8th-17th January 2010, ExCel, London
Now in its 56th year, the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show is rapidly reaching veteran status in the show world, and in fact is currently one of the top five consumer events in the UK. Kicking off with a preview day on the 8th January, the event will run for ten days, and is set to be packed bow to stern with events, exhibitors, experts and enthusiasts.
Of course, boats of all proportions will be on display at the show (with a dedicated area, outside in the marina, exhibiting those vessels too large to fit through the doors), as will accessories, clothing and equipment. The show will also host a photographic exhibition showcasing work by renowned sailing photographer Robert Wilson, and in addition there will be opportunities to speak to multitudes of professionals about all things boat.
For the kids, there will be a Design a Sail competition; plus, the Try a Dive tank allows youngsters to sample diving in a safe and instructive environment (whilst the of-age crowd sample a Guinness or two at the Black and White Bar!).
The North Hall’s Show Stage promises ‘non-stop entertainment’, with expert speakers, safety presentations and a unique preview of the 2012 Olympic sailing venues. And if you feel the need to take a short respite from boats and sailing advice, the Show Stage will also feature a high energy ‘dance explosion’ (called Rock the Boat, so presumably boating remains a prominent theme), which will take place three times each day.
Advance tickets for the London International Boat Show start from £13 (with two day tickets for just £21), and kids can get in free with a paying adult. Visit www.londonboatshow.com for more information.
16th December, 2009, 20:41 | Events | Comments Off |
26 November – 06 December, NEC, Birmingham
The UK certainly has its fair share of motorcycle shows, but this one is kitted out with its own arsenal of particularly unique features, not to mention the presence of some of the biggest names in the industry, so it’s no wonder the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the NEC gets the pulse of two-wheeling petrolheads everywhere racing.
Demonstrations are an integral part of this event, and this year the offerings will incorporate everything you’d expect from the UK’s most salient motorcycle show, including the fast, the furious and the downright dangerous. The Ken Fox Troupe’s Wall of Death showcases amazing riding skills and control; visitors can watch from the top of the eighteen-foot high cylindrical wall as the Troupe perform death-defying stunts and incredible feats of speed and agility.
Meanwhile, in the Off Road Zone, the British Supercross Championship team will put on a daily display; but the main attraction here will no doubt be the British Supercross Championship itself, rounds one and two of which will be held on Saturday 28th November and Saturday 5th December respectively.
Hundreds of exhibitors will also be in attendance, offering everything from accessories to components, not to mention bikes of all shapes and sizes, with industry giants including Husky, Spyder, Kawasaki and KTM all set to unveil new models at the event.
Of course, the eponymous motorcycles are the stars of this show, but for those who like to dabble in the four-wheeled alternative there will also be a Go-Karting track available, complete with a miniature version for the show’s younger attendees.
In addition to a cinema and a stage for live music performances, the event will be capped off by the Arai Entertainment Zone, which will host interviews and celebrity appearances, and offer games and competitions by the helmetful.
To book your tickets, visit www.motorcycleshow.co.uk
26th November, 2009, 23:16 | Events | Comments Off |
4th-9th December 2009, NEC, Birmingham
The Clothes Show Live is a calendar highlight for fashionistas. Naturally, style and glamour are the watchwords for this six-day extravaganza, and the agenda for this year’s event surely won’t disappoint.
Along with such staples as designer boutiques, high-street brands and a raft of hair and beauty products for study and sample, this year’s show will be inundated with members of the Hollyoaks cast, which will no doubt be a huge draw for the event’s teen attendees. Not that the Hollyoaks crowd are the only celebrities set to attend; these days no fashion event is complete without an appearance from the ubiquitous Gok Wan, so it is only fitting that he should be on-hand throughout the Sunday to offer style advice to those within earshot.
The show’s 6,500-seat Fashion Theatre will feature a Christmas-themed fashion showcase, which boasts such trendy treats as goody give-aways, over 270 festive outfits and ‘hot male models’. In addition, make-up and hair demonstrations will be taking place throughout the event, and new boy band ViCE will be launching their debut single Bounce, offering Clothes Show attendees a chance to be among the first to hear it.
And if it all gets a bit much, you can take a quick break by immersing yourself in the rather less frantic atmosphere of the Wellbeing Zone, which will include exhibitors such as The International Federation of Aromatherapists. Pampering spa treatments ranging from manicures and facials to rieki and shiatsu will be on offer here, and if you wish to go beyond the skin-deep this is the place to do it, with experts available to provide advice on nutrition and fitness.
The Clothes Show Live will be held at the Birmingham NEC. Tickets are on sale now and start from £25, so visit www.clothesshowlive.com to order yours.
