Hillhead 2026

Charlotte Shacklock

Exhibitor Sales Contact

Kathryn Bardsley

Group Advertising Manager

Hillhead General Enquiries

Visitor and general enquiries

What's on

Programme

Live_demonstration

TBA

Event days

09:00–18:00

Typical time

Official agenda

This agenda is still being finalised. Check the official agenda for the latest sessions.

Speakers

Nikki Dean

Broadcaster and Technology Presenter

Host of the new-for-2026 curated Quarry Face demonstrations, combining live machine operation with expert commentary and manufacturer interviews against the dramatic quarry backdrop

09:00 – 18:00

Quarry Face Live Demonstrations (continuous)

Live_demonstration

Quarry Face Demonstration Area

09:00 – 18:00

Rock Processing ('Crusher Alley') Live Demonstrations (continuous)

Live_demonstration

Rock Processing Demonstration Area

09:00 – 18:00

East Demo Area Live Demonstrations (continuous)

Live_demonstration

East Demo Area

09:00 – 18:00

Registration Demonstration Area Live Demonstrations (continuous)

Live_demonstration

Registration Demonstration Area

11:00 – 11:30

Curated Quarry Face Demonstration (daily)

Live_demonstration

Quarry Face Demonstration Area

11:00 – 11:30

Curated Quarry Face Demonstration (daily)

Live_demonstration

Quarry Face Demonstration Area

11:00 – 11:30

Curated Quarry Face Demonstration (daily)

Live_demonstration

Quarry Face Demonstration Area

12:30 – 13:00

Curated Quarry Face Demonstration (daily)

Live_demonstration

Quarry Face Demonstration Area

12:30 – 13:00

Curated Quarry Face Demonstration (daily)

Live_demonstration

Quarry Face Demonstration Area

12:30 – 13:00

Curated Quarry Face Demonstration (daily)

Live_demonstration

Quarry Face Demonstration Area

14:00 – 14:30

Curated Quarry Face Demonstration (daily)

Live_demonstration

Quarry Face Demonstration Area

14:00 – 14:30

Curated Quarry Face Demonstration (daily)

Live_demonstration

Quarry Face Demonstration Area

14:00 – 14:30

Curated Quarry Face Demonstration (daily)

Live_demonstration

Quarry Face Demonstration Area

Topic tracks

Live Equipment DemonstrationsCurated Quarry Face DemonstrationsProduct Launches and Technology Showcase

Co-located events

Strategic Safety Forum (SSF) meeting

Separate ticket

Co-located seminars

Tesab Technical Seminar & Product Walkaround

Paid

Previous edition

Current edition

2026 · 20,000 visitors · 620 exhibitors

Hillhead 2026 was the largest edition in the show's 44-year history. A record 627 exhibitors took part and the event welcomed the busiest opening day ever with more than 9,000 visitors on Tuesday 23 June. Total footfall across the three days was 25,878 visits from 18,340 unique visitors (subject to independent ABC audit). Organisers had forecast nearly 20,000 unique visitors from more than 65 countries and 620+ exhibitors pre-show. The 140,000 sqm working quarry site was fully sold out

Forecast — not final

Visitors

19,560

Exhibitors

599

Visitor countries

Growth over time

New this edition

1
Curated Quarry Face Demonstrations
New for 2026: a dynamic curated live show at the Quarry Face area hosted by broadcaster and technology presenter Nikki Dean, combining live machine operation with expert commentary and manufacturer interviews, streamed onto a giant LED screen. Sessions took place daily at 11:00, 12:30 and 14:00
Source
2
AI-Powered Visitor Planning Tool
A new AI planning tool powered by Exhibitly allows visitors to enter their job title and company name on the Hillhead website home page to receive personalised exhibitor and product recommendations, helping them make the most of their visit to the 140,000 sqm showground
Source
3
£105,000 Wi-Fi Network Upgrade
A major upgrade to the Hillhead Wi-Fi network with 1.5km of fibre ring extended across the site to significantly enhance connectivity. The improvements support a greater number of free visitor hot spots while enabling better digital solutions and online services for exhibitors across the showground
Source
4
Return of 'Red' Exhibitor Car Park
The dedicated 'Red' exhibitor car park returned at the east end of the site for 2026, larger than ever before, with extensive groundworks to create a more accessible, vehicle-friendly arrival area. It allows up to 1,400 cars to be redirected away from the main Hillhead Lane entrance to improve traffic flow
Source
5
Site Water System Upgrade
A major upgrade to the site water system splits the showground into two independent zones to improve water flow and support an increased number of toilet facilities across the site
Source
6
Temporary EE/BT Mobile Phone Mast
A site survey was completed for a temporary EE/BT mobile phone mast, installed before the show to further strengthen on-site connectivity during the three-day event
Source

