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Harrogate 2020 cancelled due to pandemic uncertainty

14/08/2020

The organisers of Harrogate International Nursery Fair have announced today that the 2020 show – rescheduled for October this year – is to be cancelled, with focus now fully on the 2021 show from 28^th to 30^th March 2021.

Adrian Sneyd, show organiser, explains: “This has been an extremely tough decision, particularly with the government announcement in July that events and exhibitions can recommence from 1^st October. However, there is still much uncertainty about localised waves of the pandemic and possible future amendments to rules for hospitality and events. Having spoken to exhibitors about this, the majority feel that it is not worth the risk of attempting an October show, not only because of implications for the actual event, but for hospitality in the Harrogate area with potential restrictions for hotels and restaurants too.

“However, we have been overwhelmed by support from our exhibitors with the majority in favour of waiting for a ‘big bash’ in March and happy to carry their bookings over to the 2021 show. These will automatically be given priority to retain the same space or request a move, but there will also be availability for more companies to jump on board and participate next year too.”

The Harrogate Convention Centre, which hosts the show, is currently retained as a Nightingale Hospital and should it not be returned for event use by March 2021, a back-up plan is in place to relocate to the Yorkshire Exhibition Centre (YEC) at the Great Yorkshire Showground. This venue provides spacious modern facilities with plenty of parking and shuttles between the venue and Harrogate town centre offering an extremely attractive alternative.

Adrian continues: “This has been a terrible year for the entire world, and we have all had to think on our feet and keep readjusting and responding to an ever-changing scenario. However, the health and wellbeing of everyone participating in the show has, and will always be, the priority and we feel that there is a better chance of delivering a fully functional, successful event next March. We hope that by this time we will all be in a better position to get down to serious, uninterrupted business and be able to enjoy the social aspects that are integral to a trade show.”

The re-booking process for 2021 will commence next week and exhibitors should look out for an email explaining the process. New hall plans will be issued as soon as possible so that exhibitors can be relocated and able to confirm exact requirements in terms of stand areas and any changes. The HINF team requests that confirmation is made by return on receipt of this correspondence.

New companies wishing to participate next year, can find further information and booking forms are available on the website at www.nurseryfair.com

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