The Festival Of Quilts 2026 is set for 29 July 2027 at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, showcasing over 1,200 quilts.
Dates
29 Jul 2027
City / country
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Venue
National Exhibition Centre
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
The Festival Of Quilts 2026 celebrates the art of patchwork, quilting, and appliqué, inviting quiltmakers of all skill levels to showcase their creativity. With 16 diverse competition categories, participants can enter their work for professional judging and exhibition.
This event is recognized as the largest quilting celebration globally, featuring over 1,200 quilts displayed each year. The Festival Of Quilts 2026 takes place in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
TL;DR
See the quilts up close: the competition and gallery areas at The Festival of Quilts put hundreds of judged quilts on display, from traditional bed quilts and wholecloth work to modern, art and group entries, so you can study piecing, applique and actual quilting lines rather than photos.
Exhibiting at The Festival Of Quilts offers quiltmakers a platform to showcase their work to a global audience, gain recognition, and compete for prestigious awards. Participants can connect with industry professionals and fellow artists, enhancing their visibility and opportunities in the quilting community.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
National Exhibition Centre, Marston Green, Birmingham, United Kingdom
National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at National Exhibition Centre for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
General admission
Standard Early Bird Entry
General admission
Standard Entry
Who runs the show
The Quilters' Guild
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Next edition
Not announced yet
Edition recap
Photos
Impact
The 2026 Festival of Quilts was held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham and was billed as Europe's largest quilting and textile arts event. The official site published a 2026 photo gallery and competition gallery, while external coverage highlighted the winning quilts and visitor experiences. The show also listed exhibitors and competition categories for the edition.
Audience quality
The 2026 Festival of Quilts was held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham and was billed as Europe's largest quilting and textile arts event. The official site published a 2026 photo gallery and competition gallery, while external coverage highlighted the winning quilts and visitor experiences. The show also listed exhibitors and competition categories for the edition.
Exhibitor outcomes
The 2026 Festival of Quilts was held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham and was billed as Europe's largest quilting and textile arts event. The official site published a 2026 photo gallery and competition gallery, while external coverage highlighted the winning quilts and visitor experiences. The show also listed exhibitors and competition categories for the edition.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
On 2027-07-29 to 2027-07-29, The Festival Of Quilts 2026 in Birmingham covering Patchwork fabric, bolts and fat quarters, Precut bundles: jelly rolls, charm packs and layer cakes, Wadding, batting and gives fashion buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Latest updates from across the market.
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ReadWhat'S on At the Festival of Quilts
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ReadPlan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Birmingham Airport
Closest and most convenient gateway. The Air-Rail Link people mover connects the terminal to Birmingham International station, from where the NEC halls are a signed walk. Allow extra time on show mornings
Approx. 2 km / 1.5 mi
to venue
Approx. 5-10 min by road; Air-Rail Link plus short walk to the halls
by car
Coventry Airport
Small airport with limited scheduled service, used mainly for general aviation and charter. Check that a usable flight exists before planning around it; otherwise treat BHX as the default
Approx. 20 km / 12 mi
to venue
Approx. 25-35 min by road
by car
East Midlands Airport
Useful for East Midlands and northern connections, and a viable alternative if BHX fares are high. A taxi is expensive; compare a pre-booked transfer or rail via Birmingham
Approx. 65 km / 40 mi
to venue
Approx. 45-60 min by road via the A42 and M42
by car
London Heathrow Airport
Best long-haul choice if BHX has no suitable connection. Rail via Euston to Birmingham International avoids motorway traffic; a direct taxi is expensive and not recommended
Approx. 160 km / 100 mi
to venue
Approx. 1 h 45 - 2 h 15 by road; about 2 h by rail via London Euston
by car
London Luton Airport
Often used by low-cost European carriers. Rail options involve a transfer through London, so allow extra time and check engineering works on the day
Approx. 135 km / 85 mi
to venue
Approx. 1 h 30 - 2 h by road
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC by IHG
Rated 4.3, listed about 520 m from the NEC; breakfast (charge), free Wi-Fi, parking, air conditioning, fitness centre, bar, restaurant and room service. Walkable to the halls, so no daily transfer cost.
Hilton Birmingham Metropole
Rated 4.0, on the NEC campus; breakfast (charge), free Wi-Fi and parking (charge) noted in the Google Hotels listing. The largest on-campus option, so it is the first to sell out for big shows.
Premier Inn Birmingham NEC Airport hotel
Rated 4.1 with 2.6K reviews on Google Hotels; about 1 km from the NEC, breakfast (charge), free Wi-Fi, parking (charge), air conditioning, bar and restaurant. Roughly 12-15 minutes on foot.
