Music & Gaming Market
MUSICAL EQUIPMENT / TOP-END GAMING MACHINES / INTERACTIVE TECH
At RADAR, we’re more than just the sum of our cutting-edge bands. We’re a community of instrument lovers, gamers, content creators and artists whose collective personalities are carefully woven throughout the venue for the weekend.
The Music and Gaming Market featured upstairs behind the Stage One mezzanine bar is a carefully curated expo of the finest musical instruments perfect for artists looking to create music akin to that you’d find on our stages, custom high-spec gaming PCs showcasing the latest hardware and games to put them through their paces, a tabletop gaming cafe where you can take part in fast action skirmishes, learn some painting tips to bring your minifigures to life and of course, plenty of fun extras to engage with such as competitions, jam sessions, screaming booths, racing simulators, PVP Games and a first for 2025 was hugely popular: getting your nails done!
Think of RADAR’s Music and Gaming Market as Manchester’s answer to the NAMM show without the cost of a plane ticket and none of the brands you’re not interested in, crossed with a mini GamesCom. Each year, our market grows to accommodate the demand for more space, and we can’t wait to welcome you upstairs, all included in your ticket price!
Stay tuned to see what’s arriving in 2026!
MUSIC GEAR!
RADAR Festival is the place to be if you want to get your hands on guitars, keyboards, synthesizers and all sorts.
There are big-name brands that you’ll recognise alongside some fantastic independents that embody the spirit of the festival and have something special to show you.
Many brands have exclusive deals for the RADAR Community and it’s a chance to get your hands on the instruments and technology directly, speak to the experts in a one-on-one situation and really get a feel for that new purchase before you commit.
Aristides
Returning to RADAR, groundbreaking guitar builders Aristides bring their latest designs to our Music and Gaming Market.
Aviator Guitars
Aviator Guitars builds high-end electric guitars and basses for modern players, specializing in extended-range and custom instruments.
Goc Guitars
GOC Guitars™ – Progressive Instruments is an American guitar brand founded back in 2008 in Saint Louis, Missouri USA. Our goal is to deliver cutting-edge designs and technology to the world. Applying American and Japanese standard building procedures, we have formulated the perfect instruments needed for modern musicians with an emphasis on environmentally conscious, superior durable creations.
Polin Guitars
Polin Guitars; bespoke, handcrafted guitars and basses built by Irish luthier Chris Polin from his Manchester city centre workshop. Every instrument is unique, and collaboratively designed with the client. Back at Radar this year with all three models on show: the singlecut Bohr, superstrat Kepler, and the new Lovelace bass. Come chat about your custom build. 10% RADAR discount on commissions taken over the weekend (limited slots available).
SBC Guitars
SBC Guitars are created by luthier, Stuart Robson who blends ergonomic design with striking aesthetics t0 create unique electric, bass and hybrid guitars
Scan Pro Audio
Find 70+ guitars from Legator, Spira, Cream, Ibanez, Jackson, Enya, Epiphone, Gibson, Fender and more! All available to try through IK Multimedia TONEX, Fortin and Revv pedals and amps, all with exclusive RADAR festival deals. Come and play some of the best guitar brands in metal!
Strandberg
Founded in Sweden in 2012, .strandberg* Guitars is known for lightweight, ergonomic, and innovative instruments built for modern musicians. From the EndurNeck™ profile to multi-scale design, every guitar is made to inspire creativity on stage, in the studio, and at home.
Strings and things
Exclusive distributor of leading music brands – guitar strings, instrument stands and more.
GAMING!
Our gaming market has grown year upon year since its inception. It’s the place to unwind for a bit to play the latest games on the most hi-tech PCs and systems that are available to use.
There are competitions galore, chances to relax with friends in between bands and survey the latest innovations in the gaming world, it’s the perfect addition to the festival that celebrates more than just the music of our world – though some of the soundtracks reflect a crossover that combines it all perfectly!
In 2024 we were delighted to showcase the TesseracT “War Of Being” game and hear from the developers themselves – we love supporting the indies whether it’s bands or developers as they all share our passion, enthusiasm and niche view of the world.
ELEMENT GAMES
Element Games is the UK’s friendliest online wargaming store. We stock Games Workshop/Warhammer and thousands of other titles at some of the best prices around (15–25% off Warhammer; 10–25% off everything else), backed by speedy delivery and excellent customer service.
