Prepare for a Warmachine weekend to remember. Lock & Load 2026 is coming to the UK for a mega three-day experience from May 15-17 this year, and VIP badges are available now.
After the resounding success that was the revival of Lock & Load US in late 2025, we announced the big event would be returning to Europe. You've awaited the drop with bated breath, and the auspicious day has arrived. Head to Eventbrite now to grab your badge!
Better still, up until March 31, you can pick up a VIP weekend badge complete with Lock & Load swag at an early bird discount. Single day badges are also available — head to Eventbrite and take your pick.
Your badge will get you access to a Warmachine experience like no other. For three glorious days, Magna Centre in Sheffield will be home to Steamroller tournaments, Grand Narratives, Frontlines events, Iron Arena pick-up games, painting sessions, game development and lore seminars, live reveals in one of our legendary Warmachine keynotes, an Iron Gauntlet Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ), and the esteemed Iron Gauntlet Europe 2026 Finals.
The best part? There's no extra cost for events. If you've got a Lock & Load badge for that day, you can sign up for any event* as long as you've booked your seat. (More on the event schedule below.)
*Except the Iron Gauntlet Finals, of course — unless you qualify in the LCQ!
Where better to host a mega Warmachine weekend than a massive venue dedicated to steel?
We couldn't bring this huge celebration of Warmachine across the pond without a suitably killer venue. Once Templeborough steelworks, the world's largest electric arc melting shop, Magna is now an incredible exhibition centre dedicated to the four elements involved in forging steel. We'll be taking over the Big Hall for three unforgettable days of wargaming.
If you'd like to check out the awesome exhibits at the Magna centre during your visit, your Lock & Load badge gets you discounted entry at just £10 a ticket. Just head to the desk with your badge.
There'll be plenty of events included with your Lock & Load EU badge, from tournaments to seminars. The event schedule preview drops March 8, so you can start planning your weekend ahead of event bookings going live on March 13.
And for the Guild Ball fans, there'll be open play and Regional Cups throughout the weekend. Sign up for the newsletter to get notified when the event schedule is live.
Getting to Lock & Load
It's never too early to start planning! Magna's in an easily accessible location, whether you're travelling by plane, train, or automobile.
Location
Magna, Sheffield Road, Templeborough, Rotherham, S60 1DX
Car
The postcode S60 1FD will bring you onto Magna Way, after which Magna is the big, black building straight ahead. There's plenty of free on-site parking.
Flights
Magna's just an hour drive from the Leeds Bradford and East Midlands airports.
Tram
A new tram stop is also underway that'll take you right to Magna's doorstep! Located along the existing Supertram network route between Sheffield and Rotherham, the Magna stop is scheduled to open early 2026 and should be operational in time for Lock & Load.
Bus
The regular X3 service drops visitors right outside Magna and takes just five minutes from Meadowhall Interchange.
Train
Rotherham Central, Sheffield, and Meadowhall stations are all close by. You can catch the X3 bus from any of these stations.
Where to stay
You'll find more travel details and a list of recommended hotels on Magna's Getting Here page.
The Holiday Inn includes a special discount for Magna visitors, and you'll usually find great rates at the Travelodge.
So, a quick recap:
- VIP weekend badges for Lock & Load EU 2026 are now live, including an early bird discount and Lock & Load swag
- Day badges are also available
- The event schedule preview goes up March 8 so you can plan your weekend ahead of events going live
- Event bookings open March 13, so you can grab your spots in the events you want
- Events are included with your Lock & Load badge, so there's no extra cost
- It's going to be an amazing weekend and you should definitely come hang out with us
Seriously, what are you waiting for? Eventbrite calls!
Lock & Load US 2026 — November 5-8, 2026, St Louis
In case you missed it, Lock & Load US is also returning to the US later this year.
Warfaire Weekend were fantastic hosts in 2025, and we want to say a huge thanks to Walker and the team. Moving forward, Lock & Load US will be standing on its own two feet and running as an independent event in 2026.
It's happening from November 5-8 in St Louis and badges will go live soon. Sign up for updates here by selecting ‘Warmachine’.
