To Boldly Game Takes Over National Space Centre for Tabletop Weekend

To Boldly Game transformed the National Space Centre in Leicester into a weekend tabletop destination, staging board games, roleplaying sessions and miniature-painting workshops beneath the venue’s towering rockets on 31 January and 1 February 2026. The weekend mattered to local gamers and families because it combined hobby programming with the museum’s galleries and handed visitors long-term value through membership upgrades.

The National Space Centre’s galleries and immersive exhibits provided an unusual backdrop for hobby activities. James Daykin wrote that the Centre aimed to “shake off the winter blues and step into a world of imagination” as the venue “transform[ed] into a vibrant hub for tabletop gamers, families and curious minds, blending board games, roleplaying games, creativity and science-inspired play against a backdrop of towering rockets and immersive galleries.” The event leaned into the museum’s STEM focus, featuring space and STEM-themed board games alongside recreational play.

Programming covered competitive and casual interests. Daykin described an agenda “designed for all ages and experience levels,” with offerings that included space and STEM-themed board games, epic RPG sessions, miniature painting workshops, championships and friendly competitions. Live demonstrations, open play areas and creative hobby zones provided hands-on space for painting, scenario play and demo tables; Daykin said those elements would “keep the Centre buzzing throughout the weekend, encouraging hands-on learning and curiosity in a fun, welcoming environment.” Andrew Girdwood framed the swap of “celestial physics for critical hits,” noting dedicated roleplaying sessions, miniature painting workshops and board game championships alongside friendly challenges for newcomers and families.

Visitors also had the chance to meet publishers and creators. Daykin reported that “visitors will also have the chance to meet the people behind the games, with a wide range of independent and established publishers, designers and creators in attendance, including Hachette Boardgames UK, Absolute Ascendancy, Atikin Games, Geeky Meeples, Split Stone Games and more.” For buyers preparing ahead, Girdwood noted that “many of the publishers attending have a significant presence on Amazon or can be found at specialist retailers such as Zatu Games.”

The National Space Centre tied the weekend into its membership model. Daykin wrote that “Annual Pass holders can attend the event free of charge,” and that “standard admission includes access to the National Space Centre’s award-winning galleries, exhibitions and attractions, along with a free upgrade to an Annual Pass, allowing unlimited return visits for a full year.” Tickets were available through the National Space Centre’s official booking page; sources did not disclose specific ticket prices or session timetables.

One caveat in the public record: Asmodee’s promotional material from January 2025 carried the headline “Asmodee Joins Forces with the National Space Centre for an Intergalactic Adventure of Space Board Games” and referenced January 25, 2025. That 2025 date and Asmodee’s claimed involvement are not corroborated by the 2026 reporting and should be confirmed with the National Space Centre or Asmodee for future coverage.

For painters and event-goers, the weekend delivered access to workshops, demo tables and a chance to meet publishers under an iconic space-themed roof. Watch the National Space Centre’s event listings and publisher channels for confirmations of exhibitor line-ups, workshop schedules and program repeats later in the year.