Entoyment Wargaming & Hobby Centre, located in Poole, has announced major expansions for its ninth annual Beachhead Tabletop Games Expo at Bournemouth International Centre.

Taking place on 8-9 February 2025, the event is expected to bring exhibitors, market vendors, collectors, and attendees to the South Coast’s largest conferencing and exhibition venue for two days of engaging attractions, and roleplay fun.

Brand-new tournaments, painting masterclasses, and top-tier exhibitions form just part of Beachhead’s 2025 line-up to bring more aspiring gamers and experienced players to Bournemouth’s town centre. Long-time Beachhead fan-favourites such as roleplay sessions, playtesting opportunities, and big-name exhibitors will also be available, with more than 100 games on offer to encourage visitors to engage with free play.

Tabletop gaming has seen a surge in popularity thanks to the commercial appeal of pop culture phenomena such as Netflix’s Stranger Things and Games Workshop’s Warhammer. The popular hobby is showing no sign of decline, with recent findings by Cognitive Market Research predicting the UK’s tabletop gaming market, which is part of a broader European trend, is projected to grow with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7% between 2024-2031*.

Beachhead is just one line-up in Bournemouth International Centre’s busy 2025 exhibitor and cultural event programme. Other festivals and exhibitions to look forward to this year include Bournemouth Brick Festival and Bournemouth Comic Con (Sunday 23 March 2025), and The South Coast Darts Showdown (Saturday 10 May 2025). More events are expected to be announced later this year.

As well as helping to make Bournemouth a vibrant place to live, learn, visit and work, the impact of events such as Beachhead is felt far beyond the venues’ walls. They are vital to the town’s economy, generating millions of pounds in economic benefit and supporting thousands of jobs in other sectors including accommodation providers and retail.

On behalf of BH Live, Steve Turner, Director of Venues shared;

“We are delighted to continue our ongoing partnership with Entoyment to welcome the return of Beachhead to Bournemouth International Centre. Every year, this fantastic event draws a diverse crowd of tabletop gamers and exhibitors alike across the globe to celebrate the latest pop culture gaming releases. We are delighted to welcome everyone back to the venue next month.”

On behalf of Entoyment, Pete Valinski, Owner and Organiser of Beachhead, shared:

“We’re thrilled to return to the BIC for another Beachhead event. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase such a diverse and accessible hobby and the passions of the tabletop gaming community.”

Tickets for Beachhead are on sale at beachheadexpo.com and start at just £10.00.