This year's National Airsoft Festival will take place on August 28th-30th August bringing players from all over the UK and Europe together for a weekend of all things Airsoft.
History of the event and what to expect
It is one of the longest surviving Airsoft events across the world, having started in 2007 and has grown in popularity year on year to over 40,000 Facebook fans.
Its success is due to the fact that the festival continues to evolve, adding more events, activities and in-depth game features with each festival.
Ticket prices cover the whole weekend's activities while there are optional extras such as private toilets and gun hire.
The whole weekend has something for everybody with bars, stalls, live music and a prize draw.
The event prides itself on being a social gathering for Airsoft players from far and wide to come together to play and share their Airsoft experiences.
The main attraction, however, is Ground Zero, the largest ever Airsoft game to take place. Anyone over the age of 14 can play and there are no restrictions on what you wear although there are limits on the following weapons:
- Full Auto (AEG/Gas, Pistol & Rifle) 350FPS
- Semi Mode Only (AEG/Gas Rifles) 425FPS with 4 seconds between shots to simulate cocking and to stop people spamming their trigger
- Bolt Action Sniper Rifle (Spring Rifle Only) 500FPS
The two day game sees three teams; Bravo, Delta and Others compete against each other over 175 acres of land.
Whether you are going to the event on your own or as part of your own team, there is a space on Ground Zero for everybody.
The terrain is varied throughout with open roads, tunnel networks and bunkers among other things so everyone who takes part has a good chance of finding their best way to play.
While there is no limit on the number of people who can buy a ticket for the event, it is advised to book as soon as possible to ensure the festival organisers can provide the right amount of food and facilities for the weekend.
Booking for the event is not yet open but if you are interested, you should check the National Airsoft Festival Facebook page for updates.
History of the local area
The county of Hampshire has played a big part in Britain's military history, particularly Portsmouth and Southampton's rich naval history.
Ringwood, Hampshire, the area where this festival takes place, is on the edge of the border of The New Forest which also has a rich military heritage, making it an appropriate choice for a huge gathering for Airsoft players.
During World War 2, twelve airfields were hastily built as well as an experimental bombing range while thousands of Allied troops made their home in tented areas nearby.
The New Forest's distance to the ports of Southampton and Portsmouth made them a potential prime target for invasion especially once Germany invaded and took control of France.
Defences were set up throughout The New Forest during the war and some defences were even put up before the start of the war such as anti-aircraft and searchlight sites.
Even church bells were silenced throughout The New Forest and would only ring as a 'call to arms' if action needed to be taken.
Training with small firearms all the way up to tank exercises took place there before many moved onto overseas battles either from the airfields or from the ports of Southampton and Portsmouth.
There is also a former RAF base, RAF Ibsley, two miles north of Ringwood, which was used for US pilots based in the UK.
(AEG/Gas Rifles) 425FPS with 4 seconds between shots to simulate – Plagiarised... from https://www.airsoftfestival.com/faq.php
