Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival will be going ahead as planned in Harrogate on its original dates of 18-21 July, confirms organisers Clarion Events. The exhibition, which this year will be co-located with Manchester Furniture Show, will be staged in the Harrogate Convention Centre (HCC) and grounds of the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate hotel.
The news has been warmly received by the show’s exhibitors and visitors who were fearful that as a result of the delay of the lockdown easing the show would have to be cancelled. However, while the build-up and the first two days of the show will happen during ‘step 3’ restrictions, these requirements will be met.
Home & Gift has the full support of the Harrogate Convention Centre and DoubleTree by Hilton venue, and Clarion is working with the local authorities and liaising closely with the Director of Public Health for North Yorkshire.
The show occupies a large footprint made up of two distinct areas, the HCC and the hotel grounds with marquees (the DP areas) occupying both outside and indoor areas. Clarion is also providing many outside areas to relax and enjoy, which means visitors and exhibitors are spread out across the exhibition, and capacity and visitor flow can be controlled effectively adhering to event guidelines for ‘step 3’, (which come to an end on July 19), not affecting visitor numbers across the four days.
“With the backing of our key customers, venue, and local authorities, we can see that the appetite and enthusiasm is there for an in-person buying and selling event,” says show director Russell Rule. “There is great excitement from both exhibitors and visitors to reconnect in Harrogate.”
The marquee build will commence on June 28 and HCC build on July 12.
Safety remains paramount, with measures such as face coverings, wider aisles, increased ventilation, an enhanced daily and deep cleaning regime being implemented. Hand sanitising stations will be available at all entry and exit points as well as in various other points across the site.
Visitors will also be asked to take a lateral flow COVID test and produce a negative result prior to arrival or provide proof of double vaccination in order to attend. See full info at homeandgift.co.uk/safety-info.
The legendary Sundowners event will take place on Monday 19 July, outside in the grounds of the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel while the exhibitor party will now take place on the evening of Tuesday 20 July, after total easing of restrictions.
Home & Gift visitor registration is open and is currently tracking in line with previous years, with key names confirming their attendance.
Visitors are invited to register to secure their free ticket. Register here: homeandgift.co.uk
Top: Chatting outside the Design Point tents.
