Bristol: 2025

What is MPO?

The Miniature Painting Open is at its heart a painting competition. With different categories and levels of judging, there should be a place for everyone who loves painting their minis and wants to share that work.

Alongside this is the element of community. We are putting as much focus into providing an event where painters can meet up, relax, and get nerdy about their miniature painting. We have deliberately chosen a venue that is easily accessible by public transport, has plenty of accommodation within walking distance, and has access to some great coffee shops, bars and restaurants.

There will also be a small selection of vendors, a judges & Cult display area, Cult merch stand and several hobby forums and seminars running over the weekend.

After the success of Bristol 2024 we cannot wait to welcome you back! We hope to see you there!

By entering The Miniature Painting Open: Bristol 2025, you agree with the Terms & Conditions.

Tickets

Tickets are available here and give you access to everything at the event for the whole weekend: https://www.cultofpaint.com/shop

Due to the limited numbers and anticipated popularity of the event, we ask that if, after purchasing a ticket, you are unable to attend then please contact us and we will try to resell it via our waiting list. There are no refunds unless we can resell.

Upon purchasing your ticket you will receive digital confirmation. This will include your name and order number. Please bring a copy of this (phone is fine) to the event as this will be used to register you. Entrance without this information will not be permitted.

Doors will open at approx 10:30 on Saturday until 17:00 and 09:00 on Sunday until 14:00 with the awards ceremony at approximately 11:00 on Sunday.

Competition entries cut off 14:00 on Saturday.

All times are approximate and will be confirmed nearer the date.

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.

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.

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

*Beginner level will only be awarded commended prizes.