Earls Court and Olympia are celebrating a bumper run of consumer events throughout autumn as visitors pack both venues.
The benchmark was set in early October when thousands of visitors flocked to EC&O to visit The National Home Improvement Show, The National Wedding Show, The Back Show and Mind, Body, Soul. The weekend proved a huge success with The National Wedding Show enjoying a record year and The National Home Improvement Show attracting more than 13,000 visitors to its debut.
The month continued in fine fashion with active audiences flooding into both The Cycle Show as well as the ever exciting Metro Ski and Snowboard Show with its spectacular displays.
Among the highlights for sporting enthusiasts was a live interview with Tour de France winner Alberto Contador at this year’s Cycle Show. The event celebrated a hugely successful year achieving a staggering 15% uplift in visitors.
Later in the month parents and parents-to-be flocked to Earls Court One forThe Baby Show. The event welcomed a crowd of more than 26,000 marking an increase of 3.5% on 2008.
The mixed November weather didn’t affect the swathe of visitors who came in their thousands for three launch shows at Olympia; The Running Show and The Fertility Show were roaring successes, as was Vet (trade show) which also packed the aisles and put smiles on exhibitors’ faces.
MPH featuring Top Gear Live, was as popular as ever, enjoying a 5.3% visitor increase, with live performances from Clarkson, Hammond and May. The car enthusiasts then made way for dog lovers as Discover Dogs moved in to Earls Court 1 following their exponential success in neighbouring Earls Court 2. Organiser, The Kennel Club, was delighted to fill the extra space with more visitors than before.
As we enter Winter the aisles continue to fill. In November Olympia’s Grand Hall has been heaving with the ever popular Spirit of Christmas which spread the festive mood and achieved a 9.2% visitor increase. This was then neatly followed by Master Chef Live, filling the space with culinary delights and food enthusiasts.
Anna Golden, Commercial Director said:
Visitors numbers are up year on year and it seems again and again we are celebrating the achievements of both new and established shows. The past couple of months has certainly set the benchmark for a busy end to the year.