If you’re planning to attend any major event in the Midlands this year, there’s a very good chance it’s happening at the NEC. The National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham is the UK’s largest event venue — covering over 628 acres and home to 18 interconnected exhibition halls. Every single year, it draws millions of visitors from across the country and beyond, hosting everything from world-class trade shows and family experiences to live concerts and motorsport spectacles.
2026 is shaping up to be one of the busiest and most exciting years in the venue’s history. Whether you’re a business professional attending an industry expo, a family looking for a memorable day out, a foodie, a petrolhead, or a music fan — the NEC has something lined up for you. This guide walks you through all the major confirmed events month by month, so you can plan ahead, book early, and make the most of your visit.
About the NEC Birmingham
Opened by Queen Elizabeth II in February 1976, the National Exhibition Centre has grown into one of Europe’s most visited event destinations. Sitting adjacent to Birmingham Airport and Birmingham International railway station, it’s almost uniquely easy to reach — whether you’re driving in from the M6, M40 or M42, hopping on a train, or flying in from overseas. With over 16,500 parking spaces on site and a direct walkway from the train station, getting there is rarely a headache.
The campus today is far more than just exhibition halls. It includes Utilita Arena Birmingham (the city-centre concert venue), bp pulse LIVE (a multi-purpose indoor arena on the NEC campus), Resorts World Birmingham, the Bear Grylls Adventure, the Genting Hotel, and a wide choice of restaurants and leisure facilities. Think of it less as a single venue and more as a destination in its own right.
April 2026 — The Season Kicks Off
April is a particularly busy month at the NEC, with several major trade shows and immersive experiences launching the 2026 calendar in style.
Farm Shop & Deli Show, Food & Drink Expo, National Convenience Show & Forecourt Show
Dates: 13–15 April 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
These four shows run simultaneously, making the NEC the undisputed hub of the UK food retail and hospitality industry for three days. The Food & Drink Expo is one of the largest trade events of its kind in the UK, attracting buyers, suppliers, and brand decision-makers from across the grocery, catering, and artisan food sectors. The Farm Shop & Deli Show focuses on independent retailers and speciality food producers. Together, they attract tens of thousands of trade visitors over the three days. If you work in food, drink, retail, or hospitality — this cluster of co-located shows is unmissable.
Titanic Exhibition: Birmingham
Dates: 19 April – 26 May 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
One of the most talked-about immersive exhibitions arriving at the NEC this year, the Titanic Exhibition brings the extraordinary and tragic story of RMS Titanic to life in vivid detail. Visitors can explore authentic artefacts, immersive recreations of the ship’s decks and cabins, and personal stories from those who sailed on her ill-fated 1912 voyage. Running for over a month, this is a must-visit for history lovers, families, and curious minds of all ages. Tickets are expected to sell out well in advance — early booking is strongly advised.
MACH 2026 — Manufacturing Technologies Exhibition
Dates: 20–24 April 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
MACH is the UK’s most important manufacturing and engineering technology show, held every two years at the NEC. In 2026 it returns in full force, bringing together thousands of exhibitors and visitors from across advanced manufacturing, machine tools, metrology, software, automation, and robotics. This is a five-day event that draws senior engineers, buyers, and business leaders from across the UK and internationally. If you’re involved in precision engineering, CNC machining, additive manufacturing, or industrial automation, MACH event 2026 is the year’s most important appointment.
Commercial Vehicle Show 2026
Dates: 21–23 April 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
The Commercial Vehicle Show is the UK’s flagship event for the road transport, distribution, and logistics industry. Over three days, thousands of fleet managers, hauliers, and logistics professionals gather to see the latest trucks, vans, trailers, and associated technology and services. New vehicle launches, live demonstrations, and industry debates make this a significant date in the commercial transport calendar.
Bus & Coach Expo 2026
Dates: 21–23 April 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
Running alongside the Commercial Vehicle Show, Bus & Coach Expo is the dedicated exhibition for the UK’s bus and coach industry. From electric and hybrid vehicles to passenger management systems, this event covers the full breadth of the sector and attracts operators, manufacturers, and policymakers alike.
