Scots Turf Organisers ‘Blown Away’ by Show Success

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Scots Turf Organisers ‘Blown Away’ by Show Success: With over 700 visitors and over 60 companies exhibiting, the second edition of Scots Turf demonstrated substantial growth and has built a platform for an exciting future.

The aim of this show was to build on the success of the previous year by offering more stands and educational opportunities for visitors to explore at Hamilton Park Racecourse. An increase in the number of exhibitors from 16 to 64 ensured a diverse range of products from leading industry names such as Campey Turf Care, AllGrass, Dennis, SIS Pitches, and John Deere.

Scots Turf Organisers ‘Blown Away’ by Show Success

Scots Turf Organisers ‘Blown Away’ by Show Success

The growing stand count, set to increase again for the third event, has proven the Scotland’s desire for a dedicated show, and Scots Turf Founding Committee member Richard Heywood is ready to continue the growth.

“It was fantastic to see such a broad selection of visitors from all aspects of our industry, and the feedback we received from everyone we asked was incredibly positive,” he said.

“We were blown away and delighted with the response we received from companies wanting to exhibit. Our target in year two was to attract 30 businesses. In reality, we ended up attracting over 60, with a waiting list of ten more, and I think that shows the positive impact we’re having in Scotland.

“I’d say this is our first proper year as a ‘trade show,’ and we were very much encouraged by seeing over 700 visitors coming through the gates, with around 500 arriving in the first hour.

“It really shows an appetite for something like this in Scotland, and we will be looking to grow year upon year, helping to establish this once again as an event that you need to put in your diary.”

Updates on Scots Turf 2025 will follow throughout the year, including initiatives to support Scottish charitable causes. While demand for stands is high, companies are invited to apply for next year.

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Explosive Start for GroundsFest 2024

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Explosive Start for GroundsFest 2024: Following its groundbreaking debut, GroundsFest is returning with a bang, promising an even bigger and better experience for the groundscare and landscaping industries. With a wave of new exhibitors, expanded space, and mounting excitement, GroundsFest 2024 is set to exceed expectations, offering extraordinary opportunities for industry professionals.

Expansion and Overwhelming Rebookings

The excitement surrounding GroundsFest 2024 is evident, with the event witnessing a significant expansion. An astounding 90% rebook rate speaks volumes about the confidence exhibitors have in this groundbreaking event. Many 2023 exhibitors including Overton UK, Toro UK, Ariens Co, Kress UK, Turfix, Husqvarna, PSD Groundcare, and Cramer, plus many more, have opted for significantly larger stands, a testament to the growing influence of GroundsFest in the industry landscape.

Explosive Start for GroundsFest 2024

Explosive Start for GroundsFest 2024

Influx of New Business

GroundsFest continues to attract industry giants and emerging players alike, with over 40 new companies already committed to the event. Brands such as STIGA, Redexim, Milwaukee, Ventrac, Trimax Mowing Systems, Amazone, GKB, Wessex, Ferris, Spider, Jensen Woodchippers, Ransomes, Jacobsen, Kawasaki, EZGO, Wiedenmann, Avant Tecno, Hustler Turf Equipment, Ambrogio UK, Rat Barrow UK, BARBIERI SRL, Aebi Schmidt UK, and Bowcom, plus many more, have taken large areas dedicated to equipment demonstration, which underlines the event’s significance as a premier platform for companies to showcase their innovations and solutions.

Expanding Landscape Zone

The Landscape Zone, catering to professionals involved in outdoor planning and design, promises to be even more expansive in 2024 with a blend of returning exhibitors and new additions like Crowders Nurseries, Wildflower Turf UK, Lubbe & Sons (Bulbs), Warrington & Rose, Stabilia UK, and Soluform. The Landscape Zone will offer a comprehensive showcase of the latest trends and technologies in landscaping.

An Un-Rivalled Variety of Exhibitors

One of GroundsFest’s distinguishing features is its innovative integration of outdoor machinery demonstrations with indoor exhibits, attracting diverse audiences from various sectors. This unique approach ensures an unparalleled experience for visitors, who can explore a wide array of exhibitors ranging from groundscare and landscaping to commercial vehicles and play equipment. GroundsFest is the only UK event of its kind which offers such a variety of exhibitors.

