Is The Showman's Show free to attend?

Yes, the show is FREE to attend and open to ALL industry professionals, including event suppliers, organisers, and production managers

Who organises. The Showman's Show?

The show is organised by Lance Show & Publications Limited, a family business founded by Stephen and Jean Lance in 1984 and now run by their sons Jeremy and Johnny Lance

When and where is the 2026 edition held?

The 2026 edition takes place on 21st and 22nd October at Newbury Showground in Berkshire, United Kingdom

How can I contact the organisers?

You can contact the organisers by phone at +44 (0)1747 854099 or by email at info@showmans-directory.co.uk. The office address is Courtyard Office, The Courtyard, Bleke Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8BP

Are there sponsorship opportunities available?

Yes, sponsorship opportunities include registration badges and show lanyards. The lanyard sponsorship is currently sold out for 2026. Sponsors receive branding on the online registration form, visitor badges, and the pre-show Enews campaign reaching over 25,000 contacts

The Showmans Show | TradeShowIntel

Event overview

Overview

The Showman's Show – The Outdoor Event Services Exhibition – returns to Newbury Showground on 21st and 22nd October 2026.

Launched in 1984 by Stephen and Jean Lance and now organised by their sons Jeremy and Johnny, the show is Europe's longest running, original and most comprehensive trade show and exhibition of products and services for outdoor events, festivals and the live events industry.

It offers the first opportunity at the end of a busy season for the event industry to meet, network and to start planning and sourcing equipment for the year ahead

TL;DR

1Europe's longest-running trade show for outdoor events, festivals and live events – founded in
22026 edition features a record 95-metre custom-built exhibition hall – the largest in the
3New for 2026: The Workspace – a dedicated meeting and hot-desking area –
4Over 330 exhibitors and 4,000 visitors expected across two days
5Free to attend for all event industry professionals – from organisers and production managers

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Visitor profile

Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

Event organisers and production managers from festivals, local authority events, corporate and experiential events, agricultural & country shows, and sports events

Buyers and procurement professionals seeking the latest equipment, services, and innovations for outdoor and live events

Technical and operations managers looking for infrastructure, plant hire, waste management, event production, health and safety, and sustainable solutions

Event professionals from across the UK and internationally, attending to network, compare suppliers, and plan for the upcoming season

Exhibitor profile

Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

Suppliers and manufacturers of event infrastructure, including structures, marquees, staging, and plant hire equipment

Providers of event services such as waste management, event production, health and safety solutions, and site services

Suppliers of decorations, theming, and finishing touches for events

Companies offering sustainable products and services, as well as event technology and innovations

Caterers, security and staffing providers, accessibility specialists, and logistics companies

Product categories

Key solution areas showcased across the event.

State-of-the-art structures

Plant hire equipment

Waste management solutions

Event production services

Health and safety solutions

Decorations and the finishing touches

Sustainable products and services

Event technology

Location & Facilities

Venue

Open in Google Maps

Halls & areas

Custom-Built Indoor Exhibition HallOutside Open Space

Newbury Showground

Priors Court Road, RG18 9QZ Newbury, United Kingdom

Entrances & gates

Exhibition Hall Entrance

Custom-built Indoor Exhibition Hall

Main visitor entrance; registration desks located here; approximately 15m from accessible parking bays

Facilities

Parking

Free on-site parking available on grass surface. Accessible parking for Blue Badge holders approximately 15m from exhibition hall entrance. No advance booking required. Traffic management team on hand to guide

Accessibility

The showground offers generally flat terrain with a mixture of grass, tarmac, and portable roadway. Step-free access to the main indoor exhibition space. Accessible parking, toilets, and mobility scooter/wheelchair hire available. Shuttle buses are not currently wheelchair accessible. British Sign Language, captioning, and audio description are not currently offered

Prayer rooms

No dedicated prayer or multi-faith room is explicitly mentioned in official event or venue information

Cloakroom

No cloakroom facilities are explicitly mentioned in official event or venue information

Luggage storage

No luggage storage facilities are explicitly mentioned in official event or venue information. Nearby hotels such as DoubleTree by Hilton Newbury North offer luggage storage for guests

