Salute 2021

[fred]

Any posts or blogs about Salute?

What new stuff did people see? What great games where there?

[2010sunburst]

I went yesterday, but to be honest, I thought it very subdued.  There were few games on show, with a great many empty tables to be seen.  The attendance also seemed far less than what it seemed last time I went two years ago.  I felt a little sorry for the organisers .  They put a huge effort, and it was as well organised as usual, but the punters simply never turned out in any numbers. 
As to traders and new things, there always seem to be companies I’ve not heard of, but nothing really grabbed me.  I bought a few things of course 
Over all, I was a little disappointed really.  There was no great centrepiece demo battle, as previously.  The Stalingrad demo looked good, as did the pirate set up.  At least it  finally happened, and I hope the organisers didn’t lose too much.  On to the next one when the world will be a little more normal!  . 

[SirRoystonPapworth]

While I agree numbers were down, the extra space in the hall made it feel like there were less people there.

I'm not a 6mm man, but for me far and away the best game was the Poltava game. A period I like, fantastic terrain and lovely figures. It also had the bonus of a great guy running it. Really knowledgeable and friendly.

[Ockius]

This was my first ever wargames show! I ended up going alone as friends dropped out. I found it a bit hard to relax and enjoy it fully because of the COVID situation - the masks make interaction odd, and I admit I am cautious and feel uncomfortable being close to lots of people right now. That meant I skipped a couple of crowded areas.

In spite of all that I enjoyed it, and look forward to going back, hopefully in more normal circumstances.

I also thought the Poltava table was great and was talked through it by the very friendly and engaging chaps running it. The Stalingrad table that won best game was phenomenal - the sloping terrain was really immersive, and guided the eye to move from down at the docks, up the hill and into the factory area - I think with a ‘busy’ (ie: detailed) diorama or show game table, something that guides the eye, much like in fine art paintings, really helps engage you in it in a sustained way.

[Mark]

I went with a mate and although I would agree it felt that numbers were down - and I would say on all fronts - punters, traders and games, it was still massive and we had a great time.

I would echo the comments on the stalingrad table, which was excellent. The blood and plunder game also looked great. One that hasn't been mentioned was the VBCW participation game put on by LWG, with a brilliant representation of small chunk of the North Bank of the Thames around (and including!) Tower Bridge.

Also, rifleman Harris from Sharpe was there flogging his new book and his real life glasses are a dead ringer for those he wore in the series!

A small and poor selection of photos...

[fred]

Thanks for sharing, all. I see there are some more show threads landing now