Health & Safety Event, Workplace Event, Fire Safety Event, Security Event & National Cyber Security Show
Dates: 28–30 April 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
This impressive cluster of five co-located exhibitions makes the last week of April a major occasion at the NEC for professionals in risk, safety, security, and facilities management. The Health & Safety Event is the UK’s leading event for EHS professionals; the Security Event covers physical and electronic security; the National Cyber Security Show focuses on digital threats and solutions; and the Fire Safety Event brings together the fire protection and prevention community. Attending one badge grants access to all five, making this outstanding value for professionals in these overlapping sectors
May 2026 — Experiences, Families & Industry
May brings a brilliant mix of family experiences, specialist trade events, and immersive entertainment to the NEC.
RetroCon
Dates: 2–3 May 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
RetroCon is a celebration of retro gaming, classic cartoons, toys, comics, and pop culture nostalgia. Whether you grew up in the 1980s or 1990s — or you just love vintage gaming — this convention is a wonderful weekend out. Expect stalls selling classic consoles and games, cosplay, panel discussions, and a genuinely warm community atmosphere.
Gladiators Experience
Dates: 2 May – 31 August 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
Running across the entire summer season, the Gladiators Experience is one of the most exciting family attractions the NEC has hosted in years. Inspired by the hugely popular BBC television revival, visitors can test themselves in themed challenges, meet the Gladiators, and enjoy an interactive experience unlike anything else. With a run of nearly four months, this is perfect for families planning a summer day out.
The Baby Show
Dates: 8–10 May 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
The Baby Show is the UK’s largest pregnancy and parenting event, and the NEC edition is always one of the biggest dates in any expectant parent’s calendar. Hundreds of brands spanning prams, nursery furniture, feeding, clothing, and childcare all gather under one roof. Experts deliver talks and workshops on everything from birth preparation to weaning, and the atmosphere is welcoming and supportive. A brilliant event for first-time parents and those adding to their family.
Dentistry Show Birmingham
Dates: 15–16 May 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
One of the UK’s leading dental trade events, the Dentistry Show brings together dentists, hygienists, dental technicians, and practice managers for two days of clinical education, product exhibitions, and business development. With hundreds of exhibitors and a strong CPD programme, it’s a key annual event for dental professionals.
Makers Central 2026
Dates: 16–17 May 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
Makers Central is a celebration of the online maker community — YouTubers, craftspeople, DIY enthusiasts, and creative technologists gathering together in person. With live demonstrations, meet-and-greets with popular creators, and hands-on activities, it appeals to a young and enthusiastic audience. Think of it as a festival of creativity and content creation.
Peppa Pig Space Adventure
Dates: From 23 May 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
Blasting off from late May, Peppa Pig Space Adventure is an immersive theatrical experience designed for young children and their families. Join Peppa and her friends on an out-of-this-world journey through interactive sets, play areas, and live character appearances. One of the standout family events at the NEC Campus this summer.
Utility Week Live 2026
Dates: 19–20 May 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
Utility Week Live is the meeting point for the UK’s energy, water, and utilities sector. Senior executives, engineers, and policymakers come together to explore smart grid technology, decarbonisation strategies, customer experience innovation, and infrastructure investment. In a year of continued focus on net zero targets, this event carries enormous industry significance.
June 2026 — Big Shows & Great Entertainment
June is packed with headline events across both the NEC Campus and the Utilita Arena, covering food, engineering, gardening, and live performance.
Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week
Dates: 3–4 June 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
One of the most significant industrial events of 2026, Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week brings together a cluster of co-located shows including the Design & Engineering Expo, TCT 3Sixty (additive manufacturing and 3D printing), the Med-Tech Innovation Expo, and the Subcon Show (contract manufacturing). This is a pivotal two-day event for engineers, product designers, and manufacturing decision-makers across aerospace, automotive, medical, and consumer goods industries.