Travelodge Birmingham Airport
Rated 3.9, about 2 km from the NEC; breakfast (charge), free Wi-Fi, parking (charge), pet-friendly, bar and restaurant. Best value of the four, but budget a short taxi or bus to the halls.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
airport shuttle
Runs frequently and takes about 90 seconds, putting you at the station next to the NEC. Confirm live service times before travel.
rail
Allow 10-15 minutes on foot with bags, longer on the first morning of a large show. Station staff can direct you to the correct hall.
taxi
Approx. 5-10 min by road; Air-Rail Link plus short walk to the halls; Closest and most convenient gateway. The Air-Rail Link people mover connects the terminal to Birmingham International station, from where the NEC halls are a signed walk. Allow extra time on show mornings.
taxi
Approx. 25-35 min by road; Small airport with limited scheduled service, used mainly for general aviation and charter. Check that a usable flight exists before planning around it; otherwise treat BHX as the default.
taxi
Approx. 45-60 min by road via the A42 and M42; Useful for East Midlands and northern connections, and a viable alternative if BHX fares are high. A taxi is expensive; compare a pre-booked transfer or rail via Birmingham.
taxi
Approx. 1 h 45 - 2 h 15 by road; about 2 h by rail via London Euston; Best long-haul choice if BHX has no suitable connection. Rail via Euston to Birmingham International avoids motorway traffic; a direct taxi is expensive and not recommended.
taxi
Approx. 1 h 30 - 2 h by road; Often used by low-cost European carriers. Rail options involve a transfer through London, so allow extra time and check engineering works on the day.
rail
Journey is roughly 1 h 10 - 1 h 30. Advance fares are much cheaper than walk-up tickets; check weekend engineering works.
Weather
Late July in Birmingham, England: changeable summer weather with daytime highs typically around 20-23 C (68-73 F) and overnight lows near 12-14 C (54-57 F). Short heavy showers are common in any week rather than all-day rain, and daylight lasts until around 21:00. NEC halls are large and climate-controlled, so a light layer plus a compact umbrella covers most days. These are seasonal averages, not a forecast - check the weather in the final week.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
UK networks (EE, O2, Vodafone and Three) sell pay-as-you-go SIM and eSIM plans, and EU or US phones generally work on roaming - check your plan before travelling. UK mains is 230 V at 50 Hz with Type G three-pin plugs, so bring an adapter for chargers and any sewing equipment you ship over. Mobile data and venue Wi-Fi can be congested in the halls at peak times; download tickets, floor plans and workshop confirmations before you arrive.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Currency and payments
The UK uses pounds sterling (GBP). Contactless cards are accepted almost everywhere, including most stands at the NEC, but a little cash helps for small purchases and charity raffles.
Language
Show signage, workshop listings and hall plans are in English. Tutors generally speak English; if you are booking a class with a specific technique in mind, ask ahead about handouts.
Queuing
Queue at tills, workshop desks and gallery entrances. Popular fabric stands get busy straight after opening, so shop early for show-only bundles and leave the galleries for mid-afternoon.
Tipping
Not expected at counters or in the halls. In restaurants a service charge of around 10-12.5% is often added to the bill - check before adding a tip.
Dress and pace
There is no dress code for visitors; comfortable shoes matter more than anything else because the halls have concrete floors and long walking distances. Exhibitors usually dress smart-casual.
Access and assistance
The NEC is a step-free campus with accessible toilets and lifts. Contact the organiser ahead of time for scooter hire, a companion ticket or adjustments to a booked workshop.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: BHX
Book into Birmingham (BHX) where possible - it is the closest airport to the NEC and has direct connections to many European hubs, followed by the free Air-Rail Link and a short walk. For long-haul routings, compare a through ticket to BHX against flying into Heathrow or Manchester and continuing by rail; Euston to Birmingham International is about 1 h 10 - 1 h 30. Late July is UK school holiday season, so weekend fares and NEC-area hotel rates rise - book several weeks ahead. Check baggage allowances if you plan to bring fabric, wadding or a sewing machine home.
Many visitors need a UK Standard Visitor visa to attend a trade event on business; check GOV.UK's visit-on-business and visa requirements pages for your nationality before booking travel.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
GOV.UK publishes business visitor rules and an updated visa requirements list; VFS Global handles applications for the UK in many countries. Fees and processing times are not stated in the captured pages, so confirm them on GOV.UK at application time.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Birmingham Airport (BHX): Approx. 5-10 min by road; Air-Rail Link plus short walk to the halls; Coventry Airport (CVT): Approx. 25-35 min by road; East Midlands Airport (EMA): Approx. 45-60 min by road via the A42 and M42; London Heathrow Airport (LHR): Approx. 1 h 45 - 2 h 15 by road; about 2 h by rail via London Euston. Allow road or rail time to National Exhibition Centre; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near National Exhibition Centre: NEC / Birmingham Airport: Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC by IHG; NEC / Birmingham Airport: Hilton Birmingham Metropole; NEC / Birmingham Airport: Premier Inn Birmingham NEC Airport hotel.