On-site shuttle

A complementary minibus service operates from Newbury train station to the showground on show days. These shuttle buses are not currently wheelchair accessible

Food options

Food and Drink Hall, On-Site Cafes and Restaurants, Street Food Stalls

On-site dining

Parking: Free on-site parking available on grass surface-. Accessible parking spaces available approximately 15m from the exhibition hall entrance for those with disabilities and valid Blue Badges; traffic management team on site to guide. No advance booking required for accessible parking

Gate: Site opens to visitors at 9.30am on show days. Last entry for visitors is 4pm on Thursday 22nd October. Visitor badges collected from registration desks at entrance of Exhibition Hall

Attend

Entry & tickets

Trade-only

Free registration

Event days & opening times

DayOpening hours

Event daysWednesday 21st October: 9.30:00 AM – 5.00:00 PM

Thursday 22nd October: 9.30:00 AM – 4.30:00 PM (Last entry for visitors is4:00 PM)

Free Trade Visitor Pass
Free admission to both show days covering all outdoor demonstrations, indoor pavilions, and festival tech
VIP Networking & Hospitality Pass
Access to the executive hospitality marquee, complimentary refreshments, and networking lounge
£75.00

Ticket info

Badge collection

Fast-track badge printing available at Newbury Showground entrance pavilions by scanning your digital registration confirmation barcode

Ticket notes

The Showmans Show is the UK's leading outdoor event, festival production, and marquee services exhibition. Admission is free for all bona fide event organisers, festival directors, local authority event teams, and corporate hospitality professionals who pre-register online

Who runs the show

Organisers

Lance Show & Publications Limited

Organiser

Website

Jeremy Lance

Director

Johnny Lance

Director

General Enquiries

Contact

Email Call Website

What's on

Programme

Summit

Workshop

TBA

Event days

13:00–17:30

Typical time

Time TBA

Sustainable Event Summit 2026 (SES26) – Morning Roundtable Workshops (Invitation Only)

Workshop

13:00 – 17:30

Sustainable Event Summit 2026 (SES26) – Afternoon Programme

Summit

Topic tracks

Sustainability & Climate Action

Co-located seminars

Sustainable Event Summit 2026 (SES26)

Paid

Awards

Green Supplier and Innovation Award

Annual

Returns to The Showman's Show for 2026, open to exhibitors showcasing new sustainable products and services. Finalists present their solutions live during the Sustainable Events Summit on 21 October, with winners chosen by a panel of sustainability experts and the audience

Sustainable ProductsInnovative Services

source

Green Supplier Awards

Annual

Part of the Sustainable Event Summit programme, showcasing innovative products and services that support the industry's climate commitments

Sustainable ProductsClimate Action

source

Previous edition

Current edition

2026 · 4,000 visitors · 330 exhibitors

Forecast based on typical attendance and early bookings; the 2026 edition features a record 95-metre exhibition hall

Forecast — not final

Visitors

4,000

Exhibitors

315

Growth over time

Edition recap

The Show had the largest exhibitor turnout since 2019, with over 315 companies exhibiting over the 2 days, and over 120 new exhibitors from across the globe. Companies including Hoecker Structures, Capital Barriers & Temporary Fencing, Alustage, CES Power and Signature Systems were celebrating milestone anniversaries. For the first time, the custom-built Exhibition Hall was powered entirely with renewable batteries, supplied by Grid Faeries x Ecotricity, providing power to 120 companies inside the hall. The Green Supplier & Innovation Award returned, judged by Vision for Sustainable Events. PEEQUAL & Grid Faeries shared the winning spot, with a small selection of Highly Commended companies also achieving recognition for their sustainable initiatives. Storm Benjamin tried to put a dampner on the second day of the show, but luckily the rain only hit hard as the show was closing, and with over 4,000 visitors, didn't appear to put people off visiting the event. Exhibitors made the most of the Show by also hosting their own drinks parties on the Wednesday evening, inviting their clients and some also offering special Show offers & discounts. The Meeting's Tent, kindly provided by Nomadik Tents, saw Guild of Tentmasters, ESITS, MUTA and Event Industry Forum (EIF) & Power of Events hosting meetings and seminars. EIF launched their Outdoor Events Industry Impact project alongside updates on The Purple Guide. Visitors to the show expressed the importance of face-to-face interaction with their suppliers and how much they continue to discover at the Show, year on year. Not only catching up with industry contacts, the Show provides the platform to meet suppliers, discover what is new in the Outdoor Event World, and be continuously inspired for planning events in the future. There really is something for everyone, whether looking for event props & furniture, caterers, pop-up stages, all the way to huge temporary structures, hot tubs, dinosaurs, portable roadways and ticketing solutions. NEW for this year's show, The Accessibility Arena brought together a collection of companies to create an interactive and informative area, to highlight the importance of incorporating accessibility provision within events. Visitors could experience tech dance demos, a power scooter obstacle course and de-stress in the diverse sensory space.

