Exhibition organiser Clarion Events has confirmed that the Manchester Furniture Show in Harrogate, co-located with Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival, will be going ahead as planned on 18-21 July at the Harrogate Convention Centre, in the light of the UK Government’s decision to postpone the full lifting of coronavirus restrictions.
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.
‘We are confident that we will be able to run a safe and effective event this July. The furniture industry is crying out for the opportunity to network and socialise at a large-scale in-person event, and that is what Manchester Furniture Show is all about. Manchester Furniture Show is the industry’s favourite summer show, and we can’t wait for the industry to get back together again across those four days in Harrogate, instead of the usual three,’ says Zoë Bonser, Clarion Events portfolio director.
The show will occupy a large footprint made up of several different halls, which include both inside and outside relaxation and catering areas. This means visitors and exhibitors are spread out across the exhibition, and capacity and visitor flow can be controlled effectively adhering to the current event guidelines, not affecting visitor numbers across the four days. Manchester Furniture Show in Harrogate has the full support of the Harrogate Convention Centre and the company is working with the local authorities and liaising closely with the director of public health for North Yorkshire.
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 and various other points across the site
Russell Rule, show director says visitor registration is tracking ahead of previous years, with key names confirming their attendance and hotel stays as part of the VIP hosted buyer programme. ‘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. There is great excitement from both exhibitors and visitors to reconnect in Harrogate.’
