The UK's leading imaging show returns to ExCeL London, 13–16 March 2027, with 250+ brands, 500+ talks and hands-on kit for photography, video and content creation.
Dates
13–16 Mar 2027
City / country
London, United Kingdom
Venue
ExCeL London
Time
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Event overview
The Photography & Video Show 2027 returns to ExCeL London for four days, 13–16 March, bringing photographers, filmmakers and content creators together with more than 250 imaging brands. Visitors can handle the latest cameras, lenses, lighting and video kit, compare systems side by side and buy at show-only prices.
Across 500+ talks and live demos, working professionals share practical techniques for portrait, landscape, wildlife, filmmaking and post-production, while the Creator Playground adds hands-on shooting and content-making spaces. Trade visitors can apply for a free pass until 11 March; public day tickets start at £19.
95. It is the UK's leading event for visual storytellers.
TL;DR
You can compare current mirrorless bodies, cinema cameras, lenses, lighting and printing systems in one place, then buy at show prices. The 500+ talks and demos cover practical technique and business advice, and the Creator Playground lets you shoot, edit and publish on site. Four days also make it practical to combine a buying day with a learning day.
The show delivers a concentrated UK audience of working photographers, filmmakers, studios, retailers and content creators who arrive ready to handle equipment and spend. A stand puts new products in front of buyers and press, generates specification-level leads and supports retail partners with show-only offers. The four-day run and London ExCeL location also make it easy for international brands to meet UK distribution partners.
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
ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL, United Kingdom
Entrances & gates
West entrance
Shortest route from Custom House station and the west taxi rank; step-free approach to the main concourse.
East entrance
Use Prince Regent DLR for the east side of the campus and ICC London.
Paid on-site parking is available under the venue and at the Royal Victoria multi-storey; pre-book online and allow extra time at peak entry.
£20.00/day
Step-free access from Custom House and the west entrance, accessible toilets and a quiet room; a free carer ticket can be requested in advance by email.
Food options
ExCeL Boulevard cafés and restaurants, In-hall coffee and snack bars
On-site diningParking: On-site parking is under the venue and at the Royal Victoria multi-storey car park; pre-book and use the A13/A112 or Royal Victoria Dock Road approach. Vehicles must be under 2.8 m for the venue car park.
Gate: Use the west entrance from Custom House (Elizabeth line and DLR) or the east entrance from Prince Regent for the eastern halls and ICC London.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Standard advance day ticket
Any single day; includes VAT; £1.50 booking fee per transaction.
Concession advance day ticket
Age 60+, registered disabled, and students aged 18+ on Saturday or Sunday only; includes VAT.
Professional or trade pass
Free entry for verified photographers, filmmakers, content creators and imaging trade; apply by 23:59 on 11 March 2027.
Under-18 ticket
Free ticket required for ages 6–17; under-5s do not need a ticket; all under-18s must be accompanied.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Bring the QR code from the ticket email and photo ID for trade-pass verification; badge desks are in the west entrance concourse.
Ticket notes
Advance standard tickets are £19.95 and concessions £16.95 per day, with 50% off the second to fourth day and a £1.50 booking fee. Free trade passes close at 23:59 on 11 March 2027; from 12 March onsite prices apply.
Registration deadline
2027-03-11
What's on
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
This edition
2027
Visitors: 20,000
Exhibitors: 250
Next edition
Not announced yet
New this edition
Creator Playground and CreatorCon
Hands-on content-creation zones and a dedicated programme for social-first visual storytellers, carried into the 2027 London edition.
SourceImpact
A four-day London show with a dual audience: public buyers who purchase on the day and trade visitors who specify equipment for studios, retailers and production companies. The move back to ExCeL puts the show next to London City Airport and the Elizabeth line, widening the catchment for UK and European buyers.
Audience quality
Visitors arrive with a live buying intent: they handle bodies, lenses and lighting, compare systems and often purchase at show prices. The trade pass verification adds a layer of professional and business attendees, but the public ticket mix means exhibitors should qualify leads by project, budget and purchase timing rather than treating every badge as a trade buyer.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI depends on demo capacity and follow-up speed. Brands that run short, bookable hands-on sessions and capture consent at the stand can convert interest into dealer or direct sales within two weeks. No audited ROI, rebooking rate or satisfaction score is claimed for this edition.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Photography and video equipment buying is consolidating around mirrorless systems, hybrid capture and creator-led content, while specialist retailers compete on experience and service. A London show that puts 250+ brands in front of both professionals and the public gives the UK imaging trade a single spring marketplace for launches, dealer meetings and direct sales.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Hybrid capture becomes the default
Stills and video workflows now share bodies, lenses and lighting, so buyers compare codecs, autofocus and audio as closely as sensor resolution.
