PLAY Expo, the North’s biggest videogames event, is returning to Manchester for the seventh time on May 4 and 5. Taking place in a new, bigger venue, PLAY Expo will be held at Manchester Central Exhibition Centre and will welcome over 25,000 videogamers through the doors for two days of gaming brilliance.

With over 1,000 screens to play for free it’s the perfect day out for games enthusiasts of all ages, with everything from blockbuster game previews to indie games, retro classics, eSports, cosplay, escape rooms, education, live shows, industry panels and YouTuber meet and greets.

PLAY Expo will feature almost 1,000 free to play gaming screens with a huge range of games to play from retro favourites like Pac-Man and Mario right the way up to current blockbusters like Fortnite and Minecraft. The show also celebrates all elements of the gaming industry with a host of cosplayers, tournaments, industry guests and even careers advice for those looking to work in the world of gaming.

On the Expo stages you will find talks from gaming celebrities, cosplay displays and tournaments for gamers of all skill levels. You will also find immersive live experiences, including John Robertson’s critically acclaimed ‘The Dark Room’ and ‘Knightmare Live’, the celebrated stage adaptation of the 80s-90s cult TV show Knightmare*.

Twitch channel ‘Streamers Connected’ will also be broadcasting live from the show across both days, bringing viewers at home the best content, interviews and action from the North’s biggest gaming event.

The event also provides visitors with career advice and support with a host of exhibitors giving insights into how to get started with a job in the gaming industry.

Andy Brown, Managing Director of Replay Events said: “We’re really excited to be bringing PLAY Expo back to Manchester at an even bigger arena. The perfect day out for gamers old and young, this event provides a unique opportunity to get hands on with the best computer games past and present. And with our new home at Manchester Central, it’s even easier to get to and make a great it a day out.”

Industry trade body UKIE, will be hosting ’30 Years Of Play’ at this year’s show. Inviting visitors to remember the British games that have shaped the industry over the last 30 years, including a retro gaming championship featuring classic British games from years gone by.

There will also be eSports championships taking place throughout the weekend with big cash prizes up for grabs for those competitive gamers looking to be crowned king of the North.

George Osborn, Campaign Manager, 30 Years of Play said: “We’re excited to be partnering up with PLAY Expo for its retro gaming championship. The video games sector has always been defined by a close relationship between players and developers. The retro gaming championship offers a brilliant opportunity to do just that, while also celebrating some of the best of British videogames from the past 30 years.”

Tickets cost: Adults £20, Child £14, Family (2 adults, 2 children) £58 per day or Adults £34, Child £24, Family £96 for the Weekend ticket and can be bought from playexpomanchester.com.

*Knightmare Live costs £10 and The Dark Room costs £5 per person.