Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) tournaments in the UK blend rigorous martial tradition with modern HEMA Tournaments in the UK in 2026
The United Kingdom’s Historical European Martial Arts scene has been steadily filling up its calendar with real tournaments that matter. From Scotland up to London and points between, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where you can get your first open competitive experience or sharpen your ranking head-to-head.
Below you will find confirmed dates, organisers, official sites and what each event actually feels like to attend.
The London HEMA Open
Dates and Venue
May 2 to May 4, 2026 at Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill, Wembley, London.
Organised by the London Historical Fencing Club, this tournament is quickly becoming one of the more reliable national opens. Most of the weapons that matter are there: longsword, rapier & dagger, sabre and a healthy women’s division. The vibe is serious but not intimidating, perfect for people who want a full weekend of competition without the chaos of a mass festival.
Website and info: londonhemaopen.com
FightCamp 2026
Dates and Venue
July 24 to July 26, 2026 with camping from July 23, location TBA but traditionally Midlands UK.
This is the big one that has grown out of the UK HEMA community’s shared hobby into a genuinely international event. Organised by FightCamp Events and historically led by Matt Easton of Schola Gladiatoria, it has classes, lectures and competitions. Two things make it worth travelling for: a huge instructor roster and friendly sparring opportunities with fencers you do not see at every other event.
Official info and ticket updates: fightcampevents.com
Albion Cup
Dates and Location
June 26 to June 28, 2026 in the UK (venue being finalised; previous years Bisham Abbey Sports Centre).
Traditionally one of the earliest summer opens on the UK calendar. Albion Cup is organised by a dedicated group with the aim of clean, structured competition and a friendly environment for intermediate fighters who want a step up from club events.
Website and updates: albioncup.com
Glasgow HEMA Open
Dates and Venue
February 28 and March 1, 2026 at Glasgow Club Donald Dewer, Garscadden Road, Glasgow.
Run by Glasgow HEMA, this has become one of Scotland’s biggest opens. It has separate categories for open and women’s longsword, sabre and broadsword, and messer. With clear max participant numbers it feels more structured than some club events and is ideal if you want to fight early in the season.
More details: glasgowhema.com/hema-events/glasgow-hema-open-2026
Herne’s Cup
Dates and Organiser
February 14 and 15, 2026 hosted by Smart HEMA Clubs in Abingdon, Oxfordshire.
This one is pitched at both newer and intermediate competitors but is full open as well. The organisers have put real thought into a clear rule set that rewards sportsmanship and clean fencing. It also highlights women’s and under-represented genders (W+) brackets across weapons.
Full info: smarthemaclubs.co.uk/hernescup
HEMA WashFechten UK
Date and Format
August 1, 2026, location UK (details confirmed closer to the event).
A one-day event focused on longsword open and longsword women, with a few side draws and a sparring area. Probably not as large as FightCamp but worth putting in your diary if you want a compact summer competition with old rivals and fresh faces.
Organiser and contact: hemawashfechten@gmail.com
Other UK-Region Events (Expected or Emerging)
There are a bunch of smaller events that may return or appear in 2026. Some might not have public dates yet but are traditionally on the calendar:
- Wolf’s Call usual early season open around spring.
- May Melee useful pre-season tournament often late April or early May.
- Regional Wessex and North of England opens that rotate dates and venues.
- Club sparring days and local gatherings around Cardiff, Gloucester, Exeter and Belfast.
Dates for these are often posted by individual clubs or in the HEMA Events Calendar as they finalise, so bookmarking hemaalliance.com/event-calendar or checking club Facebook pages is a good habit.
How Rule Sets and Standards Are Changing in 2026
UK organisers are putting real energy into tightening and clarifying rule sets. Not universal yet, but you can generally expect:
- clearer judging criteria on control and initiative
- more consistent enforcement of safety gear checks
- beginners brackets alongside open categories at larger events
- judges courses running before or during major tournaments
This is good news if you have ever felt lost between one event’s interpretation of a rule and the next. Many tournaments now reference HEMAA or HEMA Ratings guidelines in their event briefs.
Practical Tips for 2026 Tournaments
If you are working out your calendar:
- Tickets and registrations for FightCamp and some others often open months ahead, so check official sites early.
- Many UK tournaments fill to capacity, especially Glasgow and London. Enter early.
- Gear checks are becoming stricter than in early 2020s, so read the event safety notes.
- Watching a tournament before you enter one helps you understand the rhythm of pools and direct elimination.