Les Misérables: The Arena Concert Spectacular
Dates: 11–14 June 2026 | Venue: Utilita Arena Birmingham
One of the most anticipated theatrical events in Birmingham this year, Les Misérables: The Arena Concert Spectacular brings Victor Hugo’s timeless story to life on a grand scale with a full orchestra, stunning lighting, and a stellar cast. Over four nights at the Utilita Arena, this is set to be a sell-out run. A powerful, emotional, and spectacular evening of live performance.
BBC Gardeners’ World Live
Dates: 18–21 June 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
One of the most beloved and popular public events on the NEC calendar, BBC Gardeners’ World Live is the annual horticultural festival that draws gardeners from all walks of life. Over four days, visitors can explore stunning show gardens, shop from hundreds of specialist plant nurseries and garden product brands, attend talks from their favourite BBC Gardeners’ World presenters, and soak up the atmosphere of one of the UK’s great outdoor living festivals. An absolutely wonderful day out for anyone with a passion for plants, gardens, or outdoor living.
Good Food Show Summer 2026
Dates: 18–21 June 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
Running alongside Gardeners’ World Live, the BBC Good Food Show Summer is a food lover’s paradise. Celebrity chefs take to the Supertheatre stage for live demonstrations, hundreds of artisan food and drink producers fill the exhibition halls, and visitors can taste, shop, and indulge to their heart’s content. These two events together create one of the NEC’s greatest weekends of the year — the perfect pairing of garden and kitchen.
WWE European Summer Tour
Dates: 21 June 2026 | Venue: Utilita Arena Birmingham
WWE brings its high-octane live entertainment to Birmingham as part of the European Summer Tour. Expect all the drama, athleticism, and spectacle that WWE is famous for — larger-than-life characters, incredible in-ring action, and an atmosphere that has to be experienced to be believed. A brilliant night out for fans of all ages.
Installer Show 2026
Dates: 23–25 June 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
The Installer Show is the UK’s leading event for heating, ventilation, plumbing, and renewable energy professionals. As the push toward heat pumps, solar energy, and low-carbon heating systems continues to accelerate, the 2026 edition is likely to be more relevant and better-attended than ever. A vital event for tradespeople and building services professionals.
July 2026 — Summer Expos and Green Tech
SOLEX 2026 — Summer Outdoor Living Exhibition
Dates: 7–9 July 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
SOLEX is the UK’s premier outdoor living and garden leisure trade show, showcasing the latest in garden furniture, BBQs, hot tubs, pergolas, and outdoor living products. Buyers, retailers, and designers attend from across the UK and Europe to see new product launches and meet key suppliers ahead of the summer season.
Vehicle Electrification Expo & Advanced Materials Show
Dates: 8–9 July 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
This cluster of co-located events — including the Vehicle Electrification Expo, the Advanced Materials Show, Battery Cells & Systems Expo, and the World Biogas Expo — positions the NEC at the heart of the UK’s green technology conversation in summer 2026. Experts, engineers, and investors in clean energy, EV technology, and sustainable manufacturing will find this a hugely productive two days.
September 2026 — Retail, Trade & Live Shows
Autumn Fair International
Dates: 6–9 September 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
Autumn Fair is the UK’s most important home, gift, and general merchandise trade show. Over four days, tens of thousands of buyers from department stores, independent retailers, garden centres, and online platforms come to discover new products across homewares, seasonal gifts, toys, fashion accessories, and more. It’s one of the NEC’s biggest footfall events of the year and a critical buying event ahead of the Christmas trading season.
Glee 2026
Dates: 8–10 September 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
Glee is the UK’s leading garden, outdoor living, and leisure trade event. Running alongside Autumn Fair, it brings together garden centre buyers, landscaping professionals, and outdoor product brands for three focused days of business. With sustainable garden products and outdoor living at the top of the consumer agenda, the 2026 edition promises to be particularly strong
Niall Horan
Dates: 22 September 2026 | Venue: Utilita Arena Birmingham
Former One Direction star Niall Horan brings his solo tour to Birmingham’s Utilita Arena in September. With a string of hit singles and albums under his belt as a solo artist, Niall has established himself as one of the most successful artists of his generation. Expect a massive night for fans.
