23/12/2025
Season's greetings to our fellow retro gamers across the U.K. and beyond! It's been a while since we've posted an update on the happenings of Revival Retro Events since our last event, REVIVAL: Game Not Over 2024 and for some outside of our social channels, questions have been coming in on what the future holds for REVIVAL and the other exciting things we've been up to since we last convened in Wolverhampton for that amazing Summer show. There's been a lot happening to fill you in on, but the good news is that RRE have not gone away and you can look forward to new happenings in 2026 and beyond!
As attendees of REVIVAL 2024 will know, following the event RRE have been heavily involved in the establishment of The Retro Realm, The Midlands' first and only 'free play' arcade and diner in Walsall city centre. Following unexpected delays, the venue opened in December 2024 to great reviews and has just celebrated it's first successful year of operation. The permanent venue features both a free access diner and gaming lounge with highly rated food and party facilities, and of course has an all-generation pay-on-entry free play arcade section with well over 100 retro and modern arcade machines, consoles and PC gaming setups for all ages to enjoy. The venue features a huge number of arcade machines, consoles and equipment supplied by RRE and it's contributing exhibitors, giving locals the opportunity to enjoy a slice of REVIVAL all year round at a permanent location, in the atmospheric setting of a classic basement arcade and with great food and drink to enjoy while they play. Importantly, the venue has had a successful first year and has added or rotated out about 50% more machines and features in that time to keep the experience fresh. 2026 will be another exciting year for the arcade with much more planned, so if you haven't already been, be sure to pay it a visit this coming year for a great friends or family day out!
Despite the absence of a major event in 2025, REVIVAL is absolutely not over and there are plans to bring RRE branded events back in 2026. In what form isn't entirely decided, but the team have constantly been discussing possibilities and ideas since the successful return in 2024. With many of our resources tied up in the arcade on a permanent loan basis and our commitments to maintaining, moving and sourcing equipment for daily use there, freeing up large quantities of kit for a large weekend event will take more forward planning, but with the added resources of the arcade and staff, it opens up more possibilities in terms of guests and attractions we have long hoped to include when we eventually do. For 2026, we intend to hold several dedicated daily and weekend events centred at The Retro Realm, with an aim to bring a new dedicated REVIVAL event once we've properly assessed the practicalities of bringing some of our planned special guests and new exhibitors to some potential new external venues. For the more social gamers among you, there will also be many informal social meets taking place at the arcade with attendances by RRE staff and regular event-goers, who will be happy to welcome you for a pint and a chat about all things gaming if you want to join us!
As always, upcoming event information and the latest news can be found on here, X/Twitter and Youtube for the latest postings about our collecting and repair chronicles, fringe events, projects and other goings on in the world of retro gaming, and ensure you stay subscribed to our mailing list to be notified when new events are announced or find links to tickets as soon as they become available. In the meantime, have a great Christmas, festive period and new year, and we hope to catch up with you at The Retro Realm and events in 2026!
