News Beat
Bolton model show draws hundreds of fans from across the UK
Widely regarded as the UK’s largest one-day celebration of scale modelling, the popular event returned to the Premier Suite at the De Havilland Way ground, running from 10am to 4pm.
The show attracted enthusiasts from across the country – including visitors who travelled from as far as Scotland.
Hosted by IPMS (International Plastic Modellers’ Society) Bolton alongside Bolton Model Club, the show transformed the football club’s hospitality suite into a packed exhibition hall filled with aircraft, armoured vehicles, ships, cars, sci-fi creations and hand-painted figures in a wide range of scales.
Rows of club and special interest group displays lined the room, alongside competition tables and a busy trade area selling kits, paints, tools, books and accessories.
Organisers estimated that more than 1,000 scale models were on display throughout the day.
Queues formed outside the stadium before doors opened, as regulars and first-time visitors alike returned for what many see as a friendly and sociable start to the modelling calendar year.
Among the hundreds of detailed builds was a model car made by five-year-old Matilda, a reminder that scale modelling is a hobby open to absolutely everyone, regardless of age or experience.
Alfred Barnard, who travelled down from Scotland for the event, said the Bolton show was “well worth the journey”.
He said: “I come to a lot of shows, but this has a great atmosphere, you are spoilt for choice.
“The standard of work here is fantastic, and everyone is happy to stop and talk about how they’ve built things.”
James Newman, from Wigan, said the variety on display was one of the show’s biggest strengths.
He said: “You can go from tiny figures you need a magnifying glass to paint, to massive cars and rocket ships.
“It’s brilliant for inspiration, whether you’ve been modelling for years or you’re just starting out.”
Traders also reported strong interest throughout the day.
One brush and accessories seller said Bolton’s mix of club members and walk-in visitors made it a standout event.
They said: “You see everyone here – kids buying their first starter kit, parents getting back into the hobby, and experts hunting down rare tools or paints.
“It’s busy all day, which is exactly what you want.”
This year’s show also marked the 80th anniversary of Japanese model manufacturer Tamiya, with several displays celebrating the company’s influence on the hobby.
The published club list included groups from across the UK, such as IPMS Cleveland, IPMS Kitmaker Bulldogs, IPMS Lancashire, IPMS Stafford, IPMS Tyneside and IPMS Wakefield & District, alongside special interest groups including IPMS NASA SIG and IPMS USAF SIG.
Visitors were also treated to a special appearance from the 99th Garrison, a Star Wars costuming group, which brought a sci-fi element to the show floor.
Characters from the “Empire” posed for photos and added to the event’s family-friendly appeal.
