On Sunday, October 11, 2026, I finally made it to Newark. Attending a Partisan event had long been a goal of mine, and it finally became a reality. Many wargamers had praised this show for having the best gaming tables in the entire UK—and I wasn't disappointed. What I saw exceeded my expectations; the tables and games on display were simply stunning. The event's organisation was also truly impressive. I particularly appreciated how the show was divided into two sections: display and participation, with various retail stalls surrounding them. A food area, featuring a large canteen and several outdoor food vendors, rounded out the experience perfectly. You could easily plan your visit: explore the show, take a break for a meal, and then return for a closer look at the tables—or, as I did, sit down at a table and join a game.
An event like this is, of course, a great opportunity to meet many wargamers—both the regular attendees and the celebrities of our hobby. I chatted with some people, while others passed by quickly. I also hoped to speak with a few people, but they were engaged in other conversations, so that didn't work out. Overall, I found the event fantastic, and I'll definitely return. Who knows, it might become a regular fixture in my annual gaming calendar. This is especially true because Newark is worth visiting, particularly for its strong historical ties to the Polish Armed Forces during the Second World War.
Here are some photos from the show; you can find more in my Flickr gallery using the link below:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/asienieboje/albums/72177720336157250
During the show, I played a partial game using Simon Miller's new ruleset, Lust for Glory. This game follows his previous work and focuses on conflicts from the mid-17th century to nearly the end of the 18th century. Mechanically, the rules are similar to For King and Parliament, but they include specific adjustments that capture the era's flavour. I found the rules very appealing, and we will definitely be trying them out at our club.
In our game, I took the Sun King's side and commanded our right flank. I had a brigade of infantry and cavalry at my disposal, but I failed to use them effectively, largely because my orders kept failing. Fortunately for me, Geof and Campbell, who commanded the opposing forces, had just as much trouble. It was a different story on our other flank, where Allied infantry drove a wedge into the French lines. By the end of the game, the French had suffered heavier losses, but the outcome was still far from certain. It resulted in a well-deserved draw.
Overall, this was my best show to date. The variety and quality of the games on display exceeded my expectations. While I would still rank Salute higher for shopping opportunities, I would choose Partisan for its impressive gaming tables and the chance to meet interesting people.