Reinvigorating Industry Trade Shows

GroundsFest goes beyond traditional trade shows, offering attendees a truly comprehensive experience. From a live music festival to exclusive retail discounts and free LANTRA approved training, plus its cost-effective pricing structure for exhibitors and camping facilities – GroundsFest has reinvigorated the trade show landscape.

The New Go-To Event

GroundsFest 2024 is poised to build upon its successful first edition, offering industry professionals a revolutionary and indispensable platform to connect, learn, and thrive. As it defies industry norms and sets new benchmarks, GroundsFest has emerged as the largest one-stop shop for groundscare and landscaping professionals in the UK.

GroundsFest 2024 will take place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on 10 and 11 September 2024.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views. 

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GroundsFest Launches the Landscape Zone

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GroundsFest Launches the Landscape Zone: Organisers of GroundsFest have launched a new zone at the event dedicated to all those involved in the planning, design, and construction of outdoor environments in the landscaping sector.

The Landscape Zone is set to spotlight the latest landscaping technologies, solutions, and innovations, and will be a must-attend feature for landscape architects, local authority landscaping professionals, garden designers, landscape contractors, interior designers, facility managers and many more.

GroundsFest Launches the Landscape Zone

GroundsFest Launches the Landscape Zone

The Landscape Zone will be headed by Jess McCabe, an award-winning event specialist who previously worked on the landscaping event FutureScape.

“GroundsFest is an exciting concept and I’m delighted to be involved,” said Jess.

“After working in the industry for many years, I know that this concept ticks so many boxes for the landscaping sector. For visitors, it will have everything a landscaping professional needs to help them in their designs and projects. Additionally, it enables them to see all the other leading groundscare brands on display and products in action; and then there is the festival element which will be a great networking opportunity.

“From an exhibitor point of view, stand prices at landscaping events are becoming more expensive every year and as a result, are pricing many companies out of exhibiting. The competitive pricing for The Landscape Zone at GroundsFest allows companies of all shapes and sizes to get involved. It will provide these companies with an ideal platform to showcase their products and services to a dedicated audience.”

Commenting on the new Landscape Zone, GroundsFest Event Director Christopher Bassett said: “Our intention has always been to bring together all corners of the groundscare industry and launching The Landscape Zone is another step towards this goal.

“This new initiative signals the huge support we have already received to date and accommodates the strong demand for exhibitor space. To open an entirely new hall at GroundsFest after launching just twelve weeks ago shows how far we have come.

“We would like to extend a warm welcome to Jess,” continued Christopher. “She has an abundance of experience, knows the landscaping sector inside out and she shares our passion for delivering an extraordinary event for both visitors and exhibitors.”

Jess can be contacted on 07830 488 812 or jess.mccabe@groundsfest.com

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MM Seed Set to Impress at SALTEX

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MM Seed Set to Impress at SALTEX: An impressive range of MM grass seed mixtures will be showcased at SALTEX 2022, and visitors will get the chance to find out how the innovative seed technology could vastly benefit their sports pitches.

MM is one of the most respected brands in the UK sportsturf and amenity industries and is relied upon at top sports grounds throughout the UK and beyond. With a proven track record of producing the best possible swards, the MM range of grass seed offers an unrivalled performance and appearance.

MM Seed Set to Impress at SALTEX

MM Seed Set to Impress at SALTEX

Here’s a snapshot of just some of the mixtures on display at SALTEX.

MM60

MM60 is a 100% Ryegrass formula and the UK’s leading winter sports renovation mixture. It is well-known for its extremely fast germination and its high wear tolerance plus excellent disease resistance.

MM50

MM50 is perfect for cricket squares, tennis courts and also golf tees and fairways. This hard-wearing mix has rapid germination, extremely fine leaved appearance, high shoot density and is tolerant to very close mowing, as low as 5mm, along with high disease resistance. All these attributes together produce a fantastic sward.

