If you're at a loose end this weekend and within reach of Northampton, one of Britain's longest-running board game weekends is on. ManorCon XLII takes over the University of Northampton's Waterside Campus from Friday 24 to Monday 27 July 2026, opening at 2pm on the Friday and running through to Monday afternoon.
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See how it worksManorCon has been going since 1983, which makes this its forty-second outing, and it draws around 350 players who mostly stay on site in the university halls for a proper gaming retreat. The heart of it is open gaming: bring whatever you like and find people to play, backed by a games library and plenty of tables. There are tournaments too, with last year's programme including 18XX, Diplomacy and Wingspan, and the con keeps up traditions like the midnight games of Midnight Party and a Saturday music quiz.
Beyond the gaming there is a second-hand bring and buy for topping up (or thinning out) your collection, an on-site retailer, a bar and canteen, and even a treasure hunt. Diplomacy has deep roots here, so expect some cheerfully ruthless negotiation alongside the friendlier fare. Booking is open now on the ManorCon site.
Looking for board gamers near you? Browse local communities and find your next game night.
Find events near youNot able to make Northampton? A weekend like this is a good reminder of how much fun a face-to-face gaming meet can be, and you don't need 350 people to start one. If you fancy running your own, you can set up an event or find a local group on Backseat Gamer and get a regular game night going.
Sources: ManorCon
