# PLAY EXPO 2019 **Source:** Pinball News Website **Type:** article **Published:** 2019-05-03 **Beat:** Pinball **URL:** https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2019/05/04/play-expo-2019 --- ## Analysis Play Expo 2019 was held May 4-5 at Manchester Central Convention Centre, featuring 52 playable pinball machines organized by Northern Lights Pinball, alongside retro gaming, arcade cabinets, and modern PC gaming. The event attracted strong attendance with continuous machine usage, high score competitions, and a charity tombola. Venue advantages included modern facilities and central location, but reduced floor space compared to previous Event City venue and higher ticket pricing (25% increase for adult day pass from £16 to £20). ### Key Claims - [HIGH] 52 pinball machines at Play Expo 2019 (49 free play + 3 competition machines), down from typical 100+ — _Direct statement: 'the usual 100+ pinballs cut down to 52'; machine list provided showing 52 titles_ - [HIGH] Adult day ticket price increased 25% from £16 to £20 year-over-year — _Direct statement: 'the standard adult day entry rising 25% from £16 to £20'_ - [HIGH] Family ticket price increased 38% from £42 to £58 — _Direct statement: 'a family ticket going up 38% from £42 to £58'_ - [HIGH] Pinball machines remained in continuous use throughout both days despite venue being quieter on Sunday — _Text states 'Machines remained in use throughout the day' and 'Sunday was certainly a quieter day...but that's not to say all the pinball machines weren't busy all day'_ - [HIGH] Northern Lights Pinball organized the pinball element with support from private collectors and groups including Electric Circus Birmingham and Flip Out London — _Direct statement: 'The pinball element is organised by the Northern Lights Pinball team who, along with several private collectors, have supplied many of the games, and co-opted other pinball groups and clubs...Electric Circus in Birmingham and Flip Out London in Croydon'_ ### Notable Quotes > "The pinball element is more about either reminding the general public how much fun pinball can be, or introducing the next generation of players to the physical game." > — **Pinball News (author)**, Conclusion > _Clarifies Play Expo's role in pinball community as a consumer/public-facing event focused on accessibility rather than competitive depth_ > "The way the machines were played almost continuously across the two days showed there is no shortage of enthusiasm for pinball around Manchester." > — **Pinball News (author)**, Conclusion > _Positive sentiment on Manchester pinball market demand despite venue constraints_ > "Using Manchester Central as a venue had both its advantages and disadvantages. The facilities are good, with a single open, high-roofed hall meaning noise and temperatures were kept under control." > — **Pinball News (author)**, Venue Analysis > _Identifies venue ergonomics as successful despite space reduction_ ### Entities | Name | Type | Context | |------|------|---------| | Play Expo 2019 | event | Gaming and entertainment convention held May 4-5 in Manchester, UK featuring pinball, arcade, retro gaming, board games, and vendor booths | | Manchester Central Convention Centre | organization | Former railway terminus (G-Mex) venue hosting Play Expo 2019; single large hall with red brick walls and arched roof | | Northern Lights Pinball | organization | Team organizing the pinball element of Play Expo 2019; coordinated collectors and pinball clubs to bring machines to event; chose Mustard Tree (homeless/poverty charity) as 2019 beneficiary | | Electric Circus | organization | Pinball group from Birmingham, UK that contributed machines to Play Expo 2019 | | Flip Out London | organization | Pinball venue/group from Croydon that contributed machines to Play Expo 2019 | | Pinball News | organization | Publication providing live coverage of Play Expo 2019 with photos, machine lists, and event reporting | | Stern Pinball | company | Pinball manufacturer with multiple recent releases shown at Play Expo: Deadpool, Iron Maiden, Batman 66, The Munsters | | Jersey Jack Pinball | company | Pinball manufacturer with Pirates of the Caribbean machine featured at Play Expo | | Pinball Heaven | organization | Vendor/distributor that brought newest pinball titles to Play Expo 2019 | | Mustard Tree | organization | Charity supporting homeless and those in poverty; chosen as Northern Lights Pinball's 2019 beneficiary for Play Expo fundraising | | Andrew Foster | person | Player who achieved 1.3 billion points on Creature from the Black Lagoon, leading the competition leaderboard by day's end | ### Topics - **Primary:** Event Organization and Logistics, Venue Selection and Space Constraints, Pinball Game Availability and Selection - **Secondary:** Pricing and Market Access, Community Engagement and Casual Play, Manufacturer Representation (Stern, JJP), Adjacent Market Integration (Retro Gaming, Arcade, Board Games) - **Mentioned:** High Score Competitions and Tournaments ### Sentiment **Positive** (0.72) — Generally favorable coverage of event success and enthusiastic attendance, tempered by criticism of venue space reduction and ticket price increases. Author appreciates venue facilities and location benefits but expresses concern about reduced machine count and affordability impact. ### Signals - **[sentiment_shift]** Positive community enthusiasm for pinball access and public-facing introduction opportunities despite venue constraints (confidence: medium) — Continuous machine usage, 'sizable crowd' at opening, machines 'in use within seconds' of hall opening, Sunday continued strong play despite quieter day - **[community_signal]** Distributed pinball community (Northern Lights Pinball, Electric Circus, Flip Out London) organizing collaborative event with charity fundraising component (confidence: high) — Multiple pinball organizations coordinating; tombola benefiting Mustard Tree charity; 'co-opted other pinball groups and clubs to bring additional machines' - **[event_signal]** Play