This summer BIGGA is inviting the turf industry to reconnect at the Warwickshire Event Centre for two days of exhibition, innovation and entertainment. 

The UK Government’s Roadmap out of lockdown has laid out a pathway to freedom following the challenges placed upon everyday life by the coronavirus crisis. For BIGGA this journey culminates on 21 and 22 July with a brand-new exhibition for greenkeepers, groundsmen and others with a professional interest in turf management. 

Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “It will have been a long 18 months since the industry gathered together at BTME 2020 and little did we know the challenges we would face over the coming year. We’ve all got new stories to tell since we last met up and I’m proud that BIGGA is able to facilitate the opportunity for the turf management industry and its commercial supporters to do so in a face-to-face setting. 

“The Festival of Turf is going to be packed full of innovative products and services and some brilliant exhibitors, but most importantly it will be an opportunity to get together and enjoy reconnecting with old friends after such a long time apart.” 

Festival of Turf is a completely new exhibition for the turf industry. Although there will be many of the familiar faces from BIGGA’s regular exhibition, BTME, and other industry exhibitions of the recent past, the predominantly outdoor exhibition – in addition to a number of stands and other facilities indoors – will give a different experience for attendees. There will be a stage featuring live music into the evening and industry experts talking during the day, appropriate summer refreshments, and exhibitors are being encouraged to do what they can to make the event a real festival of celebration after so long apart. 

On 21 and 22 July, England is anticipated to be at Stage 4 of the unlocking process, meaning social distancing measures will have been removed, and at that time it is anticipated that just about every adult in the UK will have been offered a vaccine. Other safety measures will be in place, but confidence is high that the festival can be a fantastic and entirely safe experience. 

The Warwickshire Event Centre is centrally located in the Midlands, on the outskirts of Royal Leamington Spa. Set on a 30-acre site, the event gall offers 2,280m sq of space, while the outdoor exhibition area covers two-acres. For more than 30 years BIGGA has been hosting exhibitions that feature the most innovative and exciting product launches. BIGGA works closely with the biggest names in the turf industry to make sure its members have access to the latest equipment and machinery, which has contributed to the incredible reputation of UK greenkeepers as among the most talented and passionate golf course managers in the world.  

Patrick Desmond is general manager at Kioti UK and said: “Following a strong period, 2021 will be an exciting period for Kioti UK, with the introduction of many new Stage V Compact tractor models. The Festival of Turf in July, with the mixture of indoor and outdoor education space, will be the perfect opportunity to show the industry the latest models. Our preparations have already started and we look forward to being there in a safe environment.” 

The Festival of Turf is set to be the biggest turf party of the summer, so for the latest news and updates, head to the BIGGA website to find out more. You can also check in on social media using the hashtag #FestivalOfTurf. 

www.bigga.org.uk/festival-of-turf.html