For many UK hobbyists, Salute 53 represents the pinnacle of the wargaming calendar—a one-day event that brings together every corner of the tabletop gaming world under one roof. Hosted by the South London Warlords at the iconic ExCeL London, Salute is more than just a convention. It’s a snapshot of the hobby as it exists today. In this show report, I take a reflective look at Salute through the lens of a long-time attendee and dedicated historical wargamer. Over the years, I’ve watched the show evolve. One of the most noticeable changes has been the gradual reduction in the number of historical games on display, something that many wargamers, myself included, have commented on in the past. But rather than framing that as criticism, this video explores the bigger picture.
Historical wargaming, while rich in depth and authenticity, is just one part of an increasingly diverse hobby. Sci-fi, fantasy, and narrative-driven games have surged in popularity, bringing new players and fresh creativity into the space. Salute has adapted to reflect that reality, embracing a broader audience while still retaining elements of its historical roots.
What makes Salute special is precisely that balance. It isn’t a purely historical show, nor is it a competitive tournament environment or a single-system convention. Instead, it occupies a unique niche, one that celebrates the full spectrum of tabletop wargaming. From meticulously researched historical battles to cinematic sci-fi encounters and immersive roleplay-inspired skirmishes, the variety on display is unmatched.
As someone who enjoys not only historical gaming but also roleplaying and science fiction, I find that this diversity is part of Salute’s enduring appeal. It challenges you to step outside your comfort zone, to engage with new ideas, and to rediscover your enthusiasm for the hobby in unexpected ways.
This video is both a celebration of Salute and a reflection on how the hobby continues to evolve. Whether you’re a historical purist, a narrative gamer, or simply someone who enjoys painting and collecting miniatures, there’s something here for you.
If you’re planning your first trip to Salute 53, or returning after a long break, this video is your essential primer for navigating one of the biggest tabletop wargaming events in the world. Hosted at ExCeL London, Salute has evolved dramatically over the years, growing into a sprawling, vibrant showcase of everything the hobby has to offer.
In this video, I explore how the show has changed for the better, with a broader mix of historical, fantasy, and sci-fi gaming on display. From immersive demo tables to interactive participation games, Salute is no longer just a shopping trip—it’s an experience. With over 90 demo games and a huge variety of traders, it’s a place where hobbyists can discover new systems, meet creators, and get hands-on with the latest releases and Kickstarter projects.
I also cover the practical side of attending the event. Travel to ExCeL London is easier than ever thanks to the DLR, but parking costs have risen, making planning ahead essential. Inside the venue, accessibility has improved significantly, with pre-bookable accessible parking, free mobility scooters, and plenty of seating areas to rest during a long day on your feet.
Food and drink options are plentiful, though undeniably expensive, so bringing a packed lunch is a popular strategy among seasoned attendees. Queueing, once a major concern, is now well managed with a dedicated indoor space, ensuring a smoother start to the day—even with thousands of visitors arriving before the doors open.
Beyond the games and shopping, Salute offers a rich programme of Hobby Heroes panels and a consistently outstanding painting competition, showcasing some of the best miniature painting talent in the hobby. These elements add depth to the event, making it more than just a convention—it’s a full celebration of tabletop wargaming culture.
Whether you’re a historical wargamer, miniatures painter, or simply curious about the hobby, this guide will help you make the most of your day at Salute 53 and avoid some of the common pitfalls first-time visitors face.
Day Two of the Warfare Show at Farnborough has its own distinct pace, and this year’s Sunday had that familiar mixture of relaxed browsing and last-minute wallet-emptying urgency. For many of us in Posties Rejects, it’s the last show of the season, making it the perfect opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere, grab some essentials for future projects, and catch up with the traders and clubs who make Warfare such a standout event on the UK wargaming calendar.
This video takes a slightly different approach from my usual show coverage. Instead of focusing entirely on the demo games, I spent more time exploring the trader hall and capturing the variety of products, scenery kits, miniatures and accessories on display. Shows like this aren’t just about watching games—they’re about inspiration, discovery and the joy of uncovering something new that sparks a fresh idea for the painting desk.
I caught up with Parkfield Miniatures while hovering suspiciously close to their display (purely research, of course), chatted with the team from Blotz about their acquisition of Charlie Foxtrot’s ranges, and admired the impressive scenery and terrain options available. The bring-and-buy was as strong as ever, filled with hidden gems and irresistible temptations. Even though I managed to resist this year, several members of our group didn’t escape quite so easily.
