As exhibitors and retail visitors get ready for both Home & Gift and the co-located Manchester Furniture Show in Harrogate next month (July 18-21), detailed discussions have been taking place with the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Public Health Bodies and the Harrogate Convention Centre, with both shows selected to be part of a limited number of pilot events in the third phase of the Government Events Research Programme (ERP).
Under the ERP pilot conditions, there will be no restrictions on visitor numbers or social distancing requirements on any day of the event, despite the show starting the day before Freedom Day of July 19.
All attendees will be required to certify that either they have had two vaccinations at least two weeks prior to attending or a negative NHS Lateral Flow Test at least 48hrs before attending. The consent required from all participants to opt into the Event Research programme and NHS Test and Trace will be sent to all registered buyers and exhibitors individually.
“With the backing of the government, public health bodies and our key customers, we can see that the appetite and enthusiasm are there for an in person buying and selling event,” states show director, Russell Rule. “There is great excitement from both exhibitors and visitors to reconnect in Harrogate to celebrate our 60th Anniversary!”
Tourism Minister Nigel Huddleston commented: “The business and events industry is worth around £40bn annually to the UK economy so I’m delighted we are able to include the Home & Gift Show 2021 at full capacity as part of our ground breaking Events Research Programme. This will continue to trial the use of the NHS App as a means to show you’re Covid safe.”
Organisers Clarion Events confirm that health and safety is paramount and remains a top priority. A comprehensive Health and Safety document with FAQs for the event can be found here.
The show will be taking place across the Harrogate Convention Centre and the grounds of the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate. Registration is open.
Visit homeandgift.co.uk
Top: A scene from the 2019 Sundowner gathering at Harrogate Home & Gift.
