NEC loses boat show as rival event is set up

Birmingham's Caravan and Boat Show has been axed after a rival show was set up in London.

The event has been held in the second city for more than 50 years, and in 2010 attracted 87,000 visitors as well as 570 exhibitors.

But this year's event was dealt a blow when it was announced the National Caravan Council would stage its own Motorhome, Caravan and Camping Show at Excel London in February. The show in London was due to finish days before the NEC event was meant to go ahead.

But the organisers of the NEC event have decided that it is not gaining the support it needed from exhibitors.

Business leaders and NEC bosses have expressed their sadness at the cancellation of the event, which was due to be staged at the venue from February 21 to 26.

Andy Gibb, events director for organisers Ocean Media Group, said: "I think it is incredibly sad.

"The Boat and Caravan Show started at the Bingley Hall, and it was the second show ever to be held at the NEC back in 1976.

"This is a blow for the industry, for the region and for the NEC.

"I have had contact from local guesthouses around the NEC saying 'please tell me it's not true'."

John Lamb, spokesman for Birmingham Chamber and Commerce, said: "This news is extremely sad, given that it was such a long-standing event."

Kathryn James, managing director of the NEC, said: "After more than 50 years, 35 of which have been at the NEC, we're really saddened to hear that the Boat and Caravan Show is being cancelled. We're sure the event will be sorely missed."

It is another blow for the NEC, which famously lost out on the British International Motor Show. From 1937 until 1976, it was held in London before moving to the NEC in 1978. The NEC hosted the show every other year until the last show there in May 2004.