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Beachhead Tabletop Games Expo at Bournemouth BIC – The UK Gaming Event You Shouldn’t Have Missed
- Alex Critchell
- Feb 10
- 6 min read
Why This Bournemouth Gaming Event Is One You Should Not Miss Next Year
This weekend marked the return of Beachhead Tabletop Games Expo, a cornerstone gaming event in Bournemouth that has quietly grown into one of the most exciting tabletop shows in the South of England. Now celebrating its 10th year, Beachhead once again took over the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) and delivered a weekend packed with dice, miniatures, cards, boards and brilliant people.
Having attended almost every year since the show began and this year returning to exhibit as a trader, it was impossible not to feel the momentum. The halls were alive with discovery. Newcomers were finding their first games, seasoned hobbyists were deep in tactical debates and small businesses and clubs were sharing their passion with anyone willing to stop and roll a die.
If you missed Beachhead this year, consider this your warning shot. This is a show that deserves to be on every UK gamer’s calendar.
What Is Beachhead Tabletop Games Expo?
Beachhead Tabletop Games Expo is an annual UK gaming event held every February at the Bournemouth International Centre. Run by Peter Valinski of Entoyment Wargaming and Hobby Centre in Poole, Dorset, the show was created to bring the tabletop gaming community together under one roof.
What started in a single hall with a handful of traders and a few tournaments has evolved into a full-scale expo filling nearly every usable space in the BIC. Each year the layout, flow and offering are refined, making Beachhead not just bigger, but better.
At its core, Beachhead is about connection. Players, creators, retailers, clubs and families all sharing the same hobby, discovering new games and rediscovering why tabletop gaming is so special.
What Happens at Beachhead Tabletop Games Expo?
Beachhead covers all four major pillars of the tabletop hobby:
Board Games
Miniature Games
Trading Card Games
Roleplaying Games
Alongside these, you will also find cosplayers, painting competitions, open play areas, demos, RPG sessions and an impressive number of chances to sit down and play something new.
Across the weekend, attendees can:
Enter competitive tournaments
Take part in friendly demos
Join RPG adventures
Explore participation games in the main hall
Browse trade stands packed with unique finds
Relax in the board game zone with friends old and new
Whether you are brand new to gaming or deeply entrenched in the hobby, Beachhead offers an easy, welcoming way to dive in.
What Trade Stands Are Usually at Beachhead?
Beachhead is a fantastic showcase for small businesses and independent creators in the UK gaming scene. Spread across two trade halls, you will find a diverse mix of designers, sculptors, publishers and retailers.
Recent shows have featured:
Dice Heads, creators of Zoontalis
Ocean City Miniatures and Greyhawk Miniatures fantastic miniature creators.
Unique concepts like Brickskrieg
Specialist retailers (including us!)
Beautiful dice and accessories from Roll Gothica
In the main hall, Asmodee and Coiledspring Games run demo zones, introducing people to modern board games and helping new players find their next favourite title.
The trade halls are where discovery thrives. You arrive browsing and leave with bags full of games, miniatures and those irresistible “click-clack” dice.
What Are Participation Games at Beachhead All About?
Participation games are one of Beachhead’s most engaging features and a highlight for many visitors.
These are large, visually striking miniature games run by clubs, indie designers and companies. Each table showcases a specific system, story moment or historical battle. Visitors can jump in, play a turn or two, influence the outcome and then move on to the next table.
Some of this year’s participation games included:
Mordheim
Warhammer 40,000
A brilliantly themed Ghostbusters miniatures game
It is one of the best ways to explore unfamiliar systems without commitment and a perfect entry point for anyone curious about miniature gaming.
What Is the Board Game Zone Like and When Is It Open Until?
The Board Game Zone at Beachhead is the show’s social heartbeat. Designed for relaxed play, it offers:
Around 100 games in an open gaming library
Plenty of table space
A welcoming atmosphere for casual and late-night gaming
On Saturday night, the connected bar area stayed open until 1am, allowing games to continue long after the trade halls closed. The zone was buzzing well into the evening, and by all accounts, it was busier than ever.