Ride-hail: App-based ride-hailing (Uber and similar services) operates across Birmingham and the NEC, with designated pick-up and drop-off areas rather than kerbside stops at the hall doors. A trip from Birmingham Airport to the NEC is short and inexpensive at roughly GBP 8-14, but surge pricing applies at show close. Licensed black cabs and local taxi firms also serve the NEC rank - agree the fare or confirm the meter before setting off.
Public transit: The NEC has its own station, Birmingham International, served by West Midlands Trains services from Birmingham New Street (about 10-15 minutes) and by Avanti West Coast and London Northwestern services from London Euston (roughly 1 h 10 - 1 h 30). From the station the halls are a signed short walk. Birmingham Airport connects to the same station by the free Air-Rail Link people mover. There is no tram or metro link to the NEC - the West Midlands Metro serves central Birmingham and Wolverhampton, so plan a rail plus walk connection. Book rail tickets in advance for better fares, and check for weekend engineering works before you travel.
Parking: On-site parking at the NEC is charged and usually pre-bookable through the venue or organiser - expect roughly GBP 12-18 per day. Use postcode B40 1NT for navigation and follow signs for the hall named on your ticket. Arrive early on the first morning and allow 15-20 minutes to walk from the car parks to the halls; exhibitors and traders should check separate build-up access arrangements with the organiser.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: Late July
Temperature: Daytime highs typically 20-23 C (68-73 F), overnight lows around 12-14 C (54-57 F). Seasonal averages for the English Midlands, not a forecast - check the week before you travel.
Seasonality: Rain is possible in any week in Birmingham, and July often brings short heavy showers rather than all-day rain, so a compact umbrella and a light waterproof layer are more useful than a heavy coat. Long daylight hours, with light until around 21:00, make it easy to combine the show with an evening in the city.
Packing: Pack broken-in, comfortable shoes for concrete hall floors; a light waterproof layer and small umbrella; a folding tote or small wheeled bag for fabric and books; a Type G plug adapter for chargers and any sewing tools; and a card plus a little cash for small stands. Bring a light jumper for air-conditioned workshop rooms.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at The Festival Of Quilts 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
14 days out: buy your show ticket online (listing data shows GBP 24 standard entry and a GBP 22 early-bird tier) and check whether workshop places need a separate booking.
14 days out: reserve NEC-area accommodation early - late July is UK school holiday season and the on-campus hotels fill for large shows.
10 days out: plan the journey. Rail to Birmingham International is the easiest arrival; if driving, pre-book NEC parking and note postcode B40 1NT.
10 days out: open the official schedule page and shortlist the talks, workshops and gallery tours you want, since some sessions run only once.
7 days out: check kit lists for any hand-sewing class - needles, thread, scissors, rotary cutter and a small mat are often bring-your-own.
7 days out: if you are entering a quilt in the competition, confirm the entry and quilt delivery deadlines with the organiser, not the public show dates.
5 days out: set a shopping budget and a written list of the fabric, wadding, thread and notions you actually need; the retail arcade is very large.
5 days out: if you plan to buy bulky wadding or a machine, check delivery or click-and-collect options and keep a card with a higher limit available.
3 days out: check the forecast and pack comfortable shoes for concrete halls plus a light waterproof layer and a compact umbrella.
1 day out: download tickets and the hall plan to your phone, charge a power bank, and pack a Type G adapter if travelling from abroad.
1 day out: keep one bag empty for purchases and arrive at opening on your first morning for the quietest gallery viewing.
After the show: note the exhibitors and tutors you want to follow up, and check whether any show offers run online for a limited period.
Registration and hall orientation at National Exhibition Centre
Supplier meetings and product demos
Final negotiations and follow-up
The Festival Of Quilts 2026 registration concourse
National Exhibition Centre
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
National Exhibition Centre
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
GBP 22 / per person
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | GBP 22 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Use this quick check to decide whether The Festival Of Quilts 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For The Festival Of Quilts 2026, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Patchwork and quilting supplies and Quilting machines and tools solutions and benchmarking suppliers at The Festival Of Quilts 2026 in Birmingham.
Min. budget
$474.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Patchwork and quilting supplies and Quilting machines and tools products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,200.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Birmingham show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
1 more alternate names hidden
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
