What time should I arrive to the NEC Hall 5?

The show will start promptly at 10:30am on Saturday 3rd October, please allow plenty of time for your arrival and be ready to have your ticket scanned by our admissions staff. Queues and accreditation will open at 8:30am; please do not arrive before this time, as early arrivals may cause congestion in the Piazza.

Our staff and signage will direct you to the correct queue on arrival: 

• Standard ticket holders please use the main queue. 

• Gold ticket holders please use the Gold queue.

Gold ticket holders will have the opportunity to book an early access merch slot before the main show begins.

If you secure a slot, please head straight to the Box Office outside the Hall 5 entrance on arrival, where our staff will provide you with your accreditation and early merch access wristband. Please arrive 15 minutes before your booked slot to allow enough time for collection. Once you have your accreditation and wristband, make your way towards the hall. You’ll see JMods holding ‘Early Merch This Way’ signs, follow these signs and they’ll guide you to the early merch area.

How does the app work?

This year we are launching an essential companion for your weekend in Gielinor: our brand new event app! 

You'll be able to use the app to access:

• All stage and area schedules 

• Our merch catalogue

• Event info

• Our brand new IRL Questing feature 

The app will be available to everyone at the event via web, Google Play and the App Store, and you will be able to log in with the email you used to purchase your ticket.

For those of you who purchased multiple tickets, ahead of the event, lead ticket bookers will receive an email to the address they used to purchase tickets with a link to pre-register for the app. When you register, you will be prompted to fill in the details of the rest of your party. Please fill this in to ensure that everyone in your party can pre-register for the event app.

This year, to keep queueing to a minimum, some parts of the event floor can be accessed via pre-booked slots only. You will be able to book slots for the following areas through the app:

• PC LAN Area  

• Dragonwilds Console Area  

• Meet & Greet Area  

• Merch Store during Saturday peak hours only  

Gold ticket holders will have early access to pre-booked slots in the app so keep your eyes peeled for the invite to log in and select your slots ahead of time. There will be limits on how many slots can be booked per area and per person.

If you experience issues registering for or using the app, please contact us on support@runefest.com. There will also be an app help point onsite if you experience any issues, located near the Varrock fountain.

Where do I collect my pre-ordered merch?

This year we have a separate pre-order merch collection point, located at the Toute Suite in the Piazza just outside the entrance to Hall 5. The collection point will be open 15:00-21:00 on Friday 2nd October and 08:00 – 14:00 on Saturday. Please have your order confirmation email ready to show our staff.

Any pre-orders still uncollected after these times will be moved to the main merch store in Hall 5 for pick-up on Sunday during show open hours.

What should I bring with me?

Here’s a suggested packing list to be ready for your weekend of adventuring!

• Portable phone charger, to make sure you have access to the app all weekend  

• A Sharpie and a notebook for signatures  

• A refillable water bottle; water refill points are located in the Piazza outside Hall 5  

• Comfy shoes, Gielinor is vast!

We couldn’t be more excited to welcome you to RuneFest this weekend! Any questions pre-arrival, please write to support@runefest.com, or head to the Help Desk at any point onsite where our team will be delighted to assist you. Happy adventuring!

What is RuneFest? 

RuneFest is the world’s biggest and best real world celebration of all things RuneScape. Meet with your favourite JMods, content creators and fellow players, engage in RuneScape activities, learn firsthand about upcoming content and immerse yourself in all things Gielinor. With stage entertainment, parties, competitions, the Golden Gnomes awards, LAN zones, goodie bags, and merchandise stalls... it’s the XP of a lifetime!

Where and when is RuneFest 2026? 

This year’s RuneFest will be held in Hall 5 of the National Exhibition Centre on 3rd and 4th October 2026. 

What’s new at RuneFest 2026?

RuneFest is coming back, bringing its biggest, boldest, and best experience yet.

This anniversary year we're welcoming a record 6,000 players to celebrate and honour the 25 years of quests, skills, and stories that we've shared together. Whether you’re a seasoned maxed veteran or fresh off of Tutorial Island, this is the community gathering of the decade for all.

Two Grand Stages
The Wise Old Man isn’t the only one with stories to tell... This year we have added a second stage to the event hall running in tandem with our main stage arena. This brings an influx of behind the scenes content with JMod panels, Creator Q&As and additional evening entertainment.

On the main stage you can expect all the RuneFest classics with our Roadmap Summits, Golden Gnomes, and new RuneScape entertainment fresh for this year!

New Skill Chips
Take on 8 brand-new challenges, each inspired by the skills and activities in the games you know and love. For those dedicated players that complete them all, there is an elusive 9th chip for you to collect...

Expanded Entertainment
From the opening ceremony to the final hours on Sunday, RuneFest 2026 is packed with more entertainment and things to do than ever before. Wherever you roam, something is happening, so expect surprises worthy of a random event… minus the evil chickens (probably).

All New Questing Feature
Your journey doesn’t stop at skill chips, we're bringing questing to life with RuneFest quests. Earn quest points and climb the hiscores, and see what rewards await those who complete their adventure.

Exclusive Goodie Bags
Every attendee will receive a goodie bag packed with entirely exclusive items, including special 25th anniversary collectibles you won’t find anywhere else.

Gieli-more!
We’re bringing the world of RuneScape to life with new immersive zones, inspired by iconic locations across Gielinor. Explore iconic locations that you recognise from each of our RuneScape games and maybe even uncover a few secrets along the way...

We’re also bringing back beloved locations from last year, so make sure to have your cameras ready to get photos with the Lumbridge gates, the Grand Exchange, Varrock Fountain and our secret new areas. You can also expect the return of all your favourite RuneFest staples, including an expanded LAN area, campfire zone, meet & greet space, community marketplace, and merch store!

Will the Golden Gnomes be at RuneFest this year?

Yes, the Golden Gnome awards will be held this year at RuneFest. They will be livestreamed for those unable to make it in person. 

What food and drink will be available at the event? 

There will be a multiple cafes, food stalls and bars within the event floor as well as plenty of restaurants, bars and shops in the immediate vicinity of the NEC.  

Can I bring my own food and drink? 

You are welcome to bring your own food and drink, but bringing alcohol into the venue is not permitted.

Is there anywhere to leave/store luggage? 

Cloakrooms will be located near the hall entrance. They open 30 minutes before show open and will remain open up to one hour after show close if there are any items remaining to be collected. Anything not collected will be taken to lost property at the end of the day. Item costs are £2 per coat and £3 per bag.

What does my RuneFest ticket include? 

​Standard tickets include full access to the event on both Saturday and Sunday and an exclusive RuneFest goodie bag.

Our new Gold tickets give you the highest level of access in Gielinor as well as exclusive limited-run merch. Your benefits are:

• Upgraded goodie bag with an exclusive RuneFest Gold Trim Rune Armour Figurine by Youtooz. Never to be reproduced or resold, this figure is the perfect desk or shelf companion to your adventures in Gielinor. 
  
  

  

  
  

• 15% discount on merch store purchases at the event

• Exclusive early access to merch store

• Reserved Gold Tier seating area at front of main stage

• Priority booking for LAN area slots

• Priority booking for Meet and Greet area slots

Please see the Merchandise T&Cs for Gold Ticket merch discount terms.

How much are RuneFest tickets? 

Standard tickets are priced at £210 plus the platform’s booking fee for standard entry; Gold Tier tickets are priced at £375 plus the platform’s booking fee.

How does Jagex decide on pricing? 

Our model for events is simple – offer a fantastic event for RuneScape players. Jagex does not profit on tickets we sell for our events.

Prices are set based on the right balance of supporting the creation of an awesome event worth your time, while keeping the cost as low as we can.

How many tickets will be available? 

This year we are doubling the capacity of the event to 6,000 attendees so that more of our community can come together than ever before. 

How do I buy RuneFest tickets? 

RuneFest tickets are now sold out. 

Can I buy a ticket for one day of the event only?

We only have full weekend tickets available to enable guests to enjoy all the different days have to offer.

Do I need to print my tickets?

No need to print – please have your ticket confirmation email handy and staff will scan your QR code on the door.

I’ve given my tickets to someone else but it is my name on the ticket, will that matter?