Expo 2019 held in Manchester with strong pinball attendance despite reduced machine count and higher pricing (confidence: high) — Direct reporting of event details, continuous machine usage throughout two days, 'no shortage of enthusiasm for pinball around Manchester' - **[market_signal]** Venue capacity reduction (100+ to 52 machines) reflects trade-off between facility quality/location and operational space, with pricing passed to consumers (confidence: high) — Explicit: 'reduced floor space, which saw the usual 100+ pinballs cut down to 52, while...cost of entry...reflected the undoubtedly more expensive venue hire' - **[market_signal]** Ticket price increases (25% for adult day pass, 38% for family) correlating with venue change, raising accessibility concerns (confidence: high) — Explicit statements: 'standard adult day entry rising 25% from £16 to £20' and 'family ticket going up 38% from £42 to £58', attributed to 'undoubtedly more expensive venue hire' --- ## Transcript **Date:** 4th & 5th May, 2019 **Location:** Manchester Central, Windmill St, Manchester M2 3GX, UK Welcome to our live coverage of this year’s Play Expo gaming and entertainment show, being held this year back in Manchester in the north of Robert Englunds. Play Expo has moved around a few times during its relatively short life, starting at the Norbreck Castle hotel in Blackpool before moving to Event City in Manchester, only to return to Blackpool last year and then come back to Manchester for 2019. The home this year is the former railway terminus now called Manchester Central, also known locally by its previous name of the G-Mex. [![Manchester Central Convention Centre](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/001-play-expo-2019-1024x576.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/001-play-expo-2019.jpg) Manchester Central Convention Centre Manchester Central is one large hall with red brick walls and an impressive arched roof. [![The main entrance](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/002-play-expo-2019-1024x586.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/002-play-expo-2019.jpg) The main entrance [![Inside Manchester Central Convention Centre](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/003-play-expo-2019-1024x576.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/003-play-expo-2019.jpg) Inside Manchester Central Convention Centre Although it is a large venue, the floor space doesn’t compare to that available at Event City in Manchester which was breathtakingly-vast. It is, however, a more modern facility in a more attractive location than the Norbreck Castle in Blackpool which, having experienced once, we would be happy never having to return to. As in previous years, Play Expo is a mix of assorted gaming platforms and cultures, encompassing retro 8-bit consoles and computers, the latest PC gaming, game, sci-fi and fantasy artwork, board games, cosplay, arcade videos and, of course, pinballs. Tickets for Play Expo could be purchased in advance through the show’s website or on the door. Adult tickets bought at the venue cost £20 per day, with under-16s paying £14. There was also a family ticket (2 adults and 2 kids) for £58, and weekend-long tickets for £34 (adult) and £24 (kids). We arrived during the set-up on Friday evening to check on the progress ahead of the public opening on Saturday morning. [![8-bit and console gaming](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/004-play-expo-2019-1024x576.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/004-play-expo-2019.jpg) 8-bit and console gaming [![Classic 8-bit computer games running on assorted hardware platforms](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/005-play-expo-2019-1024x576.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/005-play-expo-2019.jpg) Classic 8-bit computer games running on assorted hardware platforms [![Much more modern computer games](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/006-play-expo-2019-1024x576.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/006-play-expo-2019.jpg) Much more modern computer games [![Arcade video games](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/008-play-expo-2019-1024x576.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/008-play-expo-2019.jpg) Arcade video games [![Sci-fi and fantasy artworks for sale](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/007-play-expo-2019-1024x576.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/007-play-expo-2019.jpg) Sci-fi and fantasy artworks for sale The pinball element is organised by the Northern Lights Pinball team who, along with several private collectors, have supplied many of the games, and co-opted other pinball groups and clubs to bring additional machines, amongst them Electric Circus in Birmingham and Flip Out London in Croydon. The result is an eclectic mix of the most recent releases, modern classics, some electromechanical and early solid-state, and a number of themed groupings. [![Dialed In! and Medieval Madness Remake head-up this line-up of pinballs](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/009-play-expo-2019-1024x576.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/009-play-expo-2019.jpg) Dialed In! and Medieval Madness Remake head-up this line-up of pinballs [![Iron Maiden, Batman 66 and JJP's Pirates of the Caribbean lead this row of machines](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/010-play-expo-2019-1024x576.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/010-play-expo-2019.jpg) Iron Maiden, Batman 66 and JJP’s Pirates of the Caribbean lead this row of machines [![Deadpool and The Munsters join The Addams Family, Twilight Zone, Creature and Whirlwind!](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/011-play-expo-2019-1024x576.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/011-play-expo-2019.jpg) Deadpool and The Munsters join The Addams Family, Twilight Zone, Creature and Whirlwind! [![Several Star Wars games](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/017-play-expo-2019-1024x576.