UK Games Expo has updated their rules and guidelines for the show running this year Friday 30th July - Sunday 1st August 2021.

UK Games Expo Intention To Run // Buy Your Tickets Here

Here is a breakdown of what UK Games Expo has now updated. If you'd like to read their #PlayWithConfidence page in full you can check it out HERE.

General Update

The rules for attending a mass event are set by Public Health England. As we have always said we will abide by the rules that they set and we are maintaining that policy.

The government is expected to confirm on 12/07/2021 that there will be no restrictions placed on events by Public Health England. This includes entry requirements, numbers attending and social distancing. Exact guidance on face masks in expected on the evening of 12/07/2021.

However, UKGE and the NEC have agreed to go significantly beyond this and will take the following additional safety measures:

• We will maintain 4m wide aisles in all halls. (33% wider than normal to allow social distancing )
• Open gaming tables have additional spacing to allow social distancing when sat down. (Around 2m between tables)
• Likewise tournament tables have been spaced out to allow social distancing between games.
• NEC has newly upgraded hospital level ventilation.
• Hand sanitiser dispensers are available in the halls. We recommend you bring your own supply as well.
• In order to reduce queues and waiting time to get in, we have added a whole additional 8000 sqm hall just for ticketing. This will mean we can safely process visitors and get you your tickets as speedily as possible.
• 'In' and 'out' channels will be sign posted at Hall entrances.
• Increased cleaning of public areas within the NEC including toilets and frequently touched points around the venue.
• The NEC has outdoor space around the Lakeside area and we recommend its use.
• We will not be running the Bring and Buy this year as we recognise that is a crowded environment.
• We are monitoring attendance carefully. Projected attendance is around 50% normal.

Covid Status Evidence

(Including Lateral Flow tests/ Vaccine Status etc)

We request that all visitors 12 years and above take a home lateral flow test before coming to the venue.

Everyone aged 16 and up must present a NHS Covid Pass on the first day of attending the event (or email evidence of a negative Covid test).

The NHS Covid Pass is available to those with a negative Lateral Flow test or negative PCR test within the previous 48 hours, evidence of full vaccination or evidence of positive PCR test within the past 6 months providing this is after you've finished self-isolating and up to 180 days after taking the test. All of these are recognised by the NHS app as the evidence required for a NHS Covid Pass which is recommended by PHE for access to large events this summer. For those without the app installed, email evidence of a negative Covid test will also be accepted.

You must show your NHS Covid Pass or negative test in electronic or paper form to gain access. More details

Symptoms

Please do not attend if you have symptoms of Covid and if you develop these during the event please leave immediately and seek medical advice.

Face Masks

• PHE guidelines are to wear masks in crowded indoor spaces as well as when meeting with people you do not know and we support this.
• You must bring a face mask to the UK Games Expo unless you have medical exemptions.
• You must wear a face mask inside the UK Games Expo indoor spaces unless you have medical exemptions.
• Children under 12 are in accordance with PHE recommendations not required to wear masks.
• In accordance with guidelines you may remove face masks when sat down at a table having a meal or a drink.

We expect a further update on these guidelines on 12/07/2021 and will update this page following that.

We will keep you informed if there are any more changes to the rules and guidelines as we get nearer to the start of the convention.