Solar & Storage LIVE Birmingham
Dates: 22–24 September 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
Solar & Storage LIVE is one of Europe’s fastest-growing clean energy events, covering solar PV, battery storage, grid-scale energy solutions, and the broader energy transition. Thousands of installers, developers, investors, and technology providers gather at the NEC to explore what’s next in renewable energy. In 2026, this event is more timely and relevant than ever.
October 2026 — The Motorhome Show, Franchising & More
The National Franchise Exhibition
Dates: 2–3 October 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
The National Franchise Exhibition is the UK’s leading event for aspiring and existing franchisees. Hundreds of franchise brands from across every sector — food and beverage, retail, services, fitness, and more — attend to meet potential franchisees. Expert seminars and one-to-one consultations make this an invaluable two days for anyone considering franchise investment.
The Motorhome & Caravan Show 2026
Dates: 13–18 October 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
This is one of the biggest, most eagerly anticipated events at the NEC all year. The Motorhome & Caravan Show is the UK’s largest indoor showcase of motorhomes, caravans, campervans, and touring accessories. With hundreds of manufacturers and dealers exhibiting the very latest models — including electric and hybrid options — across six packed days, this event draws enormous crowds of touring enthusiasts from across the country. If you own a touring vehicle or are thinking of buying one, this is the event of the autumn.
Care Show 2026
Dates: 7–8 October 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
The Care Show is one of the UK’s most important events for the adult social care sector, bringing together care home operators, registered managers, nurses, and local authority commissioners. With the social care system under sustained pressure, the 2026 show will feature important discussions around workforce, technology, regulation, and person-centred care.
The Pharmacy Show 2026
Dates: 11–12 October 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
The Pharmacy Show is the UK’s leading event for community pharmacy professionals. With the sector navigating significant NHS service expansion and new clinical roles, the 2026 edition promises a rich programme of CPD, product innovation, and professional development for pharmacists, dispensers, and pharmacy technicians.
November 2026 — Engineering, Creative Crafts & Iconic Shows
Advanced Engineering 2026
Dates: 4–5 November 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
Advanced Engineering is the UK’s largest annual gathering for advanced manufacturing and engineering professionals. Covering aerospace, automotive, defence, energy, and electronics, this two-day show brings together thousands of engineers, designers, buyers, and manufacturers. With co-located shows including UK Metals Expo, it creates a powerful event for the entire manufacturing value chain.
Euro Bus Expo 2026
Dates: 3–5 November 2026 | Venue: NEC Campus
Held every two years, Euro Bus Expo is Europe’s premier event for the bus and coach industry. The 2026 edition will bring together manufacturers, operators, technology suppliers, and policymakers from across the continent to explore the future of public transport, electric buses, and sustainable mobility solutions.
Cake International & Creative Craft Show
Dates: 5–8 November 2026 (Creative Craft / Sewing for Pleasure / Simply Christmas); 6–8 November (Cake International & Bake International) | Venue: NEC Campus
Cake International is the biggest cake decorating and sugar craft show in the world, and its annual visit to the NEC is a genuine highlight of the autumn calendar. The show’s centrepiece competition attracts entries of breathtaking skill and creativity — monumental sculptural cakes judged live at the event. Running alongside it are the Creative Craft Show (over 100 independent craft brands and live workshops), Sewing for Pleasure WINTER edition (a brand-new show for fabric and textile enthusiasts), and Simply Christmas (a gorgeous showcase of handmade and bespoke gifts for the festive season). One ticket grants entry to all four shows — remarkable value for a truly unique long weekend.
