Vapnartak Wargames Show, York

Vapnartak is a wargaming show held each winter at York Racecourse. The racecourse lists it on its own events pages, describes it as one of Northern England's biggest wargaming shows, and gives the opening times as 10am to 4pm. In recent years it has been on the first Sunday in February (2 February 2025 and 1 February 2026), which makes it one of the first big shows of the UK hobby year.

It's a one-day show, so there's no weekend to plan around: you go in the morning, spend the day among the stalls and the gaming tables, and you're home for tea. That suits plenty of people in the north of England and the Midlands who want a proper show without a hotel stay.

Who runs it

Vapnartak has its own website, linked in the At a glance box, and that's where the organiser publishes the details for each year. When we checked it in October 2026, the site would not load for us, so we can't tell you who runs the show or how long it has been going from their own pages. We'd rather leave a gap than guess. If you know the show well and spot something to add, the organiser's site is the source we'll use.

Why it matters in the calendar

Early February is a good moment for a show. The Christmas painting projects are done, new armies are being planned, and the bigger spring shows are still weeks away. A day at Vapnartak is a chance to pick up the paints, terrain and rules for the year ahead, and to see what other gamers have been working on over the winter.

The date we show for Vapnartak 2027 is Usually early February, and the status badge reads Usually held in February. When the badge turns green and says Confirmed, the date has been published by the organiser or the venue. Until then we show the usual timing rather than guessing a day.

Here's what the venue's own event pages say about recent shows:

• Recent shows: 2 February 2025 and 1 February 2026, both Sundays.
• Opening times: 10am to 4pm, as listed by York Racecourse.
• Length: one day.

If the pattern holds, Vapnartak 2027 will be on the first Sunday in February, but please treat that as a guide until it's announced. Racecourses host lots of events, and dates can move. Before you book a train or arrange a lift, check the official site and the York Racecourse events listing.

Is there a best time to go?

With a 10am to 4pm day, most visitors arrive in the morning. The first hour is busiest at the trade stands, as regulars head straight for the things they've been waiting for. The early afternoon is usually calmer for watching games and chatting to the people running them. If you're travelling a long way, an early start gives you the most of the day.

We couldn't confirm the entry price, concessions or whether under-16s get in free, because none of that appears on the venue's event pages and the organiser's site wouldn't load when we checked. So we haven't printed a price here. When the organiser publishes one, we'll add it to the box above.

Most UK wargames shows of this kind charge a modest fee on the door, and many let younger visitors in free or at a reduced rate, but every show sets its own rules. A few practical points help whatever the arrangements turn out to be:

• Check for advance tickets. If the organiser sells them, booking ahead usually means a shorter queue in the morning.
• Carry a little cash. Even where cards are taken at the door, smaller stalls and any second-hand sale may prefer cash.
• Keep your ticket or hand stamp. Handy if you pop out to the car with your shopping and want to come back in.

The ticket button opens the organiser's own site in a new tab. We're not involved in running the show, so for questions about tickets, access or the day itself, please contact the organiser.

What we can say for sure, from the venue's pages, is that Vapnartak is a wargaming show with traders. The venue's listing for recent shows mentions one returning trader bringing books and models for the sci-fi game Heavy Gear Blitz, which gives you a feel for the range: it isn't only one period or one big brand.

Beyond that, the official site is the place for each year's details. Here's what to look out for, with the things we couldn't confirm clearly marked.

Vapnartak draws a mixed crowd, so whether you play historical, fantasy or sci-fi games, you'll find something to enjoy. Regular gamers come to stock up for the year and catch up with friends from other clubs. Painters come for paints, brushes and ideas.

Beginners

A one-day show close to a city centre is a relaxed way into the hobby. You can see lots of different games in one place, ask questions without any pressure, and find out what kind of gaming you enjoy before you spend much. If something catches your eye, our guide to finding or starting a local club is a good next step.

Families

Wargames shows are generally welcoming to families, and a curious youngster watching a big battle table is a common sight. We couldn't confirm the organiser's rules for children's entry, so check the official site, and keep little hands away from other people's models (more on that below).