New this edition

1
95-metre Exhibition Hall
The custom-built exhibition hall has been expanded to a record 95 metres, the largest in the show's 42-year history, to accommodate growing exhibitor demand
Source
2
The Workspace
A new dedicated area on the showground featuring bookable meeting spaces and a hot desk unit, providing a quieter setting for exhibitors and visitors to hold meetings or catch up on work
Source
3
New Products & Services Trail
A new feature to help visitors easily locate exhibitors launching new products and services. Participating exhibitors are highlighted on a dedicated map in the free show guide
Source
4
NOEA Training Day Taster Session
A partnership with the National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) brings a practical education session to the show, offering a preview of their 2027 Training Day and addressing key legislative changes like Martyn's Law
Source

Next edition outlook

2026-10-21 – 2026-10-21

confirmed

The 2026 edition is set to be the largest in the show's 42-year history, with a record 95-metre custom-built exhibition hall to accommodate strong exhibitor demand. Early bookings have already surpassed typical levels, reflecting a renewed optimism in the outdoor events industry. New features for 2026 include. The Workspace, a dedicated area with bookable meeting spaces and hot-desking, and a NEW Products & Services Trail to help visitors identify exhibitors launching new products. The show is expected to attract over 330 exhibitors and 4,000 visitors

Expansion of the exhibition hall to a record 95 metres Introduction of The Workspace – a dedicated meeting and hot-desking area Launch of the NEW Products & Services Trail to highlight exhibitors with new launches Continued focus on sustainability, with the Sustainable Event Summit (SES26) returning for its 10th edition

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

The 2025 Showman's Show achieved the largest exhibitor turnout since 2019, with over 315 companies and more than 120 first-time exhibitors from across the globe. The event demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability by powering the entire custom-built Exhibition Hall with renewable batteries for the first time, supplying clean energy to 120 exhibitors. The Green Supplier & Innovation Award returned, with PEEQUAL and Grid Faeries sharing the top prize. Despite Storm Benjamin bringing heavy rain on the second day, attendance remained robust with over 4,000 visitors. The show also introduced. The Accessibility Arena, an interactive area highlighting accessibility provision within events, featuring tech dance demos, a power scooter obstacle course, and a sensory space. Industry associations including the Guild of Tentmasters, ESITS, MUTA, and the Event Industry Forum (EIF) used the Meeting's Tent to host seminars and launch key initiatives, such as the Outdoor Events Industry Impact project and updates to The Purple Guide. Exhibitors leveraged the show for networking and business development, hosting drinks parties and offering show-specific discounts

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

The 2025 edition attracted over 4,000 industry professionals, including event organisers, production managers, buyers, and suppliers from across the UK and globally. Despite challenging weather on the second day, attendance remained strong, indicating a committed and engaged audience. Visitors expressed the importance of face-to-face interaction with suppliers and the value of discovering new products and innovations year on year. The show provided a platform for meaningful networking, with exhibitors hosting client drinks parties and offering special show discounts, further enhancing the quality of business interactions

