Dawn of Warhammer Fest

It's almost upon us! This Saturday is that start of a weekend centred around all things Warhammer. I will be giving updates via the Facebook page throughout the first day, so you can think of this as the pre-event build up. Let's see what we have to look forward to!

Seminars and Demo Pods

Of course, there are the presentations which will include news on the next batch of models to be released, painting demos for the new plague marines, the chance to meet some of the authors of the GW novels, and more. I will be booking my ticket for the Future of Warhammer seminar as soon as I arrive so will hopefully be able to give you an update around midday.

Saturday's plan of attack: get there, get in room 1 for 11am, do Warhammer stuff. Done.

The Grand Tornament

Taking place over the entire weekend there will be battles spanning the whole GW range: Hours Heresy, 40k, Age of Sigmar, Bloodbowl, and The Hobbit. If I get chance I will drop by and see how the competitors are faring but in my absence it will be covered, in part at least, by Warhammer Live.

The Golden Demon Painting Competition

This is the chance to see models painted to a standard you can only aspire to, or maybe you can do better in which case what's your excuse - get involved! This is on the Sunday so I won't be able to report on this myself, but on the plus side it means I won't be beating myself up over my low painting standards. If I do get the happen to see any entries I'll be sure to put up my favourites. 

Warhammer Displays

What is Warhammer Fest without the reveal of some new displays? There are a few new ones to be shown off this weekend, including one depicting the new Primaris Marines fighting the Death Guard. I'd like to think there may be a clash of Primarchs with Guilliman taking on a Daemon Mortarion. Who knows?

A display piece in the making

The Forge World Store

And this is where I regret I only have a finite amount of money in my bank account, especially with all the Thousand Sons early releases available!

I have it on good authority that there will be the full product range available from the paints, weathering powders, and transfer sheets, all the way through to the event exclusive models. Expect to find Magnus and Amon available for early purchase, as well as the new style Thunderhawk (yes, it's confirmed it's resin not plastic). There will also be early purchases available for The Hobbit and Bloodbowl, and is it too much to hope for an early purchase of the 8th edition of 40k? Probably, but a man can dream dammit!

A scenic base will be available for purchase to depict the clash of kings at Prospero

My Hopes and Expectations

Looking ahead at the new releases they may announce, I wouldn't be surprised if they give Space Wolves some love seeing as Thousand Sons have had a lot of attention recently. Saying that, I do hope the Ammitara scouts are shown so I have all my units. I can't leave Amon without his Hidden Ones for too long after all.

I would also like to see some news on the next round of models for the new 40k with the potential for some new factions being announced, and confirmation on how the release of 8th ed may impact the future of Horus Heresy.

One final thought is that I hope there's some news on some of the models with rules yet to have a physical release. I'm looking at you two - yes, you, Dorn and Alpharius!

A surprise release from Forge World, Amon is available first at Warhammer Fest

Keep an eye out for my updates and post-fest write up. See you all around! 

- Tom (XVth)

What news do you want to hear at Warhammer Fest? Can't make it and want a question asking, or are you going and fancy buying Tom a beer? Comment below or on Facebook and let us know!