24th November, 2009, 17:33 | Events | Comments Off |
The BBC Good Food Shows, which kicked off at the SECC in Glasgow on 30th October, are a favourite with the UK public and a particular highlight on the UK events calendar.
The 2009 shows in Glasgow, London and Birmingham have a primarily Christmas focus, with ideas and tips that are sure to give you a hearty dose of festive spirit in time for December 25th.
MasterChef Live, which is to be held at London’s Olympia on 13th-15th November, will offer tasting sessions and masterclasses, as well as a cook-off between past MasterChefs, which will be hosted by John Torode and Gregg Wallace.
Birmingham’s November show reads like a who’s-who of cookery royalty, with top celebrity chefs such as Jamie Oliver, James Martin, The Hairy Bikers and Gordon Ramsey each holding live demonstrations in the NEC’s Supertheatre. Also on offer here is the ‘Market Kitchen’, which will hold ‘educational and entertaining’ seasonal cooking demonstrations.
Both the London and Birmingham events will also incorporate a Producers’ Village, which will allow attendees to sample local and seasonal food, and will play host to hundreds of exhibitors from around the world showcasing an enormous range of top-quality food and beverages.
We don’t want to get too ahead of ourselves, so we’ll save the Summer Good Food Show, also to be held at Birmingham’s NEC, for a future blog – although if you can’t wait that long you can always visit the Good Food Show website for advance information!
For more information on all shows, and to book tickets for the 2009 shows, visit http://www.bbcgoodfoodshow.com/
The show dates and locations are:
13th November, 2009, 17:32 | Events | Comments Off |
The London Running Show on the 28th – 29th November 2009 at Olympia in London aims to pack the maximum amount of information possible into its two days, and is designed to appeal to runners of every experience and fitness level.
For newbies, or those who want to hone their regime and their lifestyle to improve their running, there are seminars and workshops dealing with everything from training and nutrition, to tips on running safely and avoiding injury. The show operates on a fairly informal basis, with seminars running on a first come, first served basis – so no need to worry about booking seminar places in advance.
The more seasoned of the show’s attendees will find that the event has plenty to offer them too: the sports and injury clinic, which will incorporate physiotherapy, run analysis, massage and core stability training, will offer free assessments – ideal for runners of all levels. In addition, a wide range of companies will be showcasing their products and services, and many vendors will be offering special promotions exclusive to the show. Services available will include shoe fitting, fitness testing and gait analysis; there will also be nutrition and health food products to sample.
Top running magazine Runner’s World will be in residence at stand B16. The stand will be a key attraction at the show, with nutrition advice from the likes of Kim Pearson, Annelise Benzie, and Tara McKearney; free training plans and fact sheets with useful advice and information; and free physio consultations and treatments. Visitors to the stand will also have the chance to meet GB track and field athlete Jo Pavey, which is sure to provide inspiration and motivation to all running enthusiasts.
Tickets cost £9 in advance, so whether you are a serious competitor or prefer to run for fun, visit www.runningshow.co.uk to book your place.
13th November, 2009, 17:09 | Events | Comments Off |
9th – 12th November 2009, ExCel, London

Spanning four days, World Travel Market is a must-do trade event for the global travel industry. Taking place at the ExCel conference centre, located in the heart of London’s Royal Docks, the 2009 event is fast approaching, and will run from the 9th to the 12th November.
Now in its 30th year, 2008’s World Travel Market saw record numbers of attendees, with almost 50,000 industry professionals turning out to network, negotiate and find out about the latest industry trends, forecasts and developments. The show’s slogan – ‘Around the World in 4 Days’ – effectively captures the dynamic and information-packed spirit of the event: with conferences and seminars, tailored student education programmes, and of course a wealth of exhibitors and industry professionals in attendance, World Travel Market brings together buyers and sellers from around the world, with just about every imaginable sector of the industry – from air travel to technology companies – being represented.
New for 2009, the event will be holding ‘Advice Clinics’, whereby attendees will have the chance to discuss business concerns and gain free advice from industry professionals. A special party is also being held on the Wednesday evening to mark the event’s 30-year anniversary. In addition, once registered, visitors and exhibitors can take advantage of a free pre-event service called ‘WTM Get Connected’, which allows attendees to find and contact each other before the show itself, with the aim of making networking easier and more efficient.
Main standholders this year will include Alamo Rent a Car & National Car Rental, European Tour Operators Association and Welcome to Yorkshire, to name but a few, and the exhibiting partners are set to number in their thousands.
To find out more about World Travel Market and to book your place, just go to www.wtmlondon.com

08th November, 2009, 09:30 | Events | Comments Off |