Last year, it was not able to go the Ground Zero National Airsoft Festival 2015 due to personal reasons and Operator7 was there to cover the event for Popular Airsoft. Looking at the photos of that year, I wonder if the changes they made would be continued on for this year. The best thing is to see it for my own eyes and this year, I am back again for the 2016 edition.

I have to say it was good to be back to what is the biggest long running airsoft event in the United Kingdom, and one of the major airsoft events known worldwide. For the Ground Zero National Airsoft Festival 2016, it still has that same fun and excitement it offered in the previous years since it started in 2007, and offered even more for this year.

After braving the traffic on the M3 down to the narrower A31 as most people were hurrying up to get out of London to take advantage of the last long weekend for the summer season, Master Chief and I arrived at Ground Zero at around 1600H and pretty much was in place and ready to go for the big weekend. Checking in with H, as Howard Payne, the big boss for the event was more known and busy as hell as always, we just parked the car in the safe zone whilst he sorted where we could setup camp.

Pulling out the cameras and selfie stick, it was time to explore the safe zone. One thing for sure, there were lot of food choices this year and it was a good thing that we never planned to do some cooking at the camp area. With more food vans available, players can choose Greek, German, Mexican, and wood-fired Pizza. There was even a mobile café which means even coffee got fancier this year. Of course, there is the ice cream truck for those who want something cold and sweet. Perhaps next year they’ll add Asian and Chinese food trucks too. The more the merrier.

Whilst airsoft players can load up on their airsoft shopping at the Zero One store inside the big tent, they could also buy from the car boot sale outside for cheaper and used airsoft guns and gear. Also, there were stalls where they could buy or enquire about such as Flecktarn, Viper Tactical, Blu Eyewear, Incentive Designs, Airsoft Machine Shop/Patch Craft, Major Bananas, and Blue Print Designs. Airsoft Action Magazine were there as well, back to event the publication was officially launched.

It was always a pleasure to drop by Incentive Designs as they always got something that will make every airsoft players curious. From the their Venom MFG to blank firing grenades that are adjustable, they are now pretty much heavy developing parts for HPA airsoft such as Tippmann HPA airsoft guns.

A new structure got us surprised. Previously, the shooting range was a basic one where airsoft players were able to check their airsoft guns around an area surrounded by netting that makes up the range. Now, it is a more permanent structure, and it is Western Saloon at that. A two level shooting range, airsoft players can aim and shoot at targets at various distances.

For airsoft players who could not wait for the Saturday which is the first day for major skirmishes, there was a shotgun and pistol game readied. In that group of players, there was  group of players dressed up like a bunch of bananas who can get easily mistaken for Pikachus that would make any Pokemon Go fan whip out his/her mobile phone to throw Poke balls at.

By 1830, Airsoft Action Magazine had a big raffle draw (separate from the main raffle draw) where they gave away some cool prizes such as an ASG EVO 3A1 AEG. With Nigel Streeter of Airsoft Action hosting the raffle, he called some known airsofters such as Femme Fatale Airsoft to help him draw the names of the lucky winners.

Past 1900H when we got back to H at the registration area who told us he got as a small patch ready for us at the Marshals’ area for us to set camp. Quickly, Master Chief and I set our tent up before it got darker. It was a good thing that the ten we brought was a pop-up tent so it was quick work and we tossed in our stuff before heading back to main activity area.

We went to the German Sausage Fest van and ordered the Airsoft Frankfurter Chili Dog special they have for the event. It was good and can get you filled up quick. Eat it with soda or beer, it will taste good either way though our preference was with beer.

For the first night, there was now live music whereas in recent years it was on the second night.  The bar now has its own big ten where players can chill and listen to live music. It was a good place to hangout, and it is where we had a couple of drinks with Will Green Wood who with  Kelly Louise Hardwick of Femme Fatale Airsoft organised a quick meet up at bar. Also with us was Airsoft celebrity, BodgeUps Airsoft.

By around 2100H, we were curious about the Forces of Freedom tent. Developed by startup company, Koyoki  Ltd., this is an infantry combat game made especially for tablets and mobile phones. We talked to the guys and they explained it to be online game with controls made for the mobile gaming experience. Watching the testers of the game, it looked like they have good mobile game app in their hands.

It was already past 2200H when we finally decided to it was time to go back to our tent. With a big day ahead of us, it was best to hit the sack early. Usually, it was hard to sleep with the excitement going on but with some alcohol already in our system, sleep came easier.

Photos of the first day available at the Popular Airsoft Facebook Page.

• Read the second day report here.
• Read the third day report here.