News Focus
transformation and we are ready to
take it to a next level.”
The venue, which in 2019 completed
a newly refurbished 850 cover dining
facility, set over two separate, selfcontained
floors is proving a success
and compliments the range of catering
on offer for all events taking place.
Cox explained: “The arrival of
Covid-19 affecting the country with
lockdown enforced, has for obvious
reasons, put on hold talks to look at
a new strategy for a phased overhaul
of facilities and potential rebrand of
the site to reflect, and strengthen our
position as the number one ‘go to’
events, and exhibition centre in the
South West.
“For obvious reasons, this is now
on hold for the foreseeable future.
However, our vision is exciting, and
we hope that once the economy and
the events industry at large starts
to recover, we can bring this back
to the table. Ambitious plans could
include refurbishment of buildings,
a permanent camping/glamping site
alongside restoring our lake and
woodland space giving us scope to hold
outdoor pursuits activities.”
The site also boasts a 4x4 course,
the only one of its type in the region.
There are also plans to update the
existing 1,200-seater grandstand
and surrounding area to create an
outdoor concert space for up to 5,000
spectators.
Howarth concludes: “Our industry
is going through so much change right
now. With restrictions on travel likely
to be in place for the foreseeable future,
I think there’ll be strong growth in
regional events where people will want
to do business within a 50-100-mile
radius.
“This is a new way of working
and those organisers who are agile
enough to be able to take their events
to specific locations while operating
within the social distancing guidelines
will undoubtedly be in a stronger
position as we emerge from lockdown.”
“We are starting to see a rise in
enquiries for shows that are normally
About Bath and West
» 240 acres incorporating 3-4
miles of roads and tracks.
» Five large pavilions. The largest
flagship hall boasts 2,787sqm
exhibition space.
» Standing capacity 5,000,
seated 3,000.
» Parking for up to 12,000
vehicles.
» Nine toilet blocks.
» 120 seat theatre.
» Medical centre with eight beds.
» Restaurant with 850 covers
over two floors with fully
licensed bars.
» Tenants on site include a
staging company (Trust Event
Stages Ltd), event showers
(Greentree Showers), furniture
hire (Spotlight Event Hire)
electrical contractor on site
and both security, cleaning and
show production crews on call.
hosted in other venues”
Events snapshot
» The Great Western Classic Car
Show
» Bristol Classic Bike Show
» Vintage and Collector’s Fair
» Toy & Train Collectors Fair
» The Wedding Showcase
» The SW Motorhome Show
» The Craft4Crafters Show
» Royal Bath & West Show
» Comicon SW
» Glastonbury Festival (off
festival site resource)
» NASS Festival
» Truck Fest
» West Fest
» SW Homebuild & Renovation
Show
June — 11