VISITOR FAQs
Is it family friendly?
Yes, 100%, there's loads for kids to see and do. Many of our organisers would have attended SALUTE over the years as youngsters and now we have the privilege to run it for future generations.
Are there opportunities to learn to play?
YES! So many opportunities! Too many in fact! We normally have around 100 participation games being run which you can join in with, and in addition to this there’s a bunch of demonstration games where you can ask about what’s happening. If you’re new to the hobby, this is the perfect place to come and find your new favourite games and make new friends.
Are there any tournaments on the day?
Not ones run by us, the event is predominantly a trade and public participation show, so you don’t need to bring any of your armies with you. You’ll be able to join in other games run by our exhibitors.
Is it OK to come on my own?
Definitely. We are all fellow hobbyists enjoying our love of games and there will be lots of people at the show who you can talk to and share stories with.
I am new to wargaming, is that OK?
Yes, and this is one of the best places to meet folks who can tell you all about the hobby. You may even find your local club exhibiting at the event and it’s a perfect chance to meet them and join in the fun.
Can anyone enter the painting competition? ?
Yes, and you definitely should! The standard can be very high, but the experience is amazing and it’s not every day you get to see your miniatures displayed in the glass cabinets at a giant wargaming show!
And will there be somewhere to store my minis if I bring them for the competition?
Not outside of the Painting Competition (although the ExCel might have a cloakroom for your cases). Once you leave your miniatures with us they will be kept at the Painting Competition for judging and then from 4pm onwards we’ll be asking folks to collect them. Do not leave the show without them!!
Are there areas to sit down?
Yes, we provide seating around the outskirts of the event and there is more seating in the ExCel central boulevard area. There are also places to get food and drink both inside the show, on the ExCel boulevard and nearby the ExCel.
Can I leave the show and come back?
Yes, we will stamp your hand (or equivalent) when you exit so you can get back in. There are also local pubs you can retreat to if you are finding the experience overwhelming at any time.
Is it just wargames or other games too?
There’s lots more than you think! The show’s main focus is wargames (which usually involves miniatures, dice and some great terrain setup), however there are other games being played too and there are definitely more things to buy. You can be sure to find: card games, board games, roleplay games, cosplay items, etc
Can we get tickets on the day?
Yes… BUT, don’t leave it until the last minute. SALUTE is getting more popular every year (we must be doing something right!) and we do have a limit on tickets. So please buy in advance to avoid any disappointment or make sure to turn up very early to buy on the door.
What’s in the goodie bag and how do i get one?
This changes every year and we will inform our mailing list and post up on social media with some pictures. There’s normally a show guide, custom dice, official miniature and some other things like free miniatures, sprues, discount vouchers, dice trays, product samples, etc
We give these out on a first come first serve basis, and normally have around 5000. Please arrive EARLY if you want to guarantee getting one.
Is there photography and filming at the event?
Yes, and if you are welcome to take pictures and video. All we ask is that you respect the wishes of any fellow visitor who asks not to be photographed or filmed.
Didn’t find an answer?
Try the ExCel website as they have a good FAQ section: