Bristol: 2026
What is MPO?
The Miniature Painting Open returns in 2026! At its core, it's a celebration of miniature painting — with a range of categories and judging levels to give everyone a chance to share their work, from first-time entrants to seasoned veterans.
Just as important is the community. This event is as much about connection as it is competition — a place to relax, chat hobby, and meet fellow painters.
You can expect a curated selection of vendors, a judges & Cult display area, exclusive Cult merch, and a full schedule of hobby forums and seminars over the weekend.
Save the date: The Miniature Painting Open 2026 will take place at Bristol Beacon, 16th - 17th May 2026.
After the energy of Bristol 2025, we can't wait to welcome you back in 2026!
Location
The Bristol Beacon is situated in the heart of Bristol. There are plenty of restaurants, hotels, parking and access close by.
What are the categories?
In each category, you may enter as many miniatures as you like and will be judged on that body of work. You will be awarded according to your best work.
- Painting - This includes single miniatures, units and warbands, and busts of all scales. The judges will focus on the quality of the paintwork. Conversions and basing are welcome.
- Dioramas and Storytelling - This includes all scenes, whether containing a figure or not. The judges will be giving more weight to atmosphere and storytelling when considering awards.
- Vehicles, Mechs & Military - Any scale, vehicles both military and commercial / industrial / agricultural, Mechs and Gundam. Any vehicle miniature should be entered into this category, not Painting.
What are the judging levels?
It is up to the entrant which level they wish their entries to be judged at. You may not enter master in one category and standard in another. In addition, we have Beginners and “Exhibitor Only”.
- Beginner - For people just starting out on their miniature painting journey but keen to share their work and gain feedback from their peers.*
- Standard - Geared towards artists with skills ranging from every day to intermediate, this category welcomes participants of all backgrounds.
- Master - Tailored to cater to seasoned painters who have amassed an impressive collection of awards and accolades.
- Exhibition Only - Work is displayed alongside other entries in the same category but will not be considered for awards.
How do I enter?
This is an in-person event taking place in Bristol. You must attend in person to submit your work.
Entries are managed through Entry Compendium. Once registration opens, you will be able to create your entry, select your category and level, and complete your registration.
Please register ahead of the event to avoid delays on the day. On-the-day registration will be available, but advance registration is strongly recommended.
On arrival, you will receive your entry ID stickers to attach to your entries plinths. Please use plinths for all entries, as this significantly improves the judging process. Ensure your pieces are properly secured.
Judging Criteria
Transparency is a core value at MPO. In line with this principle, we share the judges’ criteria openly with all participants, outlining the standards and expectations provided to the judging panel.
Judges
Standard
How do the awards work?
MPO makes use of the Open Format Award System.
Recognition is not constrained to a traditional framework of just a single Gold, Silver, and Bronze award. Instead, it allows for the presentation of as many awards at each level as deemed appropriate.
In addition to the Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards, there are also the following individual prizes:
- Best of Show
- Best of Creative
- Best of Standard - New for 2026!
- Best of Armour - New for 2026!
*Beginner level will only be awarded commended prizes.