Huge two day board game festival coming to Doncaster

Board games are bringing families back together as screen time fatigue grows, new research suggests.

And a two day event devoted to the joys of playing board games is to be held at Doncaster Racecourse.

Families across South Yorkshire are increasingly turning to board games and tabletop gaming as a way to reconnect away from screens, as national research highlights growing concerns around digital fatigue and declining face-to-face social interaction.

Recent studies have shown that excessive screen time is linked to reduced wellbeing and social connection, particularly among children and young people, while shared, in-person activities such as games and hobbies can improve communication, confidence and mental health.

Research published by the University of Oxford and the UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport has highlighted the benefits of analogue play, showing that activities like board gaming encourage problem solving, cooperation and sustained attention.

Against that backdrop, Doncaster is set to host one of the UK’s largest tabletop gaming weekends, with Tabletop Gaming Live returning to Doncaster Racecourse on 14 and 15 February 2026.

The two-day event brings together open gaming, live demonstrations, talks from leading publishers and designers, family-friendly play zones and a late-night gaming session, offering visitors the chance to discover board games, role-playing games and tabletop hobbies in a shared, social setting.

Matt Chapman, Editor of Tabletop Gaming magazine said: “We’re seeing a real shift in how people want to spend their time.

“Families and friends are actively looking for experiences that bring them together in the same room, not just on the same Wi-Fi network.

“Tabletop gaming does exactly that, it’s social, creative and accessible to all ages.”

Studies from the British Psychological Society and Ofcom show that average daily screen use among children remains high post-pandemic, while parents increasingly report seeking alternatives that encourage conversation and collaboration.

Tabletop gaming has seen a resurgence as a result, with industry data showing strong growth in board game sales and live gaming events across the UK.

Tabletop Gaming Live reflects that trend, offering hands-on demos from major international publishers, opportunities to meet designers and creators, live Dungeons & Dragons sessions, quizzes, podcasts and a dedicated family zone designed to introduce younger players to tabletop games in a welcoming environment.

As part of the family zone, Imagination Gaming will be joining the event, offering solutions to create engagement and learning in educational and social organisations through the use of games.

Hosted by the team behind Tabletop Gaming magazine, the event also features talks on game design, publishing and invention, as well as open gaming areas that remain active into the evening on Saturday.

This is also an opportunity to take part in educational talks, covering topics such as crowdfunding and making industry connections.

With Doncaster Racecourse’s central location, strong transport links and free on-site parking, organisers say the event is designed to be accessible for local residents as well as visitors from across Yorkshire and beyond – there is even a free shuttle bus service directly from Doncaster train station.

Website: https://www.tabletopgaming.co.uk