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

Exhibitors reported strong ROI, with many using the show to launch new products, celebrate milestone anniversaries, and secure new business. Over 120 first-time exhibitors participated, suggesting the show remains a valuable entry point for new suppliers. The high volume of visitors (over 4,000) and the presence of key decision-makers provided exhibitors with direct access to their target audience. Additionally, the show's timing at the end of the busy season allowed exhibitors to network, plan for the year ahead, and generate leads. The introduction of the Green Supplier & Innovation Award also gave exhibitors an opportunity to gain recognition for sustainable initiatives, enhancing their brand visibility

Intelligence

Market context

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

United Kingdom

Why it matters

The Showman's Show 2026 arrives at a pivotal moment for the UK's outdoor events industry. After years of instability—with roughly 300 festivals lost since 2019—the sector is showing tentative signs of recovery, with more new festivals launching than closing. However, it simultaneously faces significant challenges: persistent cost pressures, fuel surcharges, weakening consumer confidence, and an urgent need to accelerate sustainability efforts. The show serves as the essential annual marketplace where the industry can discover innovative products, navigate regulatory and operational changes, and build the partnerships needed to thrive. With a record 95-metre hall and new features for 2026, it reflects the sector's renewed optimism while providing the practical solutions and connections that buyers and exhibitors need in a transforming market

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Cautious recovery in UK festival market

After several years of decline—roughly 300 festivals have been lost in the UK since 2019 —the market is showing tentative signs of stabilisation in 2026-. The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) reports that 36 events have been cancelled in 2026-, compared to 78 in 2024 and 43 in 2025-. For the first time since the pandemic, more new festivals have started than closed in 2026, though the recovery remains fragile and uneven

Source

Sustainability and climate action as industry priority

The UK Live Outdoor Events Industry generates £1.7 billion in annual revenue-. Since 2020, the sector has significantly increased its environmental efforts, with progress accelerating post-pandemic despite financial pressures. The third edition of the 'Show Must Go On' report presents a Climate Transition Plan targeting 50% emissions reductions by 2030, identifying that festivals can reduce typical footprints by 37%- 3

Source

Persistent cost pressures and commercial impacts

The NOEA Confidence Monitor (June 2026) reveals that rising costs and global uncertainty are increasingly translating into commercial impacts. Almost half (44.4%) of respondents reported an increase in event cancellations, while 50% said they had introduced fuel surcharges. Fuel and transport costs remain the dominant issue, with concerns around consumer confidence rising significantly (38.9% identifying weakening demand as a growing issue)

Source

Shift toward experience-heavy festival offerings

Audience spending habits are shifting toward 'experience-heavy' value rather than just lineups-. Festivals are competing with holidays for the same wallet-, with glamping, wellness spaces, VIP packages, and group deals becoming more common to justify higher ticket prices. Nearly half of UK camping festival tickets are now bought via instalment plans

Source

Market news

Latest updates from across the market.

The Showman's Show announces record 95m exhibition hall for 2026

The custom-built exhibition hall expands to 95 metres—the largest in the show's 42-year history. New features include. The Workspace (bookable meeting and hot-desking area) and a NEW Products & Services Trail. Early bookings have already surpassed typical levels, indicating renewed optimism in the sector

Read

NOEA Confidence Monitor reveals growing commercial impact across UK events sector

The June 2026 survey shows event cancellations, fuel surcharges, and weakening consumer confidence are becoming more prominent challenges. Almost half of respondents reported increased cancellations, with 50% introducing fuel surcharges

Read

State of independent UK festivals: more new festivals than closures in 2026

AIF CEO John Rostron reports that roughly 300 festivals have been lost since 2019, but 2026 is the first year where things have steadied—with more new festivals started than closed. Cancellations continue (36 to date in 2026), but the trend line is changing

Read

Events industries collaborate on Climate Transition Plan 2030

Organisations across the UK's outdoor events industry published the latest 'Show Must Go On' report, presenting a Climate Transition Plan targeting 50% emissions reductions by 2030. The report identifies how festivals can reduce typical footprints by 37%- 3

