February marks a major milestone for the NEC as it celebrates its 50th birthday, a landmark moment for the UK’s largest exhibition venue.
Throughout the month, the NEC will reflect on five decades of live experiences across all five of its venues, while looking ahead to the next chapter as a destination that continues to bring people together and create unforgettable moments.
Alongside the anniversary activity, it’s shaping up to be a standout month of live entertainment, exhibitions and concerts.
NEC Birmingham – Exhibitions & Shows
- Spring Fair 2026 (1-4 February)
Spring Fair is the UK’s largest retail trade show, bringing together 38,000+ visitors and 1,400–1,500 exhibitors across home, gift, fashion and lifestyle sectors.
- Ice Cream and Artisan Food Show 2026 (3-4 February)
The UK’s only dedicated ice cream industry trade show, featuring equipment, ingredients, packaging solutions, POS ideas, and expert-led seminars.
- The Yorkshire Card Show – NEC Takeover (7-8 February)
A two-day celebration for tradingcard collectors covering sports cards, Pokémon, YuGiOh!, MTG and more.
- The Arenas Operators & Developers World Summit (10-11 February)
Featuring over 30 of the best-known, most respected speakers within the indoor live event industry, the Summit offers arena operators and developers the opportunity to convene under one roof for two days of knowledge and experience exchange.
- Packaging Innovations & Empack (11-12 February)
The UK’s biggest packaging event, uniting suppliers, designers, brands and manufacturers.
- Great British Shooting Show (13-15 February)
The UK’s largest retail shooting show, covering sporting firearms, optics, accessories, clothing and live demonstrations.
- The Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show (17-22 February)
The UK’s biggest startofyear outdoor leisure showcase, spanning 19 acres with 420+ exhibitors. Displays include new campervans, motorhomes, caravans, tents, holiday homes and accessories.
- Printwear & Promotion Live! (22-24 February)
A leading event for garment decoration professionals, offering printwear equipment, embroidery machinery, blank garments and new technology.
- Sign & Digital UK (22-24 February)
The UK’s longestrunning visual communications trade show, showcasing the latest in signage, wideformat print, display solutions and digital graphics.
- PerformX Live 2026 (25-26 February)
A major businessoffitness event attracting 6,000+ professionals. Focuses on industry trends, profitability, tech innovation, operator strategy, and networking.
- What University? & What Career? Live (27-28 February)
A free event for 15–19yearolds exploring university, apprenticeships and earlycareer pathways.
- The National Wedding Show (28 February – 1 March)
The National Wedding Show features wedding suppliers, dresses, venues, photographers, and live catwalks.
- The National Equine Show (28 February – 1 March)
A premium equestrian lifestyle event with leading brands, expert speakers, horsecare education, riding equipment, and interactive experiences.
Tickets and registration: www.thenec.co.uk/whats-on/
Arena Events – Utilita Arena Birmingham & bp pulse LIVE
- Super League Basketball Trophy Finals 2026 1 February, Utilita Arena Birmingham
- Florence + the Machine 8 February, bp pulse LIVE
- James Arthur 10 February, bp pulse LIVE
- Nashville in Concert: The Encore Tour 11 February, bp pulse LIVE
- Deftones 12 February, bp pulse LIVE
- Novuna UK Athletics Indoor Championships 14 & 15 February, Utilita Arena Birmingham
- The 2026 Birmingham International Tattoo 14 & 15 February, bp pulse LIVE
- RAYE 23 & 24 February, bp pulse LIVE
Tickets via AXS: utilitaarenabham.co.uk / bppulselive.co.uk