Clothes Show Live launches in Birmingham

Shopaholics beware – the spectacular week-long fashion extravaganza that is the annual Clothes Show Live launches in Birmingham today.

Thousands upon thousands of people from across the country will descend on the NEC over the next six days to ogle models wearing daring new trends and raid the hundreds of boutiques selling unique little bargains.

And bargains there are a-plenty – shop right, and you could find yourself picking up fabulous little dresses for just £5, cocktail gowns for less than £40 and half-price goodies from designer brands.

If you can dodge past the pushy sellers and weave your way through the scantily-clad wannabe models hanging around the agency stands, you can even bag some decent freebies as haircare brands and make-up artists try to flog their wares.

As ever, the main event – the Suzuki Fashion Theatre catwalk show – is set to dominate the day, hosted by the dashing George Lamb and stylist Grace Woodward and starring a range of celebs appearing on-stage among the hoards of models and dancers.

Today, Alexandra Burke was due to kick off the event, with further performances from girlgroup Parade, X Factor rejects The Risk and Her Majesty & The Wolves featuring Kimberly Wyatt all lined up over the coming days.

And brace yourselves – this year's special guests are the cast of car-crash TV hit The Only Way is Essex.

While Lauren Goodger and Kirk Norcross are lined up for today and tomorrow, James 'Arg' Argent and Maria Fowler will take to the stage on Sunday and Monday, with Harry Derbridge and Joey Essex on the bill for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Elsewhere, Hollyoaks star Craig Vye – otherwise known as Ethan – will be stationed at the Hollyoaks tent, sponsored by Heat, to give visitors the chance to test their TV, celebrity, and Hollyoaks knowledge to win a range of themed goodies.

Show producer Maryam Hamizadeh said she was pleased to have such a great line-up – and added that she hoped the Clothes Show would help keep high street shopping alive.

"Shopping online may seem like a quick and easy option but our research shows that it is no where near as enjoyable as a visit to the shops," she added.

"Shopping is best enjoyed, not from the comfort of a sofa or desk, but when out there in the real world in a shop or store.

"We're dedicated to supporting offline shopping in order to stop the decline of the high street."

And as well as dressing yourself for the next year, and coveting the tiny waists sported by the models, it's a prime place to pick up any outstanding Christmas presents at one of the many gadget stalls or accessories stands.

Just make sure you take someone burly enough to carry the armfuls of carrier bags you walk away with.

Clothes Show Live takes place at the NEC exhibition centre from today until Wednesday.

Tickets start from £27, available from www.theticketfactory.com

Charlotte Cross