The demo games and tournament area provided a great atmosphere despite some early packing-up thanks to the tight end-of-day schedule. Still, there was plenty to see, from beautifully painted armies to some fantastic terrain setups created with obvious passion and effort. Most importantly, the show was filled with friendly faces. A number of viewers stopped to say hello, share their own projects and offer kind words about the channel. These conversations genuinely mean the world and continue to motivate me to keep producing videos like this one.
If you enjoy wargaming show tours, hobby chat and plenty of photos and clips from one of the UK’s best events, this video is well worth a watch.
Held at Newark Showground on Sunday, 12th October 2025, The Other Partizan once again proved why it’s regarded as one of the premier events in the UK wargaming calendar. Known for its outstanding presentation, creativity, and the sheer enthusiasm of exhibitors and visitors alike, Partizan has become a must-attend show for anyone interested in tabletop wargaming, historical miniatures, and the wider hobby scene.
🎥 Watch the full video here:
In my latest YouTube video, I take you on a detailed tour of the event, showcasing some of the most impressive demo and participation games on display. From large-scale historical re-enactments to small skirmish setups, each table tells its own story — brought to life through expertly painted miniatures, beautifully built terrain, and the dedication of the hobbyists behind them.
Is There Such a Thing as "Too Soon" in Wargaming? In this video, I revisit a question from the Joy of Six 2025 panel: When is it too soon to wargame a historical or current conflict? It’s a topic that sits at the crossroads of ethics, storytelling, and historical accuracy in our hobby. From civilian casualties and sensitive subject matter to the level of public visibility, I explore why context and audience matter more than ever in how we represent the past on the tabletop.
Whether you see wargaming as entertainment, education, or a bit of both, we can’t ignore the tough questions. Should we include war crimes? What about modern conflicts still in the headlines? Is historical wargaming at risk of becoming too sanitised?
I also reflect on my experience at the Joy of Six show, including a surprise appearance on the discussion panel alongside Peter Berry, Per Broden, and Heretical Wargaming.
Join me for a thoughtful dive into how we balance respect, realism, and storytelling—and let me know where you draw the line.
Join me for a photo-packed look at the Joy of Six Wargames Show, the UK's premier event dedicated entirely to the amazing world of 6mm wargaming. This small but mighty show never fails to impress, and in this video, I’m sharing some of the most inspiring highlights from the day – from epic demo tables to beautifully painted armies and intricate terrain, all in glorious micro-scale.
The Joy of Six, held annually in Sheffield, is a true celebration of what 6mm wargaming has to offer. Whether it's Napoleonic battles, World War II action, or even sci-fi skirmishes, the level of detail and creativity on display is nothing short of incredible. In this photo review, I take you on a visual tour of the event, showcasing the best of the show and offering my thoughts on what makes this scale so special.
If you're into historical wargaming, love miniature painting, or just want to see what’s possible at 6mm, you’re in the right place.
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Is this HURTING Historical Wargaming? In this video, we dive into a hot topic in the tabletop wargaming community: Do spectacular demo games at conventions and shows actually put off new players? Or are they a vital way to inspire and grow the hobby? This episode explores both sides of the debate with humour, honesty, and a deep love for the hobby.
Whether you're into historical wargaming, fantasy wargames, or sci-fi tabletop battles, if you've ever admired a jaw-dropping demo game at Salute, Partizan, or your local show, this discussion is for you. Are we unintentionally intimidating newcomers with massive armies, custom terrain, and “model railway” levels of spectacle? Or are we showing off the very best of what tabletop wargaming can be?
I share three key reasons why these games might discourage new players, and five strong reasons why I think they inspire and motivate both veterans and beginners alike. Plus, I offer two essential tips for clubs and groups running demo games to make them more welcoming and effective.
Join the conversation in the comments and let us know what YOU think about spectacle in wargaming!
Yesterday I posted my photo review of the Broadside Wargames Show, which took place in Gillingham, Kent over the weekend. Posties Rejects were there in force to put on our annual demo game at the show. This year, we presented the Battle of Rivoli, 1797. I say 'we' but in actual fact it was entirely the work of Richard, a fellow member of Postie’s Rejects. He painted all the figures, built the terrain, designed the scenario and acted as umpire for an epic clash that wasn’t just a visual treat but a historically rich and tactically engaging experience for the players and onlookers alike. Check out my short video of the game for a close-up look at the miniatures and all of Richard's hard work.
