Ocean Media Group, owners of the British Bridal Exhibition, and Harrogate International Centre (HIC), have agreed a contract confirming that this twice-yearly trade show will return to Harrogate in 2008.
Stuart Quin, director at HIC was delighted to secure the return of the event, which has taken place in Harrogate for many years now. “It will be wonderful to welcome the Bridal Exhibition back once again,” he said. “It is a high-profile and glamorous event bringing back old acquaintances as well newcomers to Harrogate each year.”
The British Bridal Exhibition is Europe’s foremost bridal trade show. Held in March and September each year, it occupies six exhibition halls, three hotels, a fashion theatre and the HIC’s Queens Suite. The September 2007 exhibition showcased over 300 collections for Spring and Summer 2008. Formal events include a Bridal Buyer Awards Dinner attended by 550 guests. Preview fashion shows take place throughout exhibition hours, rounded off with an immediate post-show version, with wine, for the exhibitors.
Two fashion shows are performed six times a day across three exhibition days, involving 25 models, 25 dressers, two seamstresses, a production team of six, stylists, two choreographers and a production director.
“Making sure dresses arrive on time, fit the models, and are shown off to maximum effect, can sometimes be a real challenge,” said Ocean Media’s event director Wendy Adams, adding: “Everything in Harrogate is fantastically easy to get to – pubs, unusual hotel facilities, clubs, great restaurants, museums, antique centres, parks and gardens.
“Many of our exhibitors organise their own parties in the local restaurants, hotels and clubs,” she continued. “All of these amenities are hugely important. Our visitors see coming to Harrogate as a real social treat, as well as a great place to do business.”
