It has been a long time since I last attended Salute. My usual early-year pilgrimage is to Partizan, but this year a diary clash—combined with the ever-present grumbling over petrol prices—nudged me toward London instead. And what a reminder it was of just how big this hobby can feel.
First Impressions – Scale and Atmosphere
Held annually at the cavernous ExCeL London, Salute offers a vast mix of traders, participation games, and demonstration tables, both historical and fantasy/sci-fi. The latter had certainly grown in scope and variety since my last visit.
Salute is also a key launch event—many manufacturers time new releases specifically for the show.
Waiting for the Doors to Open
The Trader Circuit – Focus (or Lack of It!)
Experience has taught me that discipline is essential at shows like this—without it, the shopping bill can escalate rapidly. Naturally, I ignored that lesson almost immediately.
My first stop was a beeline to Wargames Atlantic to pick up their new John book for Barons’ War. It’s less a traditional supplement and more a richly detailed treatment of the period. The inclusion of a Welsh army list immediately caught my attention and will feed directly into my planned refight of Edward I of England’s campaigns in Wales—more on that in a future post.
A very pleasant surprise was their newly released plastic Barons’ War command set, which proved impossible to resist.
Next came a visit to Heroics & Ros, where I picked up some test figures for a potential 6mm Eighth Army project. This was a good reminder of the value of shows: when buying online, you see the product, but you miss the conversation. The advice I received on vehicle choices and basing was invaluable—something you simply don’t get from a web order.
Inspiration on the Floor
One of the joys of Salute is the unexpected inspiration it provides. While browsing a display, I overheard two fellow gamers discussing a challenge they had set themselves: to build opposing tank forces for ‘What a Tanker!’ on a £25 budget. Inspired by one of the demo games, they were clearly fired up to try something new. It was a perfect example of how shows like this can spark fresh enthusiasm and ideas.
The Lard Zone and a Surprise Discovery
My next stop was the “Lard Zone,” home to the ever-reliable Too Fat Lardies demo games. As expected, the tables were excellent—visually striking and full of character.
However, the real surprise was the discovery of a forthcoming set of ancient rules: Vexillarius, written by David Brown. Designed for large-scale ancient battles, the game was being showcased on a beautifully presented table and immediately caught my interest.
Display Battle - Magnesia 190BC
In fact, it caught my interest rather too effectively—I soon found myself purchasing a box of Warlord Epic Battles: Romans from Warlord Games, despite already owning multiple 6mm ancient armies. Proof, if any were needed, that Salute is dangerous territory for the unprepared hobbyist.
Final Thoughts
After four hours of walking, talking, browsing, and being thoroughly inspired, I finally made my way home—rucksack and bags noticeably heavier than when I arrived.
Some of the Historical Games on Display
Salute remains what it has always been: a vast, energetic celebration of the hobby. It’s a place to see the latest releases, meet fellow gamers from across the UK and beyond, and—perhaps most importantly—come away with new ideas and renewed enthusiasm.
A great day out. Exhausting, certainly—but absolutely worth it.