MM Tetrasport

A traditional repair mixture, especially useful for overseeding of high quality sportsfields to improve sward composition and aid recovery from disease scarring, Tetra Sport consists of Tetraploid Ryegrasses and is ideal for when the cooler weather arrives.

All mixtures in the MM range, are treated with HEADSTART® GOLD – a revolutionary grass seed treatment that ensures rapid, even germination.

Research and development play a key factor in MM’s success and the extremely high standards are achieved through rigorous testing procedures in a licensed seed testing facility. In addition, all varieties used in the MM range have been thoroughly tested at the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI), so you can be sure they will meet your requirements for play, appearance and maintenance.

If you are seeking advice for your natural turf projects – no matter how big or small, then pay a visit to the MM stand (stand J052) and speak to one of the company’s specialists.

For further information, please contact MM Sports Seed on 01386 791102 or visit the company’s website www.mm-seeds.co.uk.

You can also follow the company on Twitter: @MM_Seed.

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Turfgrass Growers Association demo day

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Turfgrass Growers Association demo day: The Turfgrass Growers Association are pleased to announce that the Turfgrass Summer Show is returning for 2022.

Following on from the success of the 2020 event, we are pleased to now announce the date for this year’s event Thursday 28th July. Turffit have very kindly offered to host the 2022 event. We are looking forward to welcoming all the members and the turfgrass industry to Kinross, Scotland.

Turfgrass Growers Association demo day

Turfgrass Growers Association demo day

This event attracts all those involved in turfgrass production, from growers to the ancillary industry and will host an excellent exhibition and demonstration to provide a great interactive opportunity for those who attend. The last TGA summer show was held in 2018 and after 4 years we are really pleased to bring the event back. This year’s event will showcase our hosts fine turfgrass where machinery, seed and crop protection companies can find a platform upon which to showcase and promote their latest technologies.

To compliment this year’s event, there is also a multitude of activities including some Scottish Highland games favourites. Test your strength by Tossing the Caber and Throwing the Hammer. Test your accuracy with the unique Glengoyne Malt Challenge (Haggis throwing!) or try your hand at Scottish Piping, there is an activity for everyone to enjoy! In addition to these Traditional Scottish activities, you can also take aim with Environmentally friendly Clay Shooting, Football Darts or try Archery with guidance from an experience instructor. There will also be a fantastic Falconry experience to enjoy!

We are also pleased to announce that in partnership with Trimax we will be hosting a celebratory meal to close the 2022 show at the prestigious Cannonball Restaurant, Edinburgh. The historic setting in the heart of the Old Town, and with fabulous views of Edinburgh Castle, will be an ideal place to celebrate our Turfgrass event with the growers and affiliated industries from across the UK and the wider world.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW

The event will also be registered for both BASIS and NRoSO points which will be available on the day. It’s an event not to be missed!

If you are interested in exhibiting, please contact admin@britishgrowers.org or visit TGA Summer Show 2022 – The Turfgrass Growers Association website.

On behalf of the organising committee, we look forward to welcoming you to the 2022 Turfgrass Growers Summer Show on Thursday 28th July 2022.

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SAGE registration now open

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SAGE registration now open: The UK’s largest outdoor sports and grounds maintenance tradeshow, SAGE is taking place on 6th & 7th July at The Three Counties Showground in Malvern. Registration has now opened for visitors, so if you would like to book your free place at this much-anticipated event, register on the website now.

There will be people from a wide range of industries exhibiting products, providing live demonstrations and even the opportunity to take a free training course.

SAGE registration now open

SAGE registration now open

The venue has been selected to provide a safe outdoor environment and The Three Counties Showground has been awarded the VisitEngland ‘We’re Good to Go’ industry charter mark. This means that the showground meets the Government and public health guidance on COVID-19 health and safety processes.

Discover industry trends and top priorities

Due to restrictions over the last two years, everyone is looking forward to the opportunity to network with people from across their industry. As well as being able to build up industry connections, attending the event enables people to find out about new products or trends that can improve the way that they work.

The main priority of SAGE is that visitors get to see the industry products in action, in an environment that has ample space to accommodate the largest kit on sale. Amongst our exhibitors there are businesses who supply turfcare products and equipment, playground equipment and landscaping equipment.

Focus on sustainability

This year, sustainability has become an even more prominent priority across all industries and SAGE is proud to be hosting the first sustainability summit, which will take place on Wednesday 6th July at SAGE 2022, in partnership with Bio-Circle. The summit will be led by experts across the industry, and will provide guidance and support on how sustainable solutions can be achieved by businesses across the sports and grounds maintenance industry. The panel along with their colleagues will be on hand to deliver tailored options for those looking to adopt processes that are more environmentally friendly.

With the Government’s carbon net zero targets to comply with, more businesses have started to explore the different ways that they can reduce carbon emissions. The summit will target this topic head on and help to drive a better understanding of the priorities and solutions for the sports and grounds maintenance industry regarding their responsibilities for reducing carbon emissions.

Other activities to look forward to

There will be taster courses on offer, as well as talks from the leading experts across the industry.

Everyone is welcome to attend SAGE 2022. Visitors from last year included educational institutions, local authorities and councils, contractors, construction managers and estates.

SAGE invites all visitors to join us at the networking event on the Wednesday evening, sponsored by Fleet Line Markers, where everyone will get the opportunity to meet fellow industry professionals at the stunning showground, with a few extras as well.

To register for SAGE 2022. Please visit; www.sportsandgrounds.events.

If you would like to exhibit at SAGE 2022, there is still time to reserve your stand, contact us today; team@sportsandgrounds.co.uk

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SALTEX registration now open

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SALTEX registration now open: The Grounds Management Association has announced that visitor registration for SALTEX 2021 is now officially open at gmasaltex.co.uk  

Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham on 3 and 4 November, SALTEX 2021 will be celebrating its 75th anniversary in style. The show will feature over 400 brands including some of the biggest names in groundscare and will offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the very latest industry trends and innovations, enhance their education and learn from industry experts.

SALTEX registration now open

SALTEX registration now open

The exhibition is the longest-standing event of its kind in the world, having been held almost every year since 1938, and the show is continually evolving with the people of the industry in mind.

In addition to the limitless opportunities available on the show floor, one lucky visitor will be presented with an incredible battery-powered compact loader from Avant UK worth approximately £30,000. Every person who registers will be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize and the live draw will take place on the first day of the show.

“The last year has been tough and we know how hard groundspersons and other industry professionals have worked during the pandemic,” said Raimo Ala-Korpi, Avant UK managing director. “We thought it would be good to give something back to the industry.

“SALTEX is the place to be when meeting the industry and showcasing our latest innovations. It is the number one show for us as many of our current clients from turf care, parks and playgrounds visit the show, and every year we generate multiple quality new connections across the UK and even further.”

Visitors to SALTEX 2021 can look forward to exciting show attractions as well as popular features such as:

  • Eco Village – live demonstrations purely dedicated to environmentally-friendly products.
  • Learning LIVE – SALTEX’s world-class free educational programme.
  • Pathology and Soil Science LIVE – a look in detail at the symptoms of turfgrass fungal disease problems.
  • SALTEX Innovation Award – celebrating the very best in new groundscare technology.
  • Ask the Expert – free face-to-face turfcare advice.
  • Lawn Care Legends LIVE – a fantastic networking opportunity for landscapers and gardeners.
  • Job Clinic – free one-to-one sessions covering CV writing to interview techniques.

“We can’t wait to celebrate SALTEX’s 75th anniversary with the industry,” said Luke Perry, GMA’s Commercial & Events Director. “SALTEX 2021 will be one to remember because it will be the first time that the grounds management industry reunites on a grand scale since the pandemic.

“After a year out, it is finally time to say See You at Saltex.”

Visitors can register to attend SALTEX via the website. Visitors will receive a confirmation email with their badge to print and take along to the show, to gain free entry.

For more information visit www.gmasaltex.co.uk

For more information on the Avant e6 loader visit https://www.avanttecno.com/uk/machines/e-series

Follow SALTEX on Twitter @GMA_SALTEX and Facebook – www.facebook.com/GMASALTEX

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SALTEX 2021: “We’re ready to go!”