Read

British music festivals stage tentative revival with perks and payment plans

Reuters reports that UK festivals are finding their feet again, with sold-out events, instalment plans, and a wider mix of experiences helping promoters win back audiences. Download, Boomtown and We Out Here are among festivals reporting strong demand

Read

UK & European Outdoor Events Trade Show Circuit (2026–2027)

October 2026 – November 2027

The Showman's Show (21–22 October 2026) sits at the heart of the UK outdoor events industry calendar, positioned as the key end-of-season gathering for festival, outdoor, and live event professionals. It is complemented by a circuit of industry events spanning education, awards, and sector-specific trade shows across the UK and Europe

21 Oct 2026

International Festival Forum (IFF) LDN

London, United Kingdom

Brings together 1,000+ leading agents and festival bookers. New home at Outernet London for 2026

website

21 Oct 2026

The Showman's Show

Newbury, United Kingdom

Europe's longest-running trade show for the outdoor and live events industry. Record 95-metre hall for 2026

website

21 Oct 2026

NOEA Convention & Awards

Bath, United Kingdom

Celebrates achievement across the outdoor events industry. Awards at Roman Baths & Pump Rooms (25–26 Nov), Convention at DoubleTree by Hilton Bath (27 Nov)

website

21 Oct 2026

UK Festival Awards

Manchester, United Kingdom

Returning to DIECAST, Manchester. New categories for 2026 include Accessibility & Inclusion and Festival Infrastructure

website

Autumn/Winter 2026 – Peak planning season

International Festival Forum (IFF) LDNThe Showman's ShowNOEA Convention & AwardsUK Festival Awards

The Showman's Show anchors the autumn industry calendar, followed by awards and convention season

Spring/Summer 2027 – Education and specialist trade shows

Event Production Show (EPS)OutdoorXpoOutdoor Trade Show (OTS)

Focused on production, specialist outdoor equipment, and industry education

Dates compiled from official event websites and trade press. Where organisers have not published 2027 dates, approximate historical timing is shown and marked accordingly

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · GBP

Arrival airports

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

LHR

London Heathrow Airport

Major international hub with extensive flight connections. Accessible via M4 motorway; taxi or private transfer recommended

Approximately 78 km (48 miles)

to venue

Approximately 48 minutes

by car

OXF

Oxford Airport

Smaller regional airport with limited commercial flights; convenient for private aviation

Approximately 50 km (31 miles)

to venue

Approximately 34–38 minutes

by car

FAB

Farnborough Airport

Business aviation airport; suitable for private charters

Approximately 59 km (37 miles)

to venue

Not specified

by car

SOU

Southampton Airport

Regional airport with flights from UK and European destinations

Approximately 64 km (40 miles)

to venue

Approximately 50 minutes

by car

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

Budget

Newbury / Chieveley / M4 corridor

USD 80–120 / night

Travelodge Newbury Chieveley M4- and Travelodge Newbury Tot Hill- offer clean, basic accommodation and good value; convenient for M4 access

Mid-range

Newbury / Chieveley

USD 120–220 / night

ORIDA Hotels Newbury (0.6 km / 0.4 mi from showground) – 4-star with indoor pool and sauna. Ye Olde Red Lion (0.7 km / 0.5 mi) – 4-star inn. DoubleTree by Hilton Newbury North (7 min walk)- – upscale with indoor pool and gym

Premium

Newbury / surrounding countryside

USD 200–350 / night

Donnington Grove Country Club (5.8 km / 3.6 mi)- – golf country house on a river with spa and 2 bars. Also country house hotels near Highclere Castle

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

Car

Estimated costFree on-site parking available

Best forM4 Junction 13, then A34; follow AA signs to Newbury Showground-. Satnav RG18 9QZ

Free parking on grass surface. Accessible parking for Blue Badge holders approximately 15m from exhibition hall entrance. Park-and-ride bus from Oxford Road available for some events

Train + Shuttle

Estimated costTrain fare varies; shuttle is free

Best forTrain to Newbury station; complementary minibus shuttle to showground on show days

Newbury station has step-free access to all platforms. Shuttle buses are not currently wheelchair accessible. Journey from Reading to Newbury takes 22–32 minutes