The battle he recreated, the Battle of Rivoli, was fought on January 14–15, 1797, during Napoleon Bonaparte’s first Italian campaign in the War of the First Coalition. Near the village of Rivoli Veronese in northern Italy, Napoleon’s Army of Italy faced a significant Austrian force under the command of Feldzeugmeister Jozsef Alvinczi. The Austrians were attempting to break the siege of Mantua, which had been under French pressure for months. Their plan involved a multi-pronged attack through the mountainous terrain north of Verona, with the hope of catching Napoleon’s forces by surprise and forcing them to retreat. However, what followed was one of Napoleon’s most famous early victories.
The French, numbering approximately 22,000 troops, occupied high ground near the Rivoli Plateau. Despite being outnumbered, Napoleon's mastery of terrain, timing, and tactical concentration enabled his smaller force to hold firm and repel around 28,000–30,000 Austrian troops. The Austrians attacked in multiple columns, hoping to converge on the French position, but coordination issues and the rugged terrain made this difficult. Napoleon reacted quickly, reinforcing critical points of the line and using his artillery to great effect. By the second day of the battle, French reinforcements under Generals Joubert and Masséna arrived, overwhelming the fragmented Austrian columns and forcing a general retreat. Austrian casualties numbered over 14,000, while the French lost around 5,000. The victory at Rivoli secured Napoleon’s control of northern Italy and led to the surrender of Mantua shortly afterwards, effectively ending Austria’s hopes of reclaiming the region.
For the demo game, Richard chose to represent the armies and battlefield in 6mm using laser-cut MDF miniatures from Commission Figurines. These figures, painted entirely by Richard himself, allowed for sweeping, realistic unit formations and gave the game an epic scale that larger figures often struggle to capture. The entire battlefield, terrain, and all the models on the table were part of Richard’s personal collection. He not only painted every figure and built the terrain from scratch, but also designed the scenario to reflect the key historical dynamics of the real battle. He also acted as umpire during several test games in the lead-up to Broadside, refining the balance and ensuring historical accuracy, and also ran the game on the day with help from other members of the Rejects.
The rules used for this demo were Volley & Bayonet, a well-established system ideal for large-scale battles like Rivoli. We have played these rules many times and have found them ideal for recreating large Napoleonic battles. The 6mm scale figures were especially effective for conveying the scope of the battle. With large brigades represented by compact but detailed bases, visitors to the show were able to appreciate the overall flow of the battle in a way that just wouldn't have been possible in larger scales. The terrain included rolling ridgelines, the Adige River valley, and the key plateau where the French made their stand. Everything was constructed and painted to a high standard, with Richard’s craftsmanship receiving frequent praise from passers-by. And many attendees commented on how effective 6mm MDF miniatures can be for portraying big battles when painted and based well, as these were.
The game was a gripping and dynamic experience for those that took part. I spent most of the game circling the table and speaking to visitors ('working' the crowd😆) while several members of the group focused on the ebb and flow of the game. In the version we played at Broadside, the Austrians once again struggled to coordinate their attacks effectively, though they managed a strong push on one flank before French reinforcements and the uncanny dice rolling skills of Chris dashed their hopes.
Join me for a photo review of the 2025 Broadside Wargames Show, hosted by the Milton Hundreds Wargames Club in Gillingham, Kent. This popular annual tabletop wargaming event continues to grow in size and reputation, drawing gamers, traders, and clubs from across the UK. Although this is a partial photo review—as I was busy running a game with Postie’s Rejects—you’ll still get a glimpse of the stunning demo games, passionate wargamers, and bustling trader stalls that made the show so memorable.
Whether you're into historical miniatures, sci-fi skirmish games, or just love the energy of UK wargames conventions, Broadside is fast becoming a must-visit event in the tabletop gaming calendar. From detailed terrain layouts to beautifully painted armies, there’s plenty of inspiration here for miniature painters and wargame enthusiasts alike.
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Join me for an in-depth photo review of the best demo games at Partizan Wargames Show 2025, one of the UK’s premier historical and tabletop miniature gaming events! In this video, I showcase the most visually stunning, imaginative, and well-executed demo games from this year’s show. From beautifully painted miniatures to expertly crafted terrain, you’ll get a close-up look at what made these displays truly stand out.
Whether you're a historical wargamer, tabletop enthusiast, or just love exceptional miniature painting and diorama building, this review highlights top-notch creativity and craftsmanship. I cover games from a variety of periods and scales—from Napoleonic battles to WW2 skirmishes and fantasy epics—offering inspiration and ideas for your own hobby projects.
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Is this the future of UK wargaming shows? In this video, we dive deep into SALUTE 52, the UK’s biggest miniature wargaming convention, and explore what made it such a standout success this year. From the incredible tabletop wargaming displays, high-quality historical wargaming tables, and vibrant miniatures painting competitions, to the bustling trader halls and enthusiastic community—SALUTE 52 delivered an unforgettable experience for every wargamer.