During the daytime, the space was full of laughter, discussion and the unmistakable sound of cards shuffling. It was also a great place to catch up with fellow enthusiasts, including local creators like Tom from the Twenty Minute Tabletop podcast.
What Tournaments Are Running at Beachhead?
Beachhead is not just about casual play. It also caters to players who love competition.
Across the weekend, the show hosts a mix of one-day and two-day tournaments, covering both miniature games and trading card games. Recent events included:
Warhammer 40,000
Star Wars Legion
Marvel Crisis Protocol
Magic: The Gathering Draft
Pokémon TCG
These tournaments attract players from across the UK and provide a competitive but friendly environment to test your skills.
Why Beachhead Is a Must-Attend Gaming Event in the UK
Beachhead Tabletop Games Expo captures everything that makes tabletop gaming special. Shared stories. One more turn moments. New friendships formed over a borrowed rulebook or a last-minute dice roll.
As a gaming show in Bournemouth, it deserves far more attention than it currently gets. For anyone searching for more gaming events in the UK, a day of games in Bournemouth, or a welcoming place to discover a new hobby, Beachhead should be right at the top of the list.
We will absolutely be returning next year with more demos, stock and plenty of enthusiasm. If you missed out this time, do not make the same mistake twice.
See you at the Bournemouth International Centre next February.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beachhead Tabletop Games Expo
What is Beachhead Tabletop Games Expo?
Beachhead Tabletop Games Expo is an annual tabletop gaming event held every February at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC). It celebrates board games, miniature games, trading card games and roleplaying games, bringing together players, traders, clubs and creators from across the UK.
Where is Beachhead Tabletop Games Expo held?
The event takes place at the Bournemouth International Centre, located in the heart of Bournemouth on the South Coast of England. The BIC offers large halls, excellent accessibility and is close to transport links, hotels, restaurants and the seafront.
When does Beachhead Tabletop Games Expo take place?
Beachhead is traditionally held every February, running across a full weekend. Dates are announced in advance, making it an ideal winter gaming event for people looking for tabletop shows in the South of England.
Is Beachhead suitable for beginners and families?
Yes. Beachhead is widely regarded as a welcoming and beginner-friendly gaming event. With demos, participation games, board game libraries and helpful traders, it is easy for newcomers to try games without pressure. Families and younger gamers are regularly seen enjoying the show.
How does Beachhead compare to UK Games Expo or Salute?
Beachhead is smaller than UK Games Expo and Salute, but that is part of its strength. It offers a more relaxed, personal atmosphere where attendees can easily talk to designers, traders and clubs. For many, it is the perfect regional alternative to larger UK gaming conventions while still offering tournaments, trade halls and participation games.
What games can you play at Beachhead Tabletop Games Expo?
Attendees can play a wide range of tabletop games, including:
Board games from modern classics to new releases
Miniature games such as Warhammer 40,000, Mordheim and indie systems
Trading card games like Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon
Roleplaying games through scheduled RPG sessions.
There is also an open board game zone with a large lending library.
Are there tournaments at Beachhead?
Yes. Beachhead hosts both one-day and two-day tournaments across the weekend. These typically include popular miniature games and trading card games. Tournaments are well organised and attract players from across the UK who enjoy competitive play in a friendly environment.
What are participation games at Beachhead?
Participation games are large demonstration tables run by clubs, designers or companies. Visitors can step in, play a turn or two, influence the game’s story or battle and then move on. They are one of the best ways to discover new miniature games without committing to a full session.
Is there open gaming or a board game library?
Yes. Beachhead features a dedicated Board Game Zone with a library of over 100 games. Players can bring their own games, borrow from the library or play games purchased at the show. On Saturdays, gaming often runs late into the evening.
Who should attend Beachhead Tabletop Games Expo?
Beachhead is ideal for:
Tabletop gaming newcomers
Experienced hobbyists
Families and casual gamers
Competitive tournament players
Anyone looking for gaming events in Bournemouth or the South of England
If you enjoy tabletop gaming and community-driven events, Beachhead is well worth attending.
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