No, we check the barcode on the ticket and not the name, so this won’t matter.

I’ve paid for my ticket but haven’t received an email, what do I do?

If you received a confirmation email, your tickets should be attached to the email. If you still haven’t received them, visit the See Tickets support centre via https://www.seetickets.com/content/support-centre for more information.

Do I need to bring an ID?

You do not need ID to check-in, only to purchase alcohol on site.

Do you provide disabled / carer / companion tickets / discounts?

We can provide a free carer ticket for those who receive Disability Living Allowance/Personal Independence Payments.

When you buy a ticket, you will be able to select a free Companion ticket. When you check out, you will be asked to supply evidence.

Evidence Accepted:

• Copy of DLA, PIP or Adult Disability Payment entitlement letter

• Evidence of registered severely sight impaired (blind)

• CredAbility Access Card (with +1 icon)

• Copy of Attendance Allowance letter

• Recognised Assistance Dog ID card

• Any other relevant documentation*

*Please note: If you are unable to upload appropriate documentation this may result in your order being cancelled. We appreciate your cooperation.

Do I need to be with my child inside the event?

Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Children under 6 may attend for free, please select the 'Under 6' ticket type on SeeTickets alongside your Standard or Gold tickets.

Can I resell my tickets?

The only legitimate way to sell your tickets is using SeeTickets fan-to-fan resale platform here: https://www.seetickets.com/content/fan-to-fan

All other resale methods and selling for profit are strictly prohibited.

Full See Tickets terms & conditions can be found at https://www.seetickets.com/content/partial/terms-and-conditions

NEC Address:

NEC 
North Ave 
Birmingham B40 1NT 
UK 

​www.thenec.co.uk/visitors/getting-here/ 

By Train 

If you’re heading to RuneFest by train, you’ll find us located less than a ten-minute walk from Birmingham International Railway Station. You’ll find many train services connect directly to Birmingham International, however, if you’re travelling from further afield you may need to catch a connecting train at Birmingham New Street, which is only a 15-minute journey away.

By Bus or Coach 

Coach services are operated by National Express and Megabus, with over 120 daily services from across the UK to Birmingham Airport. From here you can get to the NEC in a ​matter of minutes​​ on the free air-rail link. If you’re jumping on a bus in Birmingham City Centre you can take the 900 service (one every 15 minutes, takes 30 minutes) or the 97 (one every 30 minutes, takes 45 minutes). Local bus services also run every 30 minutes throughout the day to Solihull (service 966) and Coventry (service 900). 

By Car 

You’ll find the NEC and Birmingham International Airport both clearly signposted from all motorways and major routes including the M42,M40 and M6. If you’re using your trusty sat nav to get here simply enter the postcode B40 1NT, and follow signs for RuneFest. 

By Plane 

The NEC is just minutes away from Birmingham International Airport, making it ideal for our many international guests to get here. Simply jump on the free and fast air-rail link to Birmingham International Railway Station which only takes 90 seconds and runs every two minutes. When you arrive just head straight through to the NEC. 

How do I book parking? 

Parking is in the North Car Parks. A parking permit costs £5 per day and is only available to book online. You can find more information and book parking here: https://www.thenec.co.uk/visitors/parking-at-the-nec/.

How far is the parking from the event? 

Parking is on the NEC complex and not far to walk from the customer car parks to the Halls; there is also a free shuttle bus if you prefer. 

For all things relating to the venue, including any disabled support you require, we recommend that you head to www.thenec.co.uk.

Can I film/take pictures at RuneFest? 

Yes, you are welcome to take pictures or film within the event as much as you like, provided you do not plan to use anything for commercial purposes. General shots of the venue, experiences, stage contents and conversations – where explicit recording consent is given - are permitted for filming or recording.

Please do not film other attendees or JMods who are not on stage without their explicit consent. Conversations cannot be filmed or recorded in any manner without consent of any subjects.

Any recording equipment must be visible and identifiable at all times.

Please refer to our Player Code of Conduct for more information.

Will there be photos taken of me at RuneFest? 

RuneFest will be photographed and recorded for promotional purposes. For general photography, you may appear in the background of some images or videos. However, if our photographer wants to feature you as the main subject, they will ask for your permission first.