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SALTEX 2021: “We’re ready to go!”: After the government’s recent announcement, it appears that the grounds management industry can finally start looking forward to celebrating SALTEX’s 75th anniversary, which takes place on 3 and 4 November at the NEC, Birmingham.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has revealed the UK’s roadmap out of lockdown, and it is good news for the grounds management industry’s premier show. Most restrictions on events taking place could be lifted by 21 June and some may even be permitted to go ahead with restricted capacities from 17 May.

SALTEX 2021: “We’re ready to go!”

SALTEX 2021: “We’re ready to go!”

“We are very excited about the outlook for the show in November,” said GMA CEO Geoff Webb. “As Boris said, there is indeed light ahead, and with many suffering from ‘Zoom’ and online fatigue, there is more than ever, a real appetite for human interaction.”

The Prime Minister’s announcement certainly seems to have raised spirits in the industry. Since the roadmap was revealed the GMA has reported an influx of new business and enquiries from companies eager to have a presence at SALTEX and several stand upgrades from existing exhibitors.

“It is very encouraging and we’re ready to go,” continued Geoff. “The support from the industry has been overwhelming and I’d like to thank our exhibitors for their patience and for sticking by us as we transferred from 2020 to 2021.

“We are an industry which loathes to stand still, and I think the restrictions have shown that we are missing meeting people; that businesses are keen to see their customers in person again and that they are missing that trade and general conversation. Ultimately, it has amplified the power and the benefits of live events.

“There could be more twists and turns to come and we will remain diligent and prepared. The safety of everyone attending is our main priority, so we will continue to follow the guidance and implement the necessary procedures, if needed in November.”

Spirits are also riding high after the hugely successful #GroundsWeek united every corner of the grounds management industry. The GMA’s campaign was the first-ever celebratory week which highlighted the vital role of grounds staff, volunteers, and the role that the broader turf-care sector plays in making sport possible and keeping green spaces accessible. The #GroundsWeek campaign saw a veritable social media blitz for seven days straight as manufacturers, workers, media and high-profile sports clubs, stadia and sports persons publicly showed their support for the initiative.

The positivity is set to continue over the coming months, as the SALTEX team announces more details about what is in store for the 75th anniversary. From exhibitors, products, speakers, demonstrations, the Innovation of the Year Award, new features, prizes and much, much more.

“We’re putting absolutely everything into the show, and we can’t wait to celebrate this landmark occasion with you all.

“I am sure that SALTEX 2021 will show us at our finest. SALTEX promises to showcase the talent in our industry and the changes and the new directions that we can anticipate,” concluded Geoff.

For more information visit www.gmasaltex.co.uk

To view further industry support and quotes visit – https://www.gmasaltex.co.uk/industry-shows-support-quotes-for-new-saltex-dates/

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BIGGA announces Festival of Turf dates

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BIGGA announces Festival of Turf dates: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association has confirmed that its first Festival of Turf will take place this summer, with a new date intended to provide an improved experience for attendees and exhibitors.

The Festival of Turf is a two-day event that will take place in the predominantly outdoor setting of the Warwickshire Event Centre and will bring together golf greenkeepers, groundsmen and many others for the first time since BTME 2020, over 18 months previously.

BIGGA announces Festival of Turf dates

BIGGA announces Festival of Turf dates

BIGGA had initially announced a June date for the Festival of Turf and was confident event could be hosted with COVID-safety measures in place. But with the Prime Minister recently announcing the Roadmap out of lockdown, BIGGA has explored the opportunity of rescheduling the Festival of Turf for later in the summer, when social distancing restrictions are anticipated to have been removed.

As such, BIGGA is delighted to reveal that the Festival of Turf will now take place on 21 & 22 July 2021.

The Festival of Turf will welcome BIGGA members and others in the turf industry to the 30-acre Warwickshire Event Centre, with a wide range of vendors and trade stalls and entertaining twists that bring to life the ‘festival’ element of the event.

