2009-06-17
The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers is to relocate the Dairy Event and Livestock Show in 2010 to the NEC, Birmingham from its current Stoneleigh Park, Coventry site.
This specialist event which is to be staged in purpose built exhibition halls on 7 and 8 September 2010, will continue to build on its current format offering comprehensive technical, business and financial information for the entire UK ruminant sector, and provide a one-stop shop for livestock farmers.
All trade exhibitors from across the supply chain will be located in interlinked exhibition halls, while another hall covering more than two acres will accommodate livestock; dairy – including the competitive classes, beef, sheep, commercial goats and native breeds exhibitions.
RABDF chief executive Nick Everington explains: “We have organised and staged the UK’s leading event in the dairy sector at Stoneleigh Park since 1975. However, its roots actually go back 134 years, during which time the event has been held at various locations. Since 2003, exhibitor numbers have increased by 60%, from 280 to 465 exhibitors, and we have widened the event’s appeal to feature all ruminants. Consequently, we have not only outgrown the undercover space at Stoneleigh Park, but also need to provide our exhibitors and visitors with facilities that are in keeping with doing business in the 21st century.
“The new venue will offer benefits to the entire livestock sector, both exhibitors and visitors.
With less time available, farmers will benefit from improved access via road, rail and air. Airlines from 15 different UK and Irish airports fly regularly to Birmingham airport, with the exhibition halls less than 10 minutes walk away. The airport’s proximity also introduces obvious advantages for international delegates as well as reducing travelling times for our UK visitors. Furthermore, bringing all the trade under one roof will enable farmers to find exhibitors more easily, make better use of their valuable time and really enjoy their visit. Parking on hard standing, award winning catering and onsite accommodation will all significantly upgrade the event.
“For the exhibitor the NEC’s professional working environment will enhance efficiency, offer better access for ‘build-up and breakdown’, the potential for higher attendances, increased contacts from improved visitor flow and spacious on site facilities for customer hospitality which altogether reflect the British livestock sector as modern and progressive.”
He adds: “Ultimately, the venue will offer the opportunity for future expansion as we plan to build the Dairy Event and Livestock Show to become the flagship not only for the UK industry, but also to rival its European counterparts.”
Pat Tomlinson, head of agriculture of HSBC Bank, long-standing principal sponsor of the event, comments: “This is an extremely exciting development for the Dairy Event and Livestock Show and I am sure it will be a great catalyst to take this very well respected event, to ever greater heights. We congratulate RABDF for being so proactive in seizing the opportunity and wish it every success.”
 Food and Farming Offer Brightness in Bleak Economy
Thousands of Youngsters Enjoy Countryside Days
2009 Children's Countryside Day at Wooler
|