Any photographs or recordings taken will be stored securely and only used for event promotion. For further information on how Jagex uses your personal data, please view our Privacy Policy here.

How will the NEC and RuneFest keep me safe? 

RuneFest and the NEC will be collaborating throughout the event to ensure the safety of every attendee. 

To ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, all attendees are expected to comply with the Code of Conduct. Harassment, violence and drug and alcohol abuse will not be tolerated at RuneFest. 

If you need any help at the event of any nature, including first aid and incident reporting, or if you witness or experience any unacceptable behaviour, please go to the RuneFest Help Desk marked on your map or flag down a member of the roaming security team. 

The NEC Group has extensive knowledge and experience in ensuring the safe delivery of events, exhibitions and concerts across its venues, using a wide range of solutions. 

The NEC is constantly reviewing their measures to ensure that they remain effective and proportionate. 

West Midlands Police and Counter-Terrorist Security Advisors work in partnership with them at the venue, often deploying a variety of resources to work alongside those of our team. These include a number of overt and covert security measures, so whilst you may not see all operational security activity, you should be assured that it is ongoing, often behind the scenes, to prevent crime and keep you safe whilst you enjoy your visit. 

The NEC has multi-layered security measures and procedures in place including: 

• State of the art CCTV monitoring and communications centres 

• Walk Through Metal Detector security arches 

• Search and screening technology 

• Bag searches at venue entrances 

• A Response and Conflict Management team 

• Behavioural Detection team 

• Dedicated Security Dog team 

• An onsite West Midlands Police team 

• Vehicle checkpoints 

• Hostile Vehicle Mitigation protection 

The NEC periodically ​deploys​ highly-visible resources to deter, detect and disrupt a range of criminal activity, providing reassurance to our customers, so please don’t be surprised if you see both uniformed and plain-clothed officers in and around our venues. 

What can you do to help? 

We encourage you to arrive at the venue as early as possible, to allow more time for enhanced security checks. 

It is best for everyone to only bring essentials and note that bags and suitcases may be searched. The NEC does have on site storage facilities at an additional cost, but please check event pages on the NEC website ahead of your visit to see if there are any specific bag size policies. 

Their security teams work hard to keep you safe, please help them by cooperating with their requests. 

You have an important role to play in helping us by reporting anything that doesn’t feel right, for example any unattended items or someone acting suspiciously. You can report anything suspicious to any of our security officers or the Police. 

Remember: ‘See it. Say it. Sorted.’ 

RuneFest is for all players, regardless of background or ability. We are committed to ensuring that everyone can enjoy RuneFest to the fullest. Please see below for a summary of the various accessibility features of the event. If there are any specific questions or needs, please email support@runefest.com. And at the event itself, please head to the Help Desk if you have any particular questions or needs.

• If you have an accessibility requirement that makes queueing difficult, please speak to a member of our staff when you arrive. They will direct you to our accessible admissions point and, where appropriate, arrange for you to be escorted through to the reserved accessible seating area in the main stage hall while you wait for the event to open.

  
  

• The venue and hall are fully wheelchair accessible. The hall is on ground floor level with step-free access to all parts of the event. 

  
  

• Adjustments have been made to all skill chip and other activities on the show floor to make them as accessible as possible, however if you have any specific needs that make it difficult for you to complete an activity, please communicate this to the staff stationed in the area or at the Help Desk and the team will assist you. 

  
  

• We are accepting the sunflower lanyard at skill chip activities and the merch store to allow people with difficulty standing for long periods to jump queues; please enter via the exit queue or go to the front and show staff your lanyard. You may bring a plus one. 

  
  

• There will be seating available marked as reserved for people less able to stand at the front of both stages.

   

• Disabled toilets will be available both within Hall 5 and just outside in the Piazza. This will be clearly marked on the map in the event brochure in your goodie bag. 

  
  

• Your wristband allows you to exit and re-enter the hall as many times as needed and there are plenty of spaces in and around the NEC to take a break from the busy show floor, including a designated Quiet Space next to Hall 3 across the Piazza. Please see the map here.

  
  

• For more information on venue accessibility, including information on mobility aid hire, please see here.