What it changes: Exhibitors must demonstrate both stills and motion capability, and visitors should test the workflow they will actually use.
Creator-led content drives kit choice
Social-first creators are a growing buyer group, choosing compact cameras, wireless audio and LED lighting for fast solo production.
What it changes: The Creator Playground and CreatorCon zones reflect a buyer segment that values portability, app integration and speed over traditional studio specs.
Retail experience and show pricing
Specialist retailers use live events to let buyers handle kit and bundle accessories, countering showrooming and online price comparison.
What it changes: Show-only pricing and bundle deals remain a key reason visitors travel and buy on the day.
Adjacent shows a UK buyer or exhibitor would consider alongside the March London edition.
CP+ 2027
Yokohama, Japan
Usually held in late February at Pacifico Yokohama; confirm exact 2027 dates with the organiser.
websitePhoto London 2027
London, United Kingdom
Usually mid-May at Somerset House; a gallery and collector audience rather than consumer kit buyers.
websiteParis Photo 2027
Paris, France
Usually November at the Grand Palais; confirm dates and venue with the organiser.
websiteCircuit dates are editorial planning guidance, not confirmed 2027 organiser calendars.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
London City Airport
Closest airport to ExCeL; take the DLR to Custom House or a short taxi to the west entrance.
About 5 km
to venue
15–25 minutes by car or taxi
by car
London Heathrow Airport
Best long-haul option; Elizabeth line to Custom House is direct and avoids road traffic.
About 35 km
to venue
50–80 minutes by car; about 60 minutes by Elizabeth line
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 110–160 / night
Walkable to the west entrance; rooms are compact and rates rise during major events, so book early.
USD 180–260 / night
A short DLR or Elizabeth line ride to Custom House, with more dining and transport options.
USD 300–450 / night
Larger rooms and river views; use the Elizabeth line from Custom House or a short taxi.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Elizabeth line and DLR
Contactless pay-as-you-go; Custom House is the shortest walk to the show.
Black cab or ride-hail
Allow 30–50 minutes in traffic; drop-off at the west taxi rank, postcode E16 1XL.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa | Visitors who are not visa-exempt or do not hold a suitable UK immigration status | $150.00 | Usually around three weeks; allow more in peak periods | |
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | Visa-exempt visitors who need an ETA under current UK rules | $25.00 | Usually a few days |
Many European and Commonwealth passports can visit visa-free for short business trips; check GOV.UK for your nationality before travel.
The UK accepts ATA carnets for temporary import of professional equipment and display goods; list every item and carry the carnet with the freight documents.
Official visa pageWeather
March in London is cool and changeable: daytime highs around 11°C, lows around 5°C, with a mix of sun, cloud and passing showers. Pack a waterproof layer and comfortable shoes for the walk from Custom House.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is usually available in the ExCeL concourse; mobile coverage is strong. Arrange a local eSIM or roaming plan before travel and carry a power bank for long show days.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Queuing and personal space
Londoners queue for tickets, coffee and cloakrooms; join the back of the line and keep a little space at the counter.
Tipping and payment
Card and contactless payment are standard. Restaurant bills often include a 12.5% service charge; tipping a taxi driver around 10% is normal.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: LCY London City
Book early for March; LCY is closest, but LHR has the strongest long-haul connections and a direct Elizabeth line link to Custom House.
Book flightsCheck whether you need a Standard Visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation before booking. Carry your passport, accommodation details and a business invitation if asked at the border.
Estimated cost: USD 25–150 depending on nationality and route
Processing: ETA usually a few days; visitor visa usually around three weeks
Fees and eligibility change; confirm on GOV.UK before applying. This is planning guidance, not an official quote.
OfficialPartnerGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: From LCY take the DLR to Custom House (about 15–20 minutes) or a taxi (15–25 minutes). From LHR use the Elizabeth line direct to Custom House in about 60 minutes.
Hotel → venue: Walk from Royal Docks hotels; use the DLR or Elizabeth line from Canary Wharf and Greenwich.
Ride-hail: Uber, Bolt and local minicabs serve ExCeL; use the west taxi rank for pick-ups and allow extra time at peak exit.
Public transit: Contactless Elizabeth line and DLR to Custom House; the west entrance is the shortest walk to the halls.
Parking: Pre-book on-site parking; the venue car park has a 2.8 m height limit and charges about GBP 20 for up to 24 hours.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March
Temperature: 5–11°C
Seasonality: Changeable with passing showers and gusty river winds; daylight extends into the early evening.