Bus

Estimated costBus fare applies

Best forBus lines 6, 6A stop at School Road Turn, Chieveley – 15 min walk to showground

6A runs Monday to Saturday, first bus at 07:05, last at 19:01. N10 shuttle service also runs between Thatcham, Newbury Wharf, and Newbury Showground for some events

Taxi / Ride-hail

Estimated costApproximately £13–£25 (from station)

Best forFrom Newbury station to showground – approximately 9 minutes

Accessible taxis can be booked in advance via Wheelstaxis. Local taxi companies and Uber available

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa not required

ATA Carnet: accepted

Type	Who needs it	Fee	Processing
Standard Visitor Visa (Business)	Nationals of countries listed in the UK visa national list (e.g., Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, China, India, etc.) who are not eligible for an ETA and wish to attend the exhibition for business purposes	$170.00	Usually 3 weeks; processing times vary by country
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)	Nationals of visa-free countries (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia, EU/EEA, Japan, South Korea, etc.) who do not need a visa for short business visits	$25.00	Usually within 3 working days

Nationals of many countries, including EU/EEA member states, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia, do not require a visa for short business visits of up to 6 months. However, from 2025, many visa-free nationals will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK A full and definitive list is available on the official UK government website

Yes, the UK accepts ATA Carnets for the temporary import of goods for commercial use at trade fairs and exhibitions. This allows exhibitors to bring items such as professional equipment, commercial samples, and exhibition materials into the UK without paying import duties or VAT, provided the goods are re-exported within the authorised time limit (usually up to one year) The Carnet must be presented at customs upon entry and exit. It is advisable to apply for an ATA Carnet through your national chamber of commerce well in advance of the show. For goods not covered by an ATA Carnet, Temporary Admission (TA) is an alternative customs procedure

Official visa page

Weather

October in Newbury: average daytime highs of 14–15°C (57–59°F) and nighttime lows of 7–8°C (45–46°F). October is the wettest month, with around 77–80 mm (3 inches) of rain falling on approximately 15 days. The show is held outdoors, so visitors should prepare for changeable weather with layers, waterproofs, and comfortable footwear

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

Newbury Showground is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. By car, it is located just off Junction 13 of the M4 motorway and the A34 interchange-. The nearest train station is Newbury station, which has step-free access to all platforms via lifts and an overbridge. A complementary minibus service operates from Newbury station to the showground on show days -. The venue is well-connected to local hotels and landmarks, with taxi services and ride-hailing options available

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

The Industry's 'End of Season' Gathering

Held in late October, The Showman's Show marks the end of the busy summer festival and outdoor events season. It is a key networking event where industry professionals regroup, share experiences, and begin planning for the following year

A Family Business Ethos

Founded in 1984 by Stephen and Jean Lance, the show is now run by their sons, Jeremy and Johnny. This family-run, independent spirit creates a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere that distinguishes it from larger corporate trade shows

Practical Dress Code

The show takes place on an outdoor showground with a mix of grass, tarmac, and portable roadway. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended. The event is business casual in nature, with a practical emphasis due to the outdoor setting

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

Flights

Destination: London Heathrow (LHR) or Oxford (OXF)

Book flights well in advance for best prices. London Heathrow offers the widest range of international connections. From the airport, take a train, taxi, or rental car to Newbury. The showground is approximately 48 minutes' drive from Heathrow

Visa

Whether you need a visa or an ETA to attend. The Showman's Show depends on your nationality. Citizens of many countries (e.g., USA, Canada, EU) can enter the UK for business for up to 6 months without a visa, but will likely need an ETA from 2025. Citizens of other countries (e.g., China, India) will need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa before travelling. All visitors must meet the eligibility requirements and only undertake permitted business activities, such as attending the exhibition and business meetings

Estimated cost: Not yet confirmed

Processing: ETA: usually within 3 working days; Standard Visitor Visa: usually 3 weeks

It is strongly recommended to check the official UK government visa checker well in advance of travel. A letter of invitation from the event organiser can be helpful for visa applications

