14-15th December 2024

Event Program

Timings - Venue - Bookable Sessions - Play to Win & Demos - MCR Central Foodbank Collection point - Games library & Finding players - Secret Santa - Geek Fayre - Bring & Buy Sale - Food & Drink - Flagon Forums -

Timings

For bookable sessions timings please click here.

Saturday -

11am - Doors open

12pm- 5pm - Geek Fayre open

3pm-4pm - Pub Quiz

5:30pm - Secret Santa

7pm - Raffle Draw

9pm - Bar Closes (Please use main hotel bar after this time)

11:30pm - Curfew

Sunday

11am - Doors open

12pm- 5pm - Geek Fayre open

3pm-4pm - Board Game Bingo

5:30pm - Secret Santa

6:30pm - Play to win Draw

7pm - Raffle Draw

8pm - Curfew

Venue

Our event will take place at Sachas Hotel in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter. For directions and parking advice, check out this link..

Address:
Sachas Hotel
12 Tib St, Back Piccadilly
Manchester M4 1SH

Bookable Sessions

We’ve got some fantastic bookable sessions lined up to make your weekend truly special. Check out the full details here, but here are some highlights to get you excited:

Immersion Pavilion: Experience board games like never before! This time, Sam is taking us back to the garish 90s Christmases we all (mostly) remember. It’s the perfect way to embrace the festive spirit—don’t miss out!

RPGs for Everyone: Whether you're a seasoned player or a total beginner, we’ve got you covered. Try out new systems with festive twists like Drama Llamas, Fate, MÖRK BORG, and Cyberpunk. Dive into something new and unforgettable!

Party Games Galore: Looking for something more casual? Kim’s got you sorted with party games running throughout the festival, including the ever-popular Speed Gaming Session. Rotate through tables, try a variety of party games, and meet as many people as possible—it’s the ultimate icebreaker!
Puzzle Parlour: Prefer a slower start to your Sunday? Join the Puzzle Parlour for a relaxing jigsaw session with like-minded folks. It’s the perfect way to ease into the final day of the festival.

Play to win & Demos

We’re thrilled to announce that Hachette Board Games are providing a Play to Win game to the festival! This time, it’s LOOOT. Here’s how it works:

Grab the P2W game and give it a go.
Snap a picture of you enjoying it.
Upload it to social media, tagging D&F and Hachette.

You’ll be entered into a draw to win a copy of the game, with the winner announced on Sunday of the festival.

We’re also excited to welcome Nat from Lucky Duck Games, who’ll be running demos of their incredible lineup, including some exciting new titles. Don’t miss the chance to check them out!

MCR Central Food bank Collection

As is tradition at our Festive Special, we’ll be hosting a collection point for theMCR Central Food Bank. If you’re able, please consider bringing along an item to donate and help support those in need this season.

Urgently Needed Items:

Tinned fish, Tinned meat, Coffee / teabags, Tinned fruit &Tinned vegetables

They’ve Got Plenty Of:

Savoury snacks, Cereal &Chickpeas / lentils

Thank you for helping us make a difference in our community!

Games library & Finding players

During the event, you’ll have access to our MASSIVE games library featuring over 500 board games—there’s truly something for everyone! If you’re unsure what to play, just ask one of our friendly hosts; they’re always happy to recommend a game.

Looking for more players? Grab a Players Welcome sign or a green seat cover to show you’ve got a free spot at your table for anyone looking to join. If you’re on the hunt for a game to join, keep an eye out for these or chat with a D&F host, and they’ll help you find the perfect group.

Secret Santa

We’re thrilled to announce the return of Secret Santa this year, and yes, Santa himself will be making an appearance!

Here’s how it works:

Bring along a gift (or pick up something fun from the Geek Fayre) worth around £5.
Head to the wrapping station and pop your gift into Santa’s sack at the Welcome Desk. Don’t forget to grab your ticket!
At 5:30pm, when Santa makes his rounds, hand in your ticket and receive a surprise gift in return!

It’s festive, fun, and the perfect way to spread some holiday cheer. We can’t wait to see what you bring—and what you receive!

Geek Fayre

We’re so excited for our Geek-mas Fayre ! With over 30 amazing traders, it’s the perfect place to find something truly special for the geek in your life this Christmas. From indie treasures to one-of-a-kind creations, you’re bound to find something awesome!

When & Where:

Time: 12pm – 5pm, both days.
Location: The room nearest to the hotel reception
Entry: Free with your Board Game Festival Pass! £2 for everyone else.

Get ready to shop, support indie creators, and make your holiday season even more magical.

Bring & Buy Sale

Looking for great deals on tabletop games? Or maybe you have some games gathering dust that deserve a new home? TheBring & Buy Saleat the D&F All-Day Board Game Festival is the perfect place to buy, sell, and trade games!

How it Works:

🎲Selling Your Games:

Bring any board games, card games, RPGs, or miniatures you’d like to sell.
Place them on the designated Bring & Buy table with a note that includes:
- Your contact details (e.g., phone number or where to find you at the event).
- The asking price and any important game details (e.g., condition, special edition).
Sit back, enjoy the event, and let interested buyers reach out to you!

🎲Buying Games:

Browse the table for pre-loved games at great prices.
Check the attached note for seller details and game info.
Contact the seller to ask questions, negotiate, or finalize the deal.
Take home your new treasure and enjoy!

Whether you’re looking to refresh your collection or snag a bargain, the Bring & Buy Sale is a fun and simple way to connect with fellow gamers and score some great finds. Happy trading!

Food & Drink

Unfortunately, food won’t be available at the venue, but this means you’re free to explore the fantastic dining options right on the doorstep in Manchester’s Northern Quarter—and you’re welcome to bring your food back to the event.

However,please do not bring drinks into the venue. Instead, enjoy the great selection available at theFestival Hall bar, which will be open until9pm on Saturday. After 9pm, themain hotel barnear reception will be open for service.

Thanks for your understanding

Flagon Forums

Discover a series of free seminars exploring gaming and nerdy topics, hosted by passionate speakers from the community. Dive into fascinating discussions, gain unique insights, and connect with like-minded enthusiasts. Browse the schedule below to see what’s on during the festival, and click through to learn more or book your spot.