As well as shopping online, you can visit one of our physical stores across the UK in Nottingham, Sheffield, Stockport, London, Birmingham, Newcastle, and Glasgow. And if you’re near Stockport, don’t miss our massive Gaming Centre, the perfect place to play, meet fellow hobbyists, and get stuck in.
HYPERCORE
HyperCore is a fast-paced anti-rhythm action game where every beat becomes a threat. Survive escalating challenges, chase leaderboard glory, and master multiple game modes.
NINE ROUNDS RAPID
Two fugitives. On the run. On the hunt. Blast your way through a possessed, fragmenting space station to seize your fortune, freedom, and uncover the ugly truth. Stack abilities, upgrade your arsenal, and prove yourself in this hand-painted, top-down roguelite shooter.
MCR Meetups powered by Twitch
MCR Meetups Powered By Twitch – Run regular events for Twitch streamers in Manchester & Greater Manchester. Combining streaming with competitions, networking and opportunities to meet some of your favourite streamers
We will be hosting competitions, interviews and much more on a 3 day live stream – so either pop along and take part or come find out more about our regular events.
The Vault TCC
The Vault TCC are a North West–based trading card store bringing the love of the hobby straight to RADAR Festival. Specialising in single cards, they buy, sell, and trade Pokemon and Magic: The Gathering.
INTERACTIVE!
One of our most fun areas of the markets is for everyone – whether you’re a musician, a gamer or neither- everyone can get involved in some of the interactive elements of the festival, and there are always competitions for you to strive at.
Previous examples include the Formula One racing simulator (best lap time won the £900 steering wheel), the legendary screaming booth, retro Super Mario controlled with an actual drum-kit, to name but a few.
Have you got what it takes to lead the board? Get involved and reign supreme.
COFFEE SHOP – coming back for 2026!
We always listen to feedback from our wonderful RADAR Community, who have asked for further quiet areas to sit together and have a break from the busy festival environment.
Additional feedback asked for coffee and tea, so we have added a new area within the Music & Gaming Market for 2025 where you can enjoy a hot drink and sit on soft furnishings (maybe play some four-player Mario Kart, we’re working on it!) and have space to unwind and relax together in between bands.
If you sampled Steph’s All Natural Bakes previously, you’ll be delighted to hear we incorporates this into the coffee shop, so get ready to indulge in the delicious plant-based cakes, cookies, brownies and more.
All Steph’s bakes are plant-based and there will be gluten-free options.
We already can’t wait!
EVERYTHING ELSE…!
We’re delighted to have introduced loads of new stalls and partners to the market last year, and it was a huge success, so we’re doing it again. Seems silly not to.
Crash Records
Crash Records has been a part of the Leeds music scene for 30 years. Our first shop opened on Woodhouse Lane in 1985. Two years later we made the move to our present address, 35 The Headrow, where we have remained ever since.
We carry a broad range of CDs and vinyl (7”/12” singles and LPs) and specialise in indie, alternative, rock, punk, metal plus a few other genres. We also keep an ever-changing range of local stock in the shop.
Have A Nice Day Studios
Have A Nice Day Studios is a collective of creative nail artists from Edinburgh.
Hellcat jewellery
The Heart of Metal. The Home of the Craft.
Hellcat Jewellery is the raw intersection of high-end craftsmanship and heavy metal culture. Founded by Jeweller Jo, every piece is forged in Birmingham—the city that gave the world Heavy Metal and the historic Jewellery Quarter.
We don’t do mass-produced. We do meticulous. Our collections are steeped in the anatomy of the dark—skulls, bones, and bats—brought to life using the finest precious metals the Quarter has to offer. Whether it’s a signature statement or a bespoke commission for men, women, or “un-traditional” couples, Hellcat is built for those who live life at a higher volume.
Find us at RADAR Festival. Wear the noise.
Oak & Ember Gallery
We are an Edinburgh based art gallery run by artists for artists.
We stock a wide range of art direct from the artists themselves. No big companies, chains or mass produced nonsense, and definitely no AI.
From original paintings to linocut art, taxidermy to giclée prints and everything in between. Everything made with love, care and a deep passion for creativity.
OAK & EMBER WEBSITE