Northants Board Game Convention returns to Kettering for all you movers and shakers

Taking place on Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1 at Kettering Arts Centre, the family-friendly convention returns for its third year with two days of fun, games and community for people who love ‘analogue interaction’.

Organised by Boards of Kettering CIC’s Dez Dell and Polly Shackleton, the convention will bring together gamers from across Northamptonshire and beyond.

Boards of Kettering has hosted a monthly board games café night for six years in Kettering and recently launched a new monthly board game night with pizza and gaming emporium, Lucky Chuck’s.

Organiser Polly Shackleton said: “It was lovely to see so many families together playing games last year. I loved seeing people come on their own and be welcomed into our inclusive gaming community. Our tournaments are always great fun with all ages getting involved, especially Connect 4. I have won the Dro Polter tournament every year and will be defending my title this year."

Boards of Kettering CIC was formed to promote skills and well-being through play and has worked with schools and community groups.

They also sell a great selection of modern board games in Kettering’s Kitsch Mitch in the Yards, That Pink Shop and Northampton's Vintage Guru.

Lucy Lukins, the managing director of murder mystery group Invitation 2 Murder, will run both The Mad Hatters Mystery and The Betrayers interactive theatre this year.

She said: "We are so excited for NORBCON again this year. We have a blast meeting so many awesome fun people, plus this year we have a bonus, The Betrayers in this game of alliances and deception, will you be loyal?”

The Northants Board Game Convention will feature a library of more than 500 board games to play and demonstrations of games, with experienced players on hand to teach.

Vendors will be selling a wide range of board games and related wares and a bring-and-buy section where to purchase and sell pre-owned games.

Local groups including the Phoenix Gaming Club, Ready Steady Roll and the Catalyst Labs Demo Team (Battletech).

As well as a licensed bar there will be food vendors, including Lucky Chuck’s pizza, No 1 Smash and Grab, Lovett Fudge and Sugarbush Bakery.

Organiser Dez Dell said: “I’m really excited we’re bringing NorbCon back to Kettering Arts Centre - it’s such a beautiful venue and fits the vibe of the convention so well.

“You don’t have to be an avid board gamer to enjoy this event, we have something for everyone of any age!”

The convention will be held across two days, with sessions running from 10am to 3pm, and 3.30pm to 8.30pm each day.

Tickets are £7 per person or free for under-fives and carers from www.boardsofkettering.com/norbcon

Kettering Arts Centre is in Lindsey Street, Kettering, NN16 8RG.