Myles Smith
Dates: 12 November 2026 | Venue: bp pulse LIVE
Rising British singer-songwriter Myles Smith takes to the stage at bp pulse LIVE in November. With breakout success across streaming platforms and a growing reputation as one of the UK’s most promising new voices in pop, this is a show to book early.
Courteeners
Dates: 21 November 2026 | Venue: Utilita Arena Birmingham
Manchester indie icons Courteeners bring their characteristic energy and anthem-packed set to Utilita Arena Birmingham. One of the most loyal fanbases in British music, expect a passionate, sing-along-heavy night of indie rock from one of the genre’s most enduring acts.
December 2026 — Festive Celebrations to Close the Year
Gladiators Live Tour
Dates: 5–6 December 2026 | Venue: bp pulse LIVE
The Gladiators Live Tour arrives at bp pulse LIVE just in time for the Christmas season. Based on the smash-hit BBC revival, this live arena show promises all the competitive thrills, larger-than-life characters, and crowd-pleasing spectacle of the TV show — but in an immersive live format. A brilliant family night out in December.
The Lord of the Rings — The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert
Dates: 19 December 2026 | Venue: bp pulse LIVE
Closing out the year with something truly spectacular, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring will be screened in full with Howard Shore’s iconic score performed live by a full orchestra. This is a cinema-concert experience that fans of the film simply cannot miss — the perfect pre-Christmas treat. Tickets are expected to go quickly.
Planning Your Visit to the NEC
The NEC is easy to reach but it pays to plan ahead — especially for the most popular events. Here are a few practical tips to make your day run smoothly:
- Book tickets early. The most popular shows — Gardeners’ World Live, the Good Food Show, the Baby Show, the Motorhome & Caravan Show, and Cake International — consistently sell out. Don’t leave it to the last minute.
- Check parking in advance. With over 16,500 spaces on site, there’s plenty of room, but pre-booked parking is cheaper than turning up on the day.
- Use the train. Birmingham International station is a five-minute walk from the main NEC halls — one of the most convenient rail connections of any venue in the UK.
- Stay on campus. The Genting Hotel and other nearby hotels fill up fast during major events. If you’re travelling from far afield, book your accommodation as early as possible.
- Check the event-specific opening times. Exhibition shows and consumer events can have different access times on different days — always check the official event website before you travel.
NET Offers Chauffeur Service for NEC Events
The NEC is one of those places where the event is fun, but the travel can feel like a separate challenge. Big show days mean heavier traffic, busy approaches, and car parks that can add extra time (and walking) when you least want it.
NET offers a professional chauffeur service built around NEC Birmingham events 2026, so you can focus on what you’re going forwhether it’s a major trade show, a family exhibition, a concert, or a seasonal event. Your driver takes care of the route, the timing, and the drop-off, then brings you back when you’re ready.
- Less stress on busy days: no searching for a space, no queues at payment machines, no long walk in bad weather.
- Great for business visitors: ideal for multi-day events when you want to arrive sharp and on schedule.
- Easy for groups and families: helpful if you’re travelling with children, bags, or tired feet after a full day.
- Meet-and-greet options: a simple, organised pick-up so you’re not guessing where to go.
- Flexible scheduling: book for a single transfer or build a plan around your event hours.
- Comfortable, luxury vehicles: a calmer way to travel, especially after a long day at the venue.
If you’re booking travel for the 2026 NEC event calendar, contact National Executive Transfers to talk through your timings and get a personalised quote for your Birmingham chauffeur transfer.
Final Thoughts
The NEC Birmingham’s 2026 events calendar is one of the most diverse, exciting, and comprehensive it has ever been. Whether your interests lie in world-class trade exhibitions, family entertainment, live music and performance, food and lifestyle, or creative crafts, there is something at the NEC this year that will be worth the trip. With easy transport links, fantastic on-campus facilities, and a steady stream of world-class events running from spring all the way through to the Christmas season, the NEC continues to earn its place as the nation’s premier experience destination.
Mark your calendar, book your tickets early, and make 2026 the year you get the most out of what the NEC Birmingham has to offer.
