The countdown is on and it’s time to get ready for the most anticipated event of the year. GroundsFest is set to be the largest, annual, free must-attend event for grounds staff, greenkeepers, landscapers, gardeners, local authorities, estate managers and contractors.

Taking place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 20 – 21 September, here is a snapshot of what attendees can look forward to.

Hundreds of brands and demonstrations

Hundreds of brands will be on display, and you will be able to see a wide range of products in action. If you want to dig it, move it, cut it, mow it, climb it, mulch it, or build it, it’s ALL at GroundsFest. The event will give you the opportunity to not only see a wide range of machinery in action but get up close and personal with it. In addition to the outside areas there are two large indoor halls featuring exhibitor stands, a BAGMA Dealer Hub, catering outlets and seminar theatres.

GroundsFest will feature a wide range of exhibitors showcasing machinery, power, and hand tools; seeds, turf, aggregates, and treatments; landscaping materials; arboriculture, horticulture, and forestry products; playground equipment; irrigation and drainage equipment, and much, much more. 

Practical training sessions

Carried out by Grounds Training, the programme will feature free hands-on, training sessions on a range of groundscare topics including line marking, pedestrian mowers, ride-on mowers, handheld machinery, and the calibration and use of knapsack sprayers and boom sprayers. The sessions will be delivered by a fantastic team of Lantra approved instructors which includes Keith Kent, Martin Sampson, Chris Parry, and Steve Potter.

Free education and CPD points

GroundsFest’s CPD accredited educational seminars will provide advice, insight, and real solutions to the biggest issues the groundscare industry cares most about. This part of the event will present a real opportunity to enhance your knowledge on a variety of subjects and no matter what your position – from management to apprentice, there will be something for everyone.

The Landscape Zone

An entire hall dedicated to all those involved in the planning, design, and construction of outdoor environments in the landscaping sector. The Landscape Zone will spotlight the latest outdoor environment technologies, solutions and innovations and will be a must-attend event for landscape architects, local authority landscaping professionals, garden designers, landscape contractors, interior designers, facilities managers and many more. Some great speakers at the top of their game will also be taking to the stage in the Landscape Zone seminar theatres.

A beer with Turf Business LIVE!

Before the festival starts, prepare to be entertained as Turf Business chats live on stage to a variety of industry professionals. There will be some well-known individuals in the spotlight, and you can expect some highly amusing stories, behind-the-scenes gossip and insight, career highlights and discussion on some hot industry topics. One of the interviewees might even bring along a guitar and conclude the chat-show style concept with a live performance! Oh, and did we mention that attendees will be given a free Turf Business/GroundsFest branded beer upon taking their seat? You won’t want to miss this.     

Live music festival

After an action-packed day at GroundsFest, unwind and continue networking with live music, and sumptuous street food. There will be great selection of DJ’s and live bands taking to the stage and there will also be beer tents and drink stalls. The festival will start at 5pm on the first day of GroundsFest. 

Register and be in with a chance of winning a prize

There are multiple prizes of over £6,000 worth of battery powered equipment up for grabs. All you have to do is register. The prizes include Etesia and Pellenc pedestrian mowers and Pellenc telescopic and fixed-poled pole saws – all of which will allow you to work for a full day in an environmentally-friendly way. Don’t worry if you have already registered – you will automatically get entered into the free draw which is taking place on the second day.

Free on-site parking and free shuttle buses

Stoneleigh Park has thousands of free on-site parking spaces. Free shuttle buses will also be available after the festival to take attendees back to their accommodation in Kenilworth, Leamington Spa and Coventry.

Accommodation and camping

There are lots of accommodation options nearby. Stoneleigh Park also has a dedicated area for camping, motorhomes, and caravans. If you are interested in this area, please contact the GroundsFest team through the website.

Register for free at groundsfest.com.