Packing: Bring a waterproof jacket, layers and comfortable shoes; the halls are heated but the walk from the station is exposed.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Saturday 13 or Monday 15 March 2027
Saturday has the strongest public atmosphere and the widest exhibitor staffing, while Monday is quieter for detailed equipment demos and trade conversations. Avoid Tuesday afternoon if you need to catch a long-haul flight.
Confirm dates, venue and ticket type — Buy an advance day ticket or apply for the free trade pass before the 11 March deadline.
Build a shortlist of brands and talks — Use the exhibitor list and programme to mark must-see stands and sessions.
Book travel and hotel — Check Elizabeth line and DLR routes; pick a refundable hotel rate.
Download tickets and plan the day — Save the QR code offline, check the hall entrance and set a meeting point.
Pack and check the weather — Bring ID, a power bank, a reusable bottle and a waterproof layer.
Registration and opening walk of the hall
West entrance and main show floorHands-on supplier meetings and camera comparisons
Exhibitor standsLunch and informal networking
ExCeL BoulevardTalks, live demos and Creator Playground
Theatre stages and CreatorCon zoneThe High Line and Chelsea Market
Urban Walk and Food
About 30 minutes by Elizabeth line and subway
A half-day contrast to the show: elevated planting, public art and a compact food market.
Greenwich and the Cutty Sark
Maritime Heritage
About 20 minutes by DLR from Custom House
Historic ship, markets and parkland on the doorstep of the Docklands.
ExCeL Boulevard
On-site
Coffee bars and seating between the halls; good for a quick meeting without leaving the venue.
The O2 restaurants
Off-site
A short Elizabeth line or DLR ride for a longer dinner or team debrief.
The show mixes public buyers with trade visitors, so follow-up should separate immediate purchase interest from longer specification or distribution conversations.
Budget
Shell scheme
GBP 550–750 / m²
Raw space
GBP 350–500 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
No 2027 exhibitor tariff was published. Bands are planning estimates for London and exclude VAT, stand build, freight and electrical extras.
sourceAdjust 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.
booth
exhibitor · shell 9 sqm
GBP 4950–6750 / per booth
hotel
both · mid
USD 180–260 / per night
per_diem
both · standard
USD 60–110 / per day
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth | exhibitor | shell 9 sqm | GBP 4950–6750 / per booth | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| hotel | both | mid | USD 180–260 / per night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| per_diem | both | standard | USD 60–110 / per day | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Six quick questions to decide whether to visit, exhibit or skip The Photography & Video Show 2027.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your main goal for the show?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You have a live equipment shortlist or want a concentrated learning day.
Best for
Photographers, filmmakers, creators and studio buyers who need to compare kit, learn from working professionals and buy at show prices.
Min. budget
$250.00
Timeline
One day; book tickets and travel 2–4 weeks ahead.
Risks
Public weekend crowds slow hands-on demos
Popular talks fill up
Show-only deals may not beat online bundles
exhibit
You have a 2027 product launch, UK distribution plan or retail partner to activate.
Best for
Camera, lens, lighting, audio, printing and workflow brands selling into the UK market or recruiting dealers.
Min. budget
$6,000.00
Timeline
Book space 4–6 months ahead; submit build documents 30 days out.
Risks
Four-day staffing cost
Public visitors with no trade budget
Freight and stand-build overruns
skip
The show does not match your category, geography or buying cycle.
Best for
Teams with no imaging equipment need, no UK market plan and no budget before 2028.
Timeline
Reassess for the 2028 edition.
Risks
Missing competitor launches
Losing contact with UK dealers
Book with
ExCeL London
The Royal Docks exhibition campus hosting the 2027 show, with Elizabeth line and DLR access at Custom House.
Venue resource, not a confirmed 2027 commercial sponsor.
London City Airport
The closest airport to ExCeL, useful for short-haul European visitors and exhibitors.
Travel resource, not a confirmed show partner.
Department for Business and Trade
UK government trade guidance and export support for businesses exhibiting or expanding into the UK market.
Public resource, not a confirmed 2027 sponsor.
Association of Photographers
UK professional photography body representing photographers' business and rights interests.
Industry resource, not a confirmed 2027 partner.
Recommended providers
Official visa and ETA guidance; apply before booking non-refundable travel.
Filter for ExCeL and Royal Docks; check free cancellation and breakfast.
Compare LCY and LHR fares; book a flexible ticket if the show schedule may change.
Use a forwarder with ExCeL delivery experience; confirm the official 2027 handler.
Public liability and exhibition cover; confirm the venue's requirements.
Book High Line, Greenwich and O2 activities around show hours.
Badge scanning and CRM export; confirm compatibility with the show's registration system.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
5 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
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References
2
Publishers
3
Date checked
Future PLC
Click Magazine
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