COVID-safety measures will remain in place, such as enhanced cleaning regimes and hand sanitising, plus any other requirements as defined by government guidelines. However, limits on visitor numbers and social distancing measures will no longer be required.

BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “The Roadmap out of lockdown announced by the Prime Minister provided incredibly welcome news for the country and the association’s members, not least because it provided a date for the reopening of golf courses in England and a potential return to normality for us all. It also presented an opportunity for BIGGA to host the Festival of Turf as the spectacular of sports and amenity turf maintenance that we had hoped for when we first announced this event last year.

“We entered into negotiations with the Warwickshire Event Centre and were delighted to come to an arrangement with regards new dates for the Festival of 21 & 22 July. On this date England is anticipated to be at Step 4 of the COVID-19 roadmap, which will see legal limits on social contact removed. Although the published roadmap only serves as a guideline and the timings are subject to change, everyone at BIGGA is excited about the opportunity to provide an improved exhibition experience for our attendees.

“We always intended the Festival of Turf to be an opportunity for BIGGA members and their colleagues in the turf industry to reunite after so long apart and I’m delighted that these new dates will allow even more people to attend what promises to be a fantastic few days of exhibitions and entertainment.”

For more information about the Festival of Turf, head to the BIGGA website.

Keep up to date with the latest announcements and updates on Twitter by using the hashtag #FestivalofTurf

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BIGGA unveils new outdoor festival

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BIGGA unveils new outdoor festival: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association has unveiled a brand new outdoor festival and exhibition, taking place in June 2021.

The event, called the Festival of Turf, will bring together the greenkeeping and turf management industry for two days of innovation, exhibition and entertainment.

BIGGA unveils new outdoor festival

BIGGA unveils new outdoor festival

Taking place in the COVID-secure setting of the Warwickshire Event Centre on 8 & 9 June 2021, the Festival of Turf will feature two full exhibition days with a wide range of trade stalls and opportunities to interact with vendors and meet face-to-face with industry peers for the first time since before the coronavirus pandemic took hold.

The Warwickshire Event Centre is located on the outskirts of Leamington Spa, close to Coventry. Centrally-located, the venue enjoys easy access to all transport networks, along with 2,000 free parking spaces.

The Warwickshire Event Centre can accommodate up to 200 exhibitors and is capable of welcoming 3,000 visitors a day through its doors. Set in a 30-acre site with both indoor and outdoor exhibition areas, the venue provides countless opportunities to make the Festival of Turf an innovative and exciting new event for the greenkeeping and amenity turf management industry.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic BIGGA has been in regular conversation with regulators, golf’s governing bodies and central government and there is widespread confidence that a successful event can take place in June 2021. Importantly, there is also a keen desire among commercial partners and industry professionals to provide an event that enables the industry to move forward and begin the process of rebuilding so many key relationships that have been eroded through the distance imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.

BTME, BIGGA’s annual trade exhibition that was due to be held in January 2021, has been cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the Association remains proud that the event’s spiritual home, the Harrogate Convention Centre, continues to be utilised as an NHS Nightingale Hospital.

BIGGA’s world-renowned education programme, Continue to Learn, has moved to an entirely-online format and will be held across two weeks during January 2021. More information can be found on the BIGGA website.

BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “I’m excited that BIGGA is finally able to launch the Festival of Turf to the industry and bring some much-needed hope for a brighter future. The Festival of Turf is a hugely welcome opportunity to reunite our industry, which will have been forcibly separated by the global pandemic for nearly 18 months by the time this event takes place.

“The industry has survived brilliantly despite all the challenges it has faced, due in no small part to the resilience and adaptability of BIGGA members and the network of commercial partners and who have supported us all throughout the pandemic. There has been a clear groundswell of opinion that members, other turf professionals and commercial supporters want the opportunity to celebrate our achievements and put this whole terrible ordeal behind us – and that’s where the Festival of Turf comes in. The event will be an opportunity to reconnect at a time when personal connections have never been more vital.”

For more information about the Festival of Turf, head to the BIGGA website, www.bigga.co.uk

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