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/017-play-expo-2019.jpg) Several Star Wars games [![Electromechanical Zaccaria games](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/018-play-expo-2019-1024x576.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/018-play-expo-2019.jpg) Electromechanical Zaccaria games More pinball machines were arriving on Friday evening and being readied for the public to play them when the show opened at 10am on Saturday morning. [![Pinballs being set up for Play Expo 2019](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/012-play-expo-2019-1024x576.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/012-play-expo-2019.jpg) Pinballs being set up for Play Expo 2019 [![Electrical testing of every machine is an important part of any show](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/013-play-expo-2019-1024x576.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/013-play-expo-2019.jpg) Electrical testing of every machine is an important part of any show The Northern Lights Pinball team don’t really hold tournaments, but they will be running a number of single-machine high score competitions across the weekend. [![The competitions available when the show opens on Saturday](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/014-play-expo-2019-1024x576.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/014-play-expo-2019.jpg) The competitions available when the show opens on Saturday In addition, there will be a raffle or tombola to award prizes and help raise money for the Northern Light Pinball’s chosen charity for 2019, Mustard Tree, helping the homeless and those in poverty. [![The tombola prize table](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/015-play-expo-2019-1024x576.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/015-play-expo-2019.jpg) The tombola prize table [![More tombola prizes](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/016-play-expo-2019-1024x576.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/016-play-expo-2019.jpg) More tombola prizes Before the Play Expo show opened at 10am on Saturday, a sizable crowd had gathered in the foyer of the Manchester Central centre. [![The queue of visitors awaiting the show's opening](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/020-play-expo-2019-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/020-play-expo-2019.jpg) The queue of visitors awaiting the show’s opening At 10am sharp, the visitors were allowed into the main hall. [![The first guests into the show](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/021-play-expo-2019-1024x684.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/021-play-expo-2019.jpg) The first guests into the show [![The crowd surged down the central aisle looking for their favoured areas](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/022-play-expo-2019-1024x705.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/022-play-expo-2019.jpg) The crowd surged down the central aisle looking for their favoured areas The pinball zone was at the back of the hall, at the opposite end to the main entrance. Even so, it was only a matter of seconds before all the pinballs were in use. [![The layout of the show hall](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/061-play-expo-2019-1024x643.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/061-play-expo-2019.jpg) The layout of the show hall [![The pinball zone very soon after the show opened](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/024-play-expo-2019-769x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/024-play-expo-2019.jpg) The pinball zone very soon after the show opened [![The pinball zone](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/023-play-expo-2019-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/023-play-expo-2019.jpg) The pinball zone There were 49 free play machines on the floor, plus another three used for competitions. The pinballs were: | | | | --- | --- | | Addams Family, The Addams Family, The Aerobatics Austin Powers Batman (Stern) Batman (Stern) Batman 66 Beat the Clock Black Knight Black Knight 2000 Bride of Pinbot, The Machine Circus (Zaccaria) Creature from the Black Lagoon Deadpool Demolition Man Dialed In! Dirty Harry Doctor Who Domino Getaway: High Speed 2, The High Speed Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure Iron Maiden Medieval Madness Remake Metallica | Mr. & Mrs. Pac-Man Nautilus\* NBA Fastbreak NBA Fastbreak Phantom of the Opera, The Queen’s Castle Robocop Robocop Rocky & Bullwinkle & Friends Shadow, The Ski Jump Star Trek (Stern) Star Wars (Data East) Star Wars (Data East) Star Wars (Sonic) Star Wars Episode 1 Star Wars Trilogy Star Wars Trilogy\* Terminator 2: Judgement Day The Munsters Twilight Zone Whirlwind Wizard! X-Files, The | \*indicates machine was broken or not playable when the list was made [![Machines remained in use throughout the day](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/025-play-expo-2019-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/025-play-expo-2019.jpg) Machines remained in use throughout the day [![Getting on any machine usually involved a short wait, unless you were lucky with your timing](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/026-play-expo-2019-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/026-play-expo-2019.jpg) Getting on any machine usually involved a short wait, unless you were lucky with your timing [![Pinball Heaven brought some of the newest titles to the show](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/027-play-expo-2019-1024x673.