Last year saw me head to the frozen (quite literally last year!) North to attend my first Airecon in Harrogate. You can read all about my exploits on last year’s post-con Top 10 list, but suffice it to say I had a good enough time that I’ll be returning again next year.

Tickets are already on sale for the event, and you can find out more by either visiting the Airecon website or getting involved over at their Facebook page. A three-day adult ticket costs just £28 (half that for youngsters), while adult day tickets are £12.

Having had a good six months to reflect on this year’s event, what made Airecon so enjoyable for me was that despite being bigger than most board game cons it still had the atmosphere of one of those nice small local ones. It felt warm and friendly, despite there being masses of table space and loads more publishers and retailers than you’d get at a smaller event. And you won’t get a 350-game library (provided by games retailer and main sponsor Travelling Man) at many other events. There might even be some special guests…It also has the advantage of being slap-bang in the middle of a lovely place. There were a few moans about the variety of food on offer last year, but when you have an entire town full of bars and restaurants literally five minutes away that complaint seems a little churlish! If you want uninterrupted gaming to the nth degree, bring provisions: personally I loved the fact I could take a break and easily have loads of great options within easy reach – and exactly the same went for accommodation.

Alongside the gaming space and retail therapy, last year also had a full list of events including competitions, seminars, live shows and a quiz (we was robbed!) – and you can expect the same at Airecon 5. Again, its nice to have the option of distractions even if you don’t use them – and they’re held in a purpose-built space (Harrogate is a real convention centre town). And don’t forget you’re right on the edge of some beautiful countryside if you’re feeling more adventurous.

This is probably starting to sound like an advert, but hey – last year was great and if they manage to supply more of the same in 2019 it may become my favourite con, so what can I say except hopefully I’ll see you there. I wouldn’t go if I didn’t like it!