Next edition outlook

2026-06-23 – 2026-06-25

high

Hillhead will return to Hillhead Quarry, Buxton, in 2028, following the record-breaking 2026 edition. The official event website confirms: 'We look forward to welcoming the industry back to Hillhead in 2028.' Companies interested in exhibiting are invited to register their interest via the exhibitor enquiry form on the official website. Specific dates for Hillhead 2028 have not yet been published by the organiser

Continuation and possible expansion of the curated Quarry Face demonstration format introduced in 2026 Further growth in electrification, digitalisation, and automation exhibits as OEMs bring more battery-electric and hydrogen-powered machines to market Likely expansion of indoor exhibition space following the sell-out of all available stand space for 2026

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

Hillhead 2024 cemented its status as the world's biggest working quarrying exhibition, drawing 19,577 unique trade visitors from 67 countries — the second highest in the event's history — and 599 exhibitors across three days at Tarmac's Hillhead Quarry near Buxton, Derbyshire. Total visits reached 26,626, an 8% increase over 2022, with visitors spending more time at the show than ever before and a record number attending for more than one day. The event recorded its busiest ever show day on day two with almost 10,800 visitors. Every square metre of exhibition space was fully booked, including an extended Showground Pavilion, and a record number of machines took part in four live demonstration areas. Site improvements included additional catering areas, more car parking spaces, and new hydration stations. Event director Richard Bradbury highlighted the show's unique 'human' platform for buyers and sellers to engage with products, network, and catch up with colleagues. Source: official Hillhead post-show report

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

Hillhead 2024 attracted 19,577 unique trade visitors from 67 countries — a 6.2% increase over 2022 and the second highest ever in the event's history, behind only 2018. The audience was strictly trade-only, with the event not open to the general public. Visitors spent more time at the show than ever before and a record number attended for more than one day, indicating high engagement and serious buying intent. Exhibitors reported 'plenty of high-quality visitors coming to our stand' and deals being struck across the three days. The international dimension was strong, with attendees from 67 countries. Source: official Hillhead post-show report and exhibitor testimonials

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

Exhibitors at Hillhead 2024 reported strong returns. CDE used the event as a worldwide launch pad for its ProPress product, with Head of Operations Colum Bryson stating the event was 'very positive and productive' and praising the visitor footfall, particularly on the opening day and Wednesday. Edge Innovate's Marketing Manager Adrian Donnelly called it 'an extremely strong event.' Many exhibitors reported very busy stands with deals being struck, plenty of high-quality leads to follow up, new contracts being made, and old contacts being renewed, according to QMJ Group. Kelly Tanks said the show 'exceeded all our expectations' and received 'overwhelming positive feedback.' Plant Parts Ltd described the show as 'a huge success' and 'a great place to meet up with familiar faces as well as getting the chance to introduce ourselves to new prospects.' The organisers confirmed that the consensus among exhibitors and visitors was that Hillhead continues to be a highly popular showcase event for promoting latest plant, technological innovations, and services to a high-calibre international audience

Intelligence

Market context

Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

United Kingdom and Ireland

Why it matters

Hillhead 2026 arrived at a pivotal moment for the UK quarrying, construction and recycling industries. On one side, the UK construction equipment market is recovering strongly — up 20% year-to-date in 2026 — and the heavy construction equipment sector is projected to grow from $23.7 billion to over $30 billion by 2031. On the other, the industry faces a structural supply crisis: the Mineral Products Association estimates 3.8 to 4.1 billion tons of aggregates are needed to meet UK construction demand up to 2035, yet newly permitted reserves are running far below replacement levels. Amid these pressures, three technology themes dominated Hillhead 2026: electrification, digitalisation and automation. Volvo CE began serial production of the world's first electric articulated haulers, LiuGong debuted its 8110TE electric loader, and major OEMs showcased AI-powered fleet management and digital services. Hillhead's working quarry format — with more than 35 machines demonstrating at the Quarry Face and four live demonstration areas — provides a unique platform for buyers to see equipment performing real jobs of work, not just static displays. With a record 627 exhibitors, 18,340 unique visitors and a fully sold-out 140,000 sqm site, Hillhead 2026 confirmed its status as the UK and Ireland's premier equipment exhibition and a critical meeting point for the global supply chain

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Electrification and decarbonisation of off-highway equipment

Battery-electric and hybrid machinery is moving from concept to commercial reality across quarrying and construction. Volvo CE began serial production of the world's first electric articulated haulers in 2026, with first deliveries to UK and Norwegian customers. LiuGong presented the 8110TE 40-tonne electric loader at Hillhead 2026, and SBM Mineral Processing showed diesel-electric hybrid crushers claiming up to 40% lower diesel consumption. Dynapac listed its SD1800We battery-electric city paver with up to four hours of runtime per charge

