ABOUT US

Insomnia’s revival is being driven by a powerhouse collaboration between Modern Wolf, Emblem Events & Exhibitions, High Viz Media (Group) Ltd, and Protec European Events. All four organisations have long-standing connections to Insomnia and bring decades of combined experience across gaming, publishing, and live event production.

With a proven track record in delivering complex, high-profile events, this new partnership is committed to restoring Insomnia to its roots while setting a new benchmark for UK gaming festivals in the years to come.

Insomnia, the UK’s most iconic LAN party and gaming festival, is set to return in 2026. The much-anticipated Insomnia i74 will take place from 30th April to 3rd May 2026 at an exciting new venue, the Staffordshire County Showground. This large and versatile location underlines our ambition to continue the legacy of the festival while maintaining its legendary atmosphere.

Tickets are now sale from insomniagamingfestival.comand are on a strictly first-come, first-served basis. With demand expected to be extremely high, availability will be limited and tickets are likely to sell out quickly.

The return of Insomnia is more than just the relaunch of a festival, it’s a celebration of community. i74 is designed to recapture the excitement and atmosphere of the early days, while introducing new features that raise the standard for competitive and community-driven gaming events in the UK.

It’s a place where players connect, friendships are forged, and memories are created that will last long after the weekend has ended. Whether you are a long-time attendee or a newcomer, Insomnia i74 promises to deliver an unforgettable celebration of gaming culture.

Having launched over 25 years ago, Insomnia rapidly became a fixture in the UK gaming calendar. Known as the place where avid PC gamers and esports professionals could come together under one roof, it built a reputation for legendary tournaments, vibrant community spirit, and an atmosphere that mixed high-stakes esports competition with fun, casual challenges.

Over the decades, the event earned a loyal following of fans who returned year after year, and its return is set to rekindle that legacy for a new generation.

At its heart, i74 will be a full-scale LAN party, staying true to the origins of the festival and celebrating the culture that made Insomnia a household name in UK gaming. The LAN experience will be complemented by a packed programme of competitions, showcases, and entertainment designed to appeal to both dedicated gamers and casual visitors.

Highlights include:

• Casual and competitive PC tournaments, covering everything from high-stakes esports to more lighthearted challenges.

• Cosplay competitions, celebrating the creativity and passion of gaming culture.

• The much-loved return of the World Famous Insomnia Pub Quiz.

• PC hardware showcases and exhibitor areas featuring leading UK gaming vendors, globally recognised hardware brands, and innovative indie developers.

• The Modern Wolf Indie Game Demo Zone, offering exclusive first looks at brand-new titles and giving emerging developers a chance to present their work directly to the public.

• A 24-hour live-stream, running throughout the festival for the first time in its history, ensuring the action never stops.

i74 is designed to be inclusive for both LAN ticket holders and day visitors, offering something for everyone. Attendees can expect a wide variety of activities, live shows, giveaways, and exclusive merchandise, alongside opportunities to win high-end gaming hardware. The exhibitor floor will feature leading UK gaming vendors, major international hardware brands, and a showcase of independent developers pushing the boundaries of gaming.

Accessibility and comfort are at the forefront of this year’s plans, with free parking, on-site camping, a dedicated shuttle bus service, and the festival’s first-ever on-site creche facilities. These upgrades ensure visitors can make the most of the weekend and fully immerse themselves in the festival experience.