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/027-play-expo-2019.jpg) Pinball Heaven brought some of the newest titles to the show [![New Stern Pinball games - Deadpool, Iron Maiden, Batman 66 and The Munsters](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/028-play-expo-2019-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/028-play-expo-2019.jpg) New Stern Pinball games – Deadpool, Iron Maiden, Batman 66 and The Munsters The tombola also proved to be very popular, with tickets being sold almost continuously. Any ticket number ending in a 5, 7 or 0 won a prize of some kind. Tickets cost £1 ($1.25, €1.15) for three, £5 for 18 or £10 for 40. [![Buying tickets for the tombola](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/032-play-expo-2019-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/032-play-expo-2019.jpg) Buying tickets and winning prizes at the tombola Meanwhile, the three high score competitions were running at the other end of the pinball zone. [![The tree high score competitions were popular too](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/029-play-expo-2019-1024x684.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/029-play-expo-2019.jpg) The tree high score competitions were popular too There was a junior competition which was free to enter and was played on *Star Wars*, an EM competition held on a Williams *Heat Wave* which gave two entries for £1, and a modern competition on *Creature from the Black Lagoon* which cost £1 per entry. [![David records another high score on the white board](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/030-play-expo-2019-1024x674.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/030-play-expo-2019.jpg) David records another high score on the white board By the close of the show at 6pm, Andrew Foster’s 1.3bn on *Creature* looked like it would be the top score of the day. Elsewhere in the hall, there were events running throughout the day. [![Presentations on the main stage for both days](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/062-play-expo-2019-1024x678.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/062-play-expo-2019.jpg) Presentations on the main stage for both days [![Plenty of people wanted a selfie with Detective Pikachu](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/033-play-expo-2019-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/033-play-expo-2019.jpg) Plenty of people wanted a selfie with Detective Pikachu [![In the retro games area you had your choice of titles and platforms](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/034-play-expo-2019-1024x682.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/034-play-expo-2019.jpg) In the retro games area you had your choice of titles and platforms [![Some slightly-less-retro gaming](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/043-play-expo-2019-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/043-play-expo-2019.jpg) Some slightly-less-retro gaming [![The modern games arena was especially busy](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/035-play-expo-2019-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/035-play-expo-2019.jpg) The modern games arena was especially busy For the dedicated arcade games player, there were plenty of stand-up and sit-down cabinets to enjoy. [![The arcade cabinets were as busy as the pinballs](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/036-play-expo-2019-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/036-play-expo-2019.jpg) The arcade cabinets were as busy as the pinballs [![All the classic titles were there](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/038-play-expo-2019-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/038-play-expo-2019.jpg) All the classic titles were there [![Including several sit-down racers and shooters](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/037-play-expo-2019-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/037-play-expo-2019.jpg) Including several sit-down racers and shooters Many companies were at Play Expo to promote their games or retro bundles, along with a number of hopeful individuals looking for their big break in the business. [![Promoting their game package to the public](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/039-play-expo-2019-1024x685.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/039-play-expo-2019.jpg) Promoting their game package to the public [![Showing their new Pacer game](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/040-play-expo-2019-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/040-play-expo-2019.jpg) Showing their new Pacer game [![Another new game concept](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/041-play-expo-2019-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/041-play-expo-2019.jpg) Another new game concept [![More games aimed at younger players](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/042-play-expo-2019-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/042-play-expo-2019.jpg) More games aimed at younger players At the front of the hall was the streaming stage, where demonstrations, presentations and interviews were hosted and streamed online. [![The streaming stage](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/045-play-expo-2019-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/045-play-expo-2019.jpg) The streaming stage [![The streaming stage schedule of events](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/063-play-expo-2019-1024x668.