VISITOR FAQs

  • WHEN AND WHERE?

    The Forecourt Show will next take place from 13-15 April 2026 at the NEC, Birmingham.

  • What are the opening times?

    Monday 13 April 2026     10:00-17:00
    Tuesday 14 April 2026     10:00-17:00
    Wednesday 15 April 2026  10:00-16:00

  • HOW DO I GET THERE AND WHERE CAN I STAY?

    Please see our travel and accommodation pages for further information.

  • Do I need to pre book parking?

    Yes, if you pre-pay for parking online before the day of your visit you can save £5.

  • HOW CAN I REGISTER?

    Registration for The Forecourt Show will open in early 2026. But you can register your interest for 2026 here.

  • CAN I REGISTER MY COLLEAGUE?

    Once you have completed your online registration, we have made it even easier to let people know you are attending and invite them to join you via social media and email! Simply click on the pop-up that appears once you have completed your registration (or the link in your badge email) and choose where to share!

  • IS THERE A CHARGE FOR REGISTERING?

    No, entrance is free to the trade.

  • WHO CAN ATTEND?

    As an industry event, the UK Food & Drink Shows are open to trade visitors, industry professionals, and businesses involved in the food and beverage sector. This includes Retailers, Foodservice Professionals, Hospitality Professionals. Distributors and Wholesalers, Producers and Manufacturers and Food & Beverage Professionals.


    As this is a trade only event all visitors will be vetted in advance and entry is not guaranteed to the shows until you receive your visitor confirmation email.
    Please refer to our admissions policy here.

    Under 18s are not permitted.

  • CAN I VISIT THE EVENT IF I'M NOT IN THE TRADE?

    No, only industry professionals can attend as this is trade only event.


    Selling to exhibitors is strictly prohibited. ID and trade checks will be carried out at the event.

  • DO I HAVE TO PROVIDE ALL OF MY PERSONAL DETAILS?

    We require the mandatory fields on the registration form.

  • WHAT IF I AM IN THE PROCESS OF SETTING UP A BUSINESS IN THE TRADE?

    Please bring a business card if you have one.

  • HOW CAN I GET A PRESS PASS?

    Press badges at the show are restricted to publishers, editors, journalists and broadcasters associated with the industry.


    If you are already receiving show press releases from us, you will automatically be registered as Press for the show and your Press Badge will be emailed to you a week before the event.


    If however you wish to start receiving our releases and would like to attend the event, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with details of your publication and job title. Advertising personnel, photographers and media sales representatives will not be registered as press but should register via visitor registration.

  • WILL THERE BE ANY SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS OR DEMONSTRATIONS?

    Yes, there will be several visitor features running throughout the show including: free seminar sessions, book signings, demonstrations and awards at the event.

  • IS THERE A SHOW GUIDE?

    There will not be a printed copy of the show guide, however there will be a digital alternative in the form of our Digital Event Companion, powered by Sitka. A link to download and access this will be provided on your confirmation email. We are doing this to be more sustainable at our show.

  • IS THERE A SHOW APP?

    Yes! There will be our Digital Event Companion, powered by Sitka. A link to download and access this will be provided on your confirmation email. We are doing this to be more sustainable at our show.

  • WHERE CAN I SEE THE EXHIBITOR LIST?

    The exhibitor list for the 2026 show will be live in early 2026.

  • WHERE CAN I SEE PRODUCTS THAT WILL BE AT THE SHOW?

    The product list for the 2026 show will be live closer to the event.


    Please use the search index where you can filter by product type and INNOVATION@

  • IS THE VENUE ACCESSIBLE?

    We’ve worked tirelessly to make our venue fully accessible to all our guests. Visit the NEC website for more information. Please contact us if you have any other questions.

  • IS THERE A CLOAKROOM AT THE EVENT?

    Yes. Cloakrooms are open 30 minutes before the show opens, until the close of show.


    Please note: Coats, bags, suitcases and umbrellas, will be permitted in the cloakroom at the daily cost £2 per coat or umbrella £3 per bag or piece of luggage.

  • HOW CAN I ACCESS THE INTERNET WHILE I'M AT THE EVENT?

    All visitors to the NEC can connect to WiFi across the entire venue completely free of charge.

  • WHERE CAN I BUY FOOD WHILE I'M AT THE EXHIBITION?

    There are several outlets within the halls.

  • CAN MY CHILDREN VISIT THE EVENT WITH ME?

    Unfortunately, we do not permit entry to anyone under the age of 18 as this is a trade only event.


    We do have exceptions for breastfeeding mothers or if you are a parent and need to bring a young baby with you. Please contact the team This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information. Please note however that pushchairs are not allowed.

  • ARE PUSHCHAIRS ALLOWED INTO THE EXHIBITION HALLS?

    No, the show is strictly no under 18s. No children, infants or babies in arms will be allowed into the show. There will not be any creche facilities at the NEC.

  • CAN I ATTEND ON MORE THAN ONE DAY?

    Yes, once registered you can come along any day and your badge allows you in on multiple days.

  • CAN I ATTEND THE OTHER SHOWS?

    Yes, registering for one show allows you free access to all four UK Food & Drink Shows: The Forecourt Show, Food & Drink Expo, Farm Shop & Deli Show and National Convenience Show.

  • HOW DO I OBTAIN A VISA INVITATION LETTER TO ATTEND THE SHOW?

    Unfortunately, we cannot issue personal/individual letter of invitation for visa purposes. Once you have registered for the show you will receive a confirmation email which should be sufficient for visa applications.

  • I AM A STUDENT; CAN I VISIT THE EVENT?

    Yes! Applications will open for students in early 2026.

    No under 18s will be permitted.

  • WHAT IF I DON'T WANT TO BE CONTACTED AFTER THE EVENT?

    We will keep you informed of products and services from William Reed Ltd. If you do not want to receive such information, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or write to Data Manager, WRBM, Broadfield Park, Crawley RH11 9RT.

  • WHAT IF I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE EVENT?

    Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.