of playing board games together.

Meet some famous faces and gaming legends

It’s not every day you get to rub shoulders with stars from the telly, but this convention has some pretty cool special guests lined up. Fans of the hit TV show The Traitors are in for a treat, as Wilfred Webster and Ivan Brett will be joining the fun. They know a thing or two about social deduction and strategy, so who knows what tricks they’ll have up their sleeves? It's a fantastic opportunity for players to meet them and share their love for games that mess with your head.

But that's not all. The event also welcomes an acclaimed RPG designer, Grant Howitt. If you've ever heard of bonkers role-playing games like Honey Heist (where you play as a bear trying to steal honey) or the more serious Spire, then you know his work. An RPG, or role-playing game, is like a collaborative story where players take on the roles of characters. Think of it as being an actor in a play where you get to make up your lines as you go. Having a top-tier RPG designer like Grant at the convention is a massive deal for fans of games like Dungeons & Dragons and other story-driven adventures.

So, what's actually happening at the convention?

Okay, let's get down to the good stuff. What can you actually do there? The short answer is: loads. The organisers have planned a huge range of activities to keep everyone entertained all weekend long. Here’s a little taster of what’s on offer:

• A gigantic games library: This is the heart of the convention. It’s a massive collection of hundreds of board games you can borrow and play right there and then. From popular classics to weird indie games you’ve never heard of, the games library is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.
• Giant games: Ever wanted to play a version of your favourite game where the pieces are massive? Now’s your chance! These giant games are perfect for a laugh and a great photo opportunity.
• A bring & buy sale: This is basically a car boot sale just for board games. It’s the perfect place to sell those games gathering dust on your shelf or to hunt for a bargain on a game you’ve always wanted to try. It's a fantastic part of the event for finding rare board games.
• RPG Sessions: For those who love storytelling, there will be a packed schedule of role-playing games, including the legendary Dungeons & Dragons. These sessions are a great way to jump into an epic adventure for a few hours.
• Social Deduction Fun: A group called Chance & Clockers will be running all sorts of social deduction games. These are the kinds of games where you have to figure out who’s lying and who you can trust. Think Among Us or The Traitors, but with board games.
• Treasure Hunt: A convention-wide treasure hunt will add an extra layer of mystery and fun to the weekend, encouraging players to explore every corner of the venue.

With so many different games and activities, the weekend is designed to be full of energy and excitement. You just need to grab your tickets and get ready to roll some dice.

Making gaming open to everyone

One of the best things about this year’s York Board Games Convention is its strong focus on inclusivity. The organisers have gone to great lengths to make sure the event is welcoming for absolutely everyone. They believe that fun should have no barriers, and they’ve put things in place to prove it. This commitment to accessibility is a huge part of what makes this convention stand out.

Another organiser, Matt, explained their approach:

“Accessibility is a huge priority for us. That means ensuring our venue is wheelchair-friendly and welcoming to neurodiverse players - and also making it more affordable for families by letting young people attend for free.”

This is a really big deal. Making sure the venue is physically accessible is one thing, but also creating a welcoming space for neurodiverse players shows a real level of care and thought. On top of that, the offer of free tickets for anyone aged 16 or under is amazing. It makes the convention a genuinely family-friendly outing and helps introduce a new generation to the hobby without a hefty price tag. These free tickets are a brilliant way to ensure the whole family can join in the fun.

Who is showing off the latest games?

A convention wouldn't be complete without a hall full of people showing off the newest and most exciting stuff, and this one is no different. The event will feature a wide range of exhibitors from all over the UK. These are the companies and creators who make the games we love. It's a chance to see what's coming next, chat with the designers, and maybe even buy a game directly from the people who made it. It's an essential part of any modern board games convention.

Some of the confirmed exhibitors include big names and cool indie studios, such as:

• Hachette Boardgames UK
• HullaBailu
• The Moonshine Adventure Company
• S C Games
• Wayfarer Games
• Play it Forward Prints

And that’s just a handful of them! With so many exhibitors on site, there will be plenty of new games to discover. Plus, with food, drink, and family-friendly spaces available all weekend, you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable and exciting time at the York Board Games Convention. Tickets are on sale now, so it’s the perfect time to plan a weekend of pure gaming fun in York.