Digitalisation, automation and AI-driven fleet management

Remote monitoring, fleet management platforms and AI-powered tools are transforming quarry operations. Hitachi introduced LANDCROS Connect, an all-in-one fleet management tool providing insights regardless of manufacturer or fleet size. New digital tools utilising rapid advances in artificial intelligence were front and centre for major off-highway plant companies Astec and Terex at Hillhead 2026. The show itself introduced an AI-powered visitor planning tool powered by Exhibitly

Rising demand for recycled aggregates and circular economy practices

Recycled aggregates are becoming increasingly popular as quality improves and the market specifies these materials more readily. According to Hitachi Construction Machinery UK's Mines & Quarries Manager Steve O'Mara, 'There's more demand for recycled aggregates than can be supplied,' even while primary aggregates demand remains subdued. This drives demand for mobile crushing, screening and washing equipment

Longer equipment life cycles and growing aftermarket demand

Quarry operators are extending the life cycle of their equipment rather than replacing it, 'sweating the asset for longer than they used to do.' This drives higher consumption of parts and increased demand for overhauls and repairs to existing machinery, benefiting wear parts suppliers, hydraulic component specialists and service providers

UK aggregates supply crisis and permitting challenges

The Mineral Products Association (MPA) estimates 3.8 to 4.1 billion tons of aggregates are needed to meet UK construction demand up to 2035, but new quarry reserves are far below this level. In the East Midlands, newly permitted reserves from 2016 to 2025 of just 10.6 million tons contrasted with 251 million tons sold in the same period. The MPA warned the UK faces 'running out' of crucial raw materials, putting construction projects at risk

UK construction equipment market recovery gaining momentum

The UK construction equipment market grew 20% year-to-date in 2026, with a particularly strong second quarter. The Construction Equipment Association (CEA) described sales growth of between 5% and 10% for the full year 2026 as a realistic scenario. The UK heavy construction equipment market was valued at $23.7 billion in 2026 and is projected to reach $30 billion by 2031

Market news

Latest updates from across the market.

UK construction equipment market up 20% as European recovery continues

The UK delivered a particularly strong second quarter in 2026, taking year-to-date market growth to 20%. The Construction Equipment Association described sales growth of between 5% and 10% for the full year 2026 as a realistic scenario based on the current rate of growth, signalling a sustained recovery in demand for construction machinery

Hillhead 2026 confirms global OEM line-up with all 15 top heavy construction manufacturers

Hillhead 2026 hosted all 15 of the world's top heavy construction equipment OEMs, making it the largest edition in the event's 44-year history. The line-up included Caterpillar (represented by Finning), JCB, Komatsu, Volvo CE, Liebherr, Hitachi, SANY, XCMG, LiuGong, Case, Hyundai, Develon, Wirtgen, Astec and Terex. The breadth of OEMs confirmed underscores Hillhead's position as the UK and Ireland's leading construction equipment exhibition

Heidelberg Materials commissions first electric shunting locomotive at UK quarry

Heidelberg Materials UK commissioned a new Class 08e electric shunting locomotive at its Whatley quarry in Frome, Somerset — the first of its kind at any UK quarry. Powered by six Positive Traction Powerpod battery packs providing 600kWh of energy and delivering up to 50% increase in tractive effort, the locomotive is part of Heidelberg's commitment to reducing Scope 3 emissions in delivery transport by 15% by 2030 from a 2019 baseline

Volvo CE begins serial production of world's first electric articulated haulers

Volvo Construction Equipment started serial production of the A30 Electric and A40 Electric articulated haulers, with first deliveries to customers in the UK and Norway. The milestone signals growing readiness to adopt zero-emission solutions in the quarrying and mining segments, and reflects the accelerating electrification trend showcased at Hillhead 2026

Hillhead 2026 sold out with additional indoor space released

Hillhead 2026 was fully sold out across all outdoor and indoor exhibition space, with organisers releasing additional indoor areas in the Registration Pavilion to accommodate demand. The event was on course for a record-breaking edition with more than 600 exhibitors expected, reflecting strong industry demand for face-to-face equipment demonstration platforms

LiuGong presents 12-machine line-up at Hillhead with ten exhibition debuts

China's LiuGong presented a 12-machine line-up at Hillhead 2026, including ten machines appearing at the exhibition for the first time. The 8110TE 40-tonne electric loader, first launched in China in early 2026, was among the highlights. The strong presence of Chinese OEMs at Hillhead underscores the growing internationalisation of the UK equipment market