Hobbycrafts, NEC November 2007
Posted on Nov 13, 2007 under Show Review | No Comment
This is the big one, as far as we’re concerned. This show is HUGE. ICHF hold several shows each year in places such as Glasgow, Cardiff, Brighton and Birmingham. Each show usually has other shows ‘attached’ to it. For instance, the show in Birmingham included the Arts Materials Live show in the same hall, and entrance to a ‘Crafts at Christmas’ show in an adjoining hall was included in the entrance price (£8.70).
The NEC is a massive place, shuttle buses run from the car parks to the main halls complex – it’s that big. There is Disabled parking available which is a much shorter walk to the halls, but the place is a bit of a maze when driving, so keep your eyes open! There was a Classic Car show on at the same time, which added to the numbers, the traffic queue trailing all the way back to the exit from the M6 to join the M42. We eventually arrived at the halls just after 10:00. This was still comparatively early, and there was barely any queue for tickets when we arrived. We entered via the Art Materials Live gate and breezed through.
Despite the apparent ease of entry, the exhibition was already quite busy. A quick scout around showed all the usual suspects were present: Create and Craft Club, Oyster Stamps, Crafters Companion, the Glitter Girls, Joanna Sheen, Stamp Addicts etc. Over 150 stands in all. Because this show is so established now, it seems as if the line-up and location of the stalls is pretty much set into a regular pattern, making particular stands easy to find for regular exhibition go-ers like ourselves.
Given the title of the show, there is a bit of cross-over with other disciplines – it’s not just about paper crafts and there were several stands for Stitchcraft too. In fact, part of the ‘entertainment’ on the stage was a fashion parade, showing off several home-made creations. This was not well attended when I was there, possibly because the stage was hidden away at the back of the Art Materials Live part of the exhibition.
As the day went on, the crowds increased, and the place got hotter. A little tip: inside the exhibition halls are snack bars and restaurants. At one point I bought a small 50cl bottle of still mineral water from one of these snack bars. It cost me £1.60. Later in the day I went outside to the Atrium where I found a Martins Newsagent. A large 1l bottle of water cost just £1.25. Forewarned is forearmed.
By the time we’d finished looking around all the stands / collapsed from pure exhaustion, we’d spent something like 4.5 hours at the show, and came away absolutely laden with new goodies. At we left, the gates to the halls had been closed in an attempt to reduce overcrowding and a large crowd (having already purchased their tickets) was awaiting entrance. This was a new phenomenon to us as we usually visit the show on the Sunday and avoid such situations. So, another tip: avoid the Saturday, it’s busy!
So, in summary: big and busy, but if there’s something specific you want for your crafting, you’re likely to find it here. Don’t forget your cash/cards and a packed lunch.