A new year brings new hobby opportunities, and the greatest global celebration of your army painting achievements is back for an even bigger and better show in 2025. It’s Armies on Parade!
This is a welcoming, year-long challenge that puts your building, painting, and conversion skills to the test, as Warhammer fans around the world show off their finest armies in a grand showcase for hobbyists of every skill level – from brand-new beginners to grizzled veterans. There are prizes up for grabs and friends to be made, but more than anything, it’s a chance to create an incredible hobby project you’re proud of.
Last year’s categories were reorganised after extensive and enthusiastic feedback from the Warhammer hobby community, and the results were outstanding – floods of entries across the entire spectrum of Armies on Parade submissions. As a result, we’re keeping the same categories this time, with a few names changed here and there for clarity.
Solo Entrant
Formerly called ‘Individual’, this is your chance to show off your best army in its purest form – no terrain or display, just miniatures on a blank battle board. Each submission must be completed by a single hobbyist, as the name suggests.
Youngbloods
Like last year, Youngbloods is for neophyte Warhammer fans aged between 13 and 15. You’ll need a parent's or guardian’s permission to enter; otherwise, the rules will be the same as those for the Solo Entrant category.
Team
If you want to pool your talents with friends, family members, or even strangers you’ve met in the street, the Team category is for you. This is also a great way for teams of Youngbloods – like school Warhammer Alliance clubs – to take part, so long as they have an adult participant in the group.
Armies on Terrain
The headline showcase (previously known as ‘Display’) places your miniatures on an awesome display board, putting all of your hobby skills to the test as you build, paint, and convert your masterpiece. This category is exclusive to the in-store competition, so you’ll be able to let your imagination blossom and then share your work with your local Warhammer community during the Armies on Parade celebration later this year. Better yet, you can enter the Armies on Terrain category in addition to any others!
There are just a few milestones you’ll need to hit this year as we close in on the competition deadline, starting with the window to bring in completed submissions – which runs between July and September. Stopping by your local Warhammer store and showing off your work will net you a prize just for reaching the finish line – and that’s even before we start pitting the entries against each other.
Participating stores (ask your local manager if they’re planning to join in the fun) begin their Armies on Parade celebrations in October, and you’ll have the chance to win a Bronze, Silver, or Gold award in your chosen categories – or a Commended Entry certificate for outstanding armies that don’t reach the podium. Then, November heralds our online awards ceremony featuring the best entries from around the world judged by our expert panel.
There are loads of goodies up for grabs, from Combat Patrols and Spearheads to Warhammer webstore vouchers. Everything featured during the online show has a chance to win some big prizes, and even those who don’t claim a place among the final medalists will be entered into a prize draw. Terms and conditions apply.
You can find more information at the Armies on Parade page on the Citadel Colour website, along with useful hobby planners and extensive guides for painting on an army-wide scale. You can also watch along with a special Armies on Parade playlist on YouTube – perfect for absorbing some hobby wisdom while you paint.
Need a few ideas for your next big painting project? Head back to the LVO Preview hub to see the awesome miniatures coming to a table near you soon.
