The International Toy Soldier Club was proud to attend Salute 2026, one of the highlights of the wargaming calendar and widely regarded as Europe’s largest independent tabletop wargaming event. Held at the ExCeL Centre in London, the show brings together thousands of hobbyists, traders, and clubs for a spectacular day of participation games, displays, and shared enthusiasm for the hobby.

This year, ITSC contributed something truly special—a large participation game recreating the Battle of Tel El Kebir in traditional toy soldiers, and it quickly became one of the standout attractions of the show.

Our game table was nothing short of breathtaking. With over 500 beautifully presented figures, the sheer scale alone drew visitors from across the hall. The layout captured the drama of the battlefield, stretching across a massive table that invited people to pause, take photos, and—most importantly—get involved.

The use of traditional toy soldiers gave the display a unique charm. In a show filled with every scale and genre imaginable, the classic gloss-finish style stood out as both nostalgic and visually striking. Many attendees commented on how refreshing it was to see a large historical game presented in this style, evoking the timeless appeal of the hobby.

The Battle of Tel El Kebir

For those unfamiliar with the history, the Battle of Tel El Kebir (1882) was a decisive engagement of the Anglo-Egyptian War. British forces, under General Wolseley, launched a surprise dawn assault and defeated entrenched Egyptian troops, leading to the collapse of resistance and the occupation of Egypt.

This dramatic night march and sudden attack translated perfectly into a participation game, giving players a real sense of tension and momentum as events unfolded on the tabletop.

One of the defining features of Salute is the emphasis on participation games, allowing visitors not just to observe but to take part.

Our Tel El Kebir game embraced this fully. Throughout the day, players of all experience levels stepped forward to command units, roll dice, and shape the course of the battle. From seasoned wargamers to curious newcomers, everyone was welcomed—and many were quickly drawn into the action.

The atmosphere around the table was consistently lively, with friendly discussion, shared tactics, and plenty of laughter. It was exactly the kind of inclusive, engaging experience the ITSC aims to promote.

We received a great deal of interest throughout the day, with a steady flow of visitors stopping to watch, ask questions, and often join in. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees praising both the visual impact and the accessibility of the game.

But success came from the team effort behind the game, with club members working together throughout the day to keep everything running smoothly and engaging visitors.

The game was supported by myself, Renato Fort, Stephen Hutchinson, and Simon Jenkins, with Craig Appleton taking on the vital role of umpire and master of ceremonies.

Craig kept the action moving at pace, injected enthusiasm into proceedings, and ensured the game remained fast‑paced, dynamic, and great fun for everyone involved.

Thanks to this combined effort, the table became much more than a display—it was a lively, interactive experience that drew people in and kept them engaged.

The interest, participation, and positive feedback from those who stopped by the table throughout the day made the event all the more enjoyable and rewarding for everyone involved, and so worthwhile.

Salute is always a celebration of everything that makes this hobby great: passion, creativity, craftsmanship, history, and community. The ITSC’s participation this year showcased how traditional toy soldiers still have a powerful place within that mix.

What a great first outing for the ITSC!

Following the success of this year’s game, we’re already thinking about what might come next. If Tel El Kebir proved anything, it’s that large, visually striking participation games using traditional figures still have enormous appeal.

We look forward to building on this momentum—and hopefully returning to future shows with something just as ambitious.

For those who couldn’t attend—or who simply want to relive the experience—you can see the game and some ITSC promotion here:

👉 Watch the Tel El Kebir game at Salute 2026 [youtube.com]

Regards

Andrew and the ITSC Salute Team!