Official

Hotels

Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

Areas to stay

Chieveley / Hermitage – walking distance to showground (DoubleTree, ORIDA, Ye Olde Red Lion) · Newbury town centre – wider choice of hotels and restaurants (Premier Inn Newbury Town Centre) · M4 corridor / Tot Hill – budget options with easy road access (Travelodge)

Budget

USD 80–120 per night

Mid-range

USD 120–220 per night

Premium

USD 200–350 per night

Transport

Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

Airport → venue: London Heathrow (LHR): ~48 min drive. Oxford (OXF) or Farnborough (FAB) regional alternatives. Taxi/ride-hail or rental car recommended from all airports

Hotel → venue: DoubleTree by Hilton: 7 min walk. ORIDA Hotels: 0.6 km / 0.4 mi (~4–8 min walk). Ye Olde Red Lion: 0.7 km / 0.5 mi (~5–10 min walk). Other hotels: taxi or car

Ride-hail: Taxi from Newbury station to showground: ~9 min-, from ~£13-. Uber X available-. Accessible taxis can be booked in advance via Wheelstaxis

Public transit: Train: Newbury station (step-free access). Complementary minibus from station to showground on show days (not wheelchair accessible). Bus: routes 6, 6A stop at School Road Turn, Chieveley – 15 min walk. Shuttle services also run from Thatcham and Newbury Wharf

Parking: Free on-site parking available-. Accessible parking for Blue Badge holders ~15m from exhibition hall entrance. Surface is grass. Park-and-ride bus from Oxford Road available

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: October

Temperature: 7–15°C (45–59°F)

Seasonality: October is the wettest month in Newbury, with around 77–80 mm (3 inches) of rain falling on approximately 15 days

Packing: Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, an umbrella, and sun protection. The show is outdoors, so be prepared for changeable weather

Itinerary builder

Add priorities and side trips to make the most of your visit.

Add side trips

Default day plan

08:30Arrive at Newbury Showground, park, collect visitor badge from registration at Exhibition Hall entrance
09:30Exhibition opens; explore indoor hall and outdoor space; visit exhibitors showcasing new products
12:00Lunch break; network with exhibitors and fellow attendees
13:30Attend the Sustainable Event Summit (if registered) or continue visiting stands
16:00Last entry for visitors on Thursday; continue networking and product discovery
17:00 (Wed) / 16:30 (Thu)Show closes; depart via shuttle, taxi, or car

Plan your trip

Planning

Best day to visit: Wednesday 21st October 2026

The first day offers the full programme including the Sustainable Event Summit (SES26) afternoon session from 1pm–5:30pm-. It is typically the busiest day for networking and product discovery, with the highest concentration of exhibitors and visitors. Thursday is also valuable but has an earlier closing time (4:30pm) and may be quieter

T-90

Confirm your objectives for attending and identify key exhibitors to visit — Review the exhibitor list on the official website and shortlist must-see suppliers

T-60

Book travel and accommodation — Newbury has limited hotel capacity; book early. Consider DoubleTree by Hilton Newbury North (7-min walk) or ORIDA Hotels Newbury (0.6 km)

T-30

Register for the show and any free sessions (e.g., Sustainable Event Summit) — The show is free to attend, but pre-registration is recommended to avoid queues. The Sustainable Event Summit (SES26) on 21 Oct requires a separate free ticket

T-14

Plan your on-site schedule using the show guide and app — Download The Showman's Show app to browse exhibitors, build a favourites list, and get full schedule updates-. The show runs 9:30am–5pm on Wed 21 Oct and 9:30am–4:30pm on Thu 22 Oct

T-7

Check weather forecast and pack accordingly — October in Newbury averages 7–15°C with rain on ~15 days. The show is outdoors on grass and tarmac – bring layers, waterproofs, and comfortable footwear

T-3

Confirm travel arrangements and print/pack business cards — Free on-site parking is available. A complementary minibus runs from Newbury station to the showground on show days

T-1

Review the show guide and finalise your must-see list — The free show guide includes a map and highlights exhibitors on the new Products & Services Trail

Sample visitor itinerary

Route-optimised day