JOS26 - Gone, but not forgotten...
Hi all, yes, we have been quiet for a couple of weeks, preparing for JOS, running JOS and then recovering from preparing for JOS and running JOS. Many, many thanks to everyone concerned, but more of that later. Firstly, the return of the magic order number, which currently stands at #34766. As ever, there will be a few orders prior to this that didn’t make the cut and other after that did. There are valid reasons for this, but as these are dependent on the casting goblins explaining themselves…
This post Joy of Six 2026 report should have been liberally illustrated by the numerous images taken by one of our crack Yellow shirts. Sadly, they have disappeared from my computer hard drive and I cannot access them...
Much as I could try and use purple prose to create a series of vivid word pictures bringing the wonderful games on display to vibrant life, I think it is better for all concerned that I just add a few relevant links.
Firstly, check out Whirlwind’s blog report: https://hereticalgaming.blogspot.com/2026/06/joy-of-six-2026.html
Next, we have the Storm of Steel’s usual excellent video report: https://youtu.be/N02rzvz79No?si=YYJ7_OzvRusnIp1U
Finally, the view from a Sheffield local https://elenderilsblog.blogspot.com/2026/07/joy-of-six-2026.html
We can’t offer a picture gallery, but here is the organisers’ view of the show.
Starting on the eve of the show when we had a wonderful evening in the company of visitors to Sheffield at Butlers Balti House. Great food, lots of Cobra beer and a keen sense of anticipation for the day ahead made for a wonderful atmosphere.
To the show itself. Starting with the games, we initially thought that we might be in trouble getting enough of them. Certain ‘names’ have become synonymous with JOS over the years, and we mentally pencil them in to our planning. However, for legitimate reasons, Per Broden, Robert Dunlop, Dan Hodgeson COGS and MAD gamers all had to drop out. However, we actually had a record number of games on display, this despite three more dropping out at the last moment. Just in terms of numbers of games on display the show is going from strength to strength. We cannot emphasise enough how grateful we are that all those wonderful individuals and groups continue to stage these outstanding games at the show. Thank you from all associated with JOS.
The next group is, of course, the Traders. It takes a massive effort to do all the preparation to get a trade stand ready for a show, and yes, there is a commercial aspect to their attendance, but if they didn’t make that effort and turn out in numbers, then there would be no show. Many of them trust us when we say, ‘We are putting on a show purely dedicated to a niche aspect of a niche hobby, but it will probably/maybe be worth your while paying for a stand and turning up.’ Over the years we have lost traders due to various reasons, but despite this, once again we had a record number at the show. Thanks from the organisers for trusting us
Next, we have all those who came through the doors. Lots of you. Visitors from all over the UK, and, amazingly to us, those of you from all over the world. While we will never rival Salute for visitor numbers our total of attendees through the door was well up on 2025 and continues the trend of year on year growth. Thanks, one and all. Without you to play the games, frequent the trade stands, eat from the cafeteria and heckle the panellists, there would simply be no show.
A massive thanks to the small and extremely industrious team of JOS Yellow shirts. They do a huge amount of behind the scenes work for a free t-shirt and a bacon butty.
The final thanks go to the brave individuals who foolishly agreed to be on the Q&A panel. It’s a privilege to chair these sessions and I am always grateful that individuals put themselves forward for the ordeal.
So, that’s it. Lindy and I will now happily forget all things JOS-related for a few months. Maybe…we are already doing some planning, and you can expect a few changes and updates for JOS27…