Join us as we break down why this event resonated so strongly with historical wargamers, sci-fi and fantasy wargamers, and miniature hobbyists alike. We ask: is this the blueprint for the future of UK wargaming conventions? What can other shows learn from SALUTE’s success and whether they should replicate those lessons or stick with their own winning formulas.
Is this the future of UK wargaming shows? In this video, we dive deep into SALUTE 52, the UK’s biggest miniature wargaming convention, and explore what made it such a standout success this year. From the incredible tabletop wargaming displays, high-quality historical wargaming tables, and vibrant miniatures painting competitions, to the bustling trader halls and enthusiastic community—SALUTE 52 delivered an unforgettable experience for every wargamer.
Welcome to the Extended Cut of my Salute 52 coverage — the ultimate photo and video review of the UK’s biggest miniature wargaming show! This extended version features exclusive extra footage, bonus photos, and deeper coverage of the most stunning display boards, painted miniatures, and tabletop setups from Salute 2025.
Are UK wargaming shows the best in the world? In this video, we explore the huge benefits of attending wargame shows, especially in the UK. Whether you're a seasoned historical wargamer, a passionate tabletop gamer, or a dedicated miniature painter, this deep dive into the wargaming convention scene covers everything you need to know. From getting inspired by stunning demo games and dioramas, to discovering indie miniature ranges, meeting fellow hobbyists, and picking up exclusive hobby supplies—there’s something for every wargamer.
Its early April so that means just one thing for many wargamers, SALUTE is coming around again. This year, as with many previously, Posties Rejects will be attending the show en-masse, and this year I have recruited the guys to help me cover the show for my channel. I will of course be there in my Miniature Adventures shirt, but Ray, Stuart and Steve will be sporting the red of Posties Rejects. Please come and say hello if you see us wandering around. We really do enjoy meeting followers of our blogs and channels.
If you think bumping into us in a hall filled with thousands of other wargamers is a little random then we have arranged the usual 'blogger' meet-up at 1pm roughly in the centre... see the big red dot on the floor plan below!
I know that SALUTE is not for everyone and there are always a long list of comments on my channel explaining why the show is either terrible, or the best thing ever! Each to their own of course, but I love this show. My knees are already hurting in anticipation, I have stocked up on painkillers and snacks, but I am going to thoroughly enjoy myself as always. I'm looking forward to exploring the demo games, visiting the traders and I'm also hoping to find time for one or two of the Panels which have become a popular staple of the last few shows. I will, as always, be taking far too many pictures and video, and will once again attempt to get a show video out by the end of the day. Then I'll need buckets of painkillers, an ice bath (like the hairy, overweight, walrus athlete that I am) and several days to recover. I can't wait.
Several members of Posties Rejects went to the Cavalier Wargames Show in Kent today. As usual I shot lost of pictures and here is a roundup video of the games on display.
Posties Rejects are running a demo game at the Broadside Wargames Show in Gillingham this Saturday, 8th June 2024. We have been running games at this event for many years and this time it's Ray's turn to put in a game. We have had a couple of practice games recently and a very nice-looking game for visitors to see. I don't want to give away too much at this point, but Ray has put together a lovely-looking game which tells the story of what is often called the only successful slave revolt in history. Here's a sneak peak, but check out this post on Ray's Blog for more details.
If you're in the Medway area next Saturday, or within driving distance, please pop along to this great little show and come and say hello.
It's the day after Salute 51 and I still have a load of photos to work through. I posted my Show Report yesterday but I have been sent several pictures from the day and wanted to share a few here.
Ray organised a 'Blogger Meet-up' for 2p, and quite a few people turned up. Not as many as in previous years, but I know that Salute isn't for everyone.
The 2024 Blogger Meet-up (Picture courtesy of Carl Packham)
There were many more people I saw during the day, more than I can remember. Thank you to everyone who came up and said hello. Maybe we'll see each other again at Salute 52? Or another show??
SALUTE 51 was another fantastic expo for the wargaming hobby in all its forms. Games big and small, from fantasy to historical and Sci-Fi were on display at the 2024 show. Here is a quick photo report of the games from the premier wargames event in the UK.
Salute 2024, or Salute 51, takes place in the Excel exhibition venue in London Docklands, a fifteen-minute drive from my home. I attended with a camera in hand as always and shot hundreds of pictures. This is a huge event, and getting around the nearly 100 games and several hundred traders in just seven hours is a challenge.