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/063-play-expo-2019.jpg) The streaming stage schedule of events The adjacent area was filled with assorted vendors. [![The Sony PS4 zone](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/046-play-expo-2019-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/046-play-expo-2019.jpg) The Sony PS4 zone [![Several rows of booths provided plenty of opportunities to spend your real-world treasure](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/047-play-expo-2019-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/047-play-expo-2019.jpg) Several rows of booths provided plenty of opportunities to spend your real-world treasure [![There were lots of games for sale...](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/049-play-expo-2019-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/049-play-expo-2019.jpg) There were lots of games for sale… [![...Lots...](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/051-play-expo-2019-683x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/051-play-expo-2019.jpg) …Lots… [![Really, lots](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/052-play-expo-2019-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/052-play-expo-2019.jpg) Really, lots [![But also plenty of other game paraphernalia](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/050-play-expo-2019-683x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/050-play-expo-2019.jpg) But also plenty of other game paraphernalia [![Apart from computer, video and pinballs, there were also board and card games set up to play](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/053-play-expo-2019-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/053-play-expo-2019.jpg) Apart from computer, video and pinballs, there were also board and card games set up to play [![There was also the current craze for escape rooms, as if finding your way out of Manchester wasn't difficult enough](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/048-play-expo-2019-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/048-play-expo-2019.jpg) There was also the current craze for escape rooms, as if finding your way out of Manchester wasn’t difficult enough When all the excitement had taken its toll, there were multiple food vendors in the adjacent hall to provide refreshment. [![Get yourself a hot dog](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/054-play-expo-2019-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/054-play-expo-2019.jpg) Get yourself a hot dog [![Grilled cheese sandwiches available here](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/057-play-expo-2019-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/057-play-expo-2019.jpg) Grilled cheese sandwiches available here [![The pizza stand was very popular](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/059-play-expo-2019-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/059-play-expo-2019.jpg) The pizza stand was very popular [![Drinks were available from various stands](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/058-play-expo-2019-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/058-play-expo-2019.jpg) Drinks were available from various stands [![The queue for coffee was an always-present feature of the food hall](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/056-play-expo-2019-1024x682.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/056-play-expo-2019.jpg) The queue for coffee was an always-present feature of the food hall [![Alternatively, there were 'adult beverages' available at the bar](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/055-play-expo-2019-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/055-play-expo-2019.jpg) Alternatively, there were ‘adult beverages’ available at the bar Even though it was lunchtime, there was no lull back in the pinball zone. [![Still busy in the pinball zone](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/060-play-expo-2019-1024x693.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/060-play-expo-2019.jpg) Still busy in the pinball zone Sunday was certainly a quieter day at Play Expo, but that’s not to say all the pinball machines weren’t busy all day. As with the rest of the games at the show, be they board games, videos, consoles or 8-bits, the games were all free to play once entry had been purchased. ![Sunday morning just after opening time](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/064-play-expo-2019-1024x576.jpg) Sunday morning just after opening time ![All the machines were being played again](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/065-play-expo-2019-1024x576.jpg) All the machines were being played again ![Although busy, a short wait would usually get you on your chosen machine](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/066-play-expo-2019-1024x576.jpg) Although busy, a short wait would usually get you on your chosen machine A new day of high score competitions began, with players having a second bite at winning cash prizes. ![The high score competitions began again on Sunday morning](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/067-play-expo-2019-1024x576.jpg) The high score competitions began again on Sunday morning We took the opportunity of fewer players and buyers to make our Twenty-Three Minute Tour video walk around the show. Here it is… VIDEO With the video shot, a few quick games played and lunchtime looming, we headed for Manchester Picadilly train station and the journey back home. ![Play Expo will be back...](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/play-expo-2019/068-play-expo-2019-610x1024.jpg) Play Expo will be back… Using Manchester Central as a venue had both its advantages and disadvantages. The facilities are good, with a single open, high-roofed hall meaning noise and temperatures were kept under control. The proximity to hundreds to shops, restaurants, bars and hotels also made it the ideal location. The downside was the reduced floor space, which saw the usual 100+ pinballs cut down to 52, while the cost of entry to the show reflected the undoubtedly more expensive venue hire, with the standard adult day entry rising 25% from £16 to £20 and a family ticket going up 38% from £42 to £58. For pinball fans, Play Expo is a chance to play many of the latest titles which may not be available locally, along with some older classics and a few unusual games. Really though, the pinball element is more about either reminding the general public how much fun pinball can be, or introducing the next generation of players to the physical game. The way the machines were played almost continuously across the two days showed there is no shortage of enthusiasm for pinball around Manchester. _(Acquisition: raw_text, Enrichment: v1)_ --- *Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: 1df8845d-f3c5-4693-b550-505b7a2b937c*