The not so GREAT British Shooting show

[Sonofsammo]

I'll start with this.
2019 - £20 adult, free child, free parking, free showguide. Total - £20
2022 - £25 adult, £15.50 child, £16 parking, £5 showguide. Total - £61.50

It cost three times as much as the last one to get in. So, was it three times as good? No.
My son and I still had a good time, despite the fiscal raping I had endured. But tbh, we have a better time when we go shooting.
Comparatively little for FAC holders with the majority of the show seemingly geared to shotguns and air guns.
Total disappointment to us both and we'll not be back next year.

For comparison Northern Shooting Show 2022 - £13 adult, free child, free parking, free showguide.
So can't blame the price hike on Brexit or Covid, or it would be the same all over.

We're told to support the industry, but how can we in this case when the national show is such a giant p*** take?

[MistAgain]

Could it be that the organisers are not interested in supporting the industry ?

[GeeRam]

I last went in 2018, and didn't think there was much for FAC holders then, and if you're interested in shotgun stuff, you're probably better off going to one of the big game fair shows for that.
So, I'm not really sure what the NEC show is really offering anymore, and even more so at that price hike (yes I know everything has gone up in the past 12 months)

[20series]

I think the best of the shows was the last one held at Newark, about four shows in. By then many of the rifle makers and smiths had stands there, there was much more to see.
We also like the Nothern Shooting Show much nicer experience although worth while checking with traders to ensure they are heoing to be there.

Alan

[FredB]

Across the road, in the Motorcycle museum, Antique Arms fair. Lots of everything that I am interested in. Free parking, £5 to get in. Excellent.
Fred

[Dellboy]

Ive done both northern and birmingham and the target show

Northern is cheap but outside and in my opinion more like a game show (be prepared for a price increase and drop out of smaller stands )
Birmingham not cheap (for exibitors or visitors) a bit of a mix
Target show was more practical/tactical smaller but centred around that area of sport

[Triffid]

It's not so well publicised, but in November I went to the Target Shooting Show at Stoneleigh (National Agricultural College, where the BSS was before it moved to the NEC).

It was a much smaller show than the BSS, but I though it was much more focussed on the shooting I do. I had a great day and will go back. Tickets were £12.50 and parking was free.

Although I've really enjoyed the BSS in the past, I thought the cost was too much this time. I also don't particularly like the NEC.

Triffid

[Chapuis]

It's not so well publicised, but in November I went to the Target Shooting Show at Stoneleigh (National Agricultural College, where the BSS was before it moved to the NEC).

It was a much smaller show than the BSS, but I though it was much more focussed on the shooting I do. I had a great day and will go back. Tickets were £12.50 and parking was free.

Although I've really enjoyed the BSS in the past, I thought the cost was too much this time. I also don't particularly like the NEC.

Triffid

I think we are pretty much thinking the same Triffid when you said "I though it was much more focussed on the shooting I do."
We are all looking for something slightly different at all these shows and game fairs depending on the branch of the sport where your interests lie, and shooting being a very diverse sport I don't think there will ever be a show or fair that satisfies every one.

I also agree with you regarding the NEC, I don't particularly like it either. There again I haven't been that impressed with some of the shooting shows or game fairs that have been held at Stoneleigh either over the years, mainly because they have been so very poorly laid out channeling crowds into crush zones and making the general experience of the whole day poor or even unpleasant.

The nicest game fair that I have attended in recent years was the one run by Shooting Times in Oxfordshire a few years ago. While not a commercial success for the organisers and not well attended, because everything was widely spaced it made a very pleasant day for all who did attend.
Thinking about shows and fairs post covid and the continuing reluctance by most sensible people to go anywhere crowded I would expect the organisers of any future fairs or shows to give serious consideration too much wider spacing.

[The Gun Pimp]

I think the whole shooting show thing needs a re-think.

Stand holders fall into various categories.
1. Major importers and manufacturers
2. Sellers of reloading components
3. Custom rifle builders and component manufacturers.
4. Club stands
5. Stands that have nothing to do with shooting - gin, fudge, clothing etc.

1. We all like to see the major manufacturers - they should pay for a stand - it's part of their advertising budget.

2. Sellers of components should also pay - though if you speak to most of them few, if any, make a profit. In addition to the cost of the stand there are the hotel bills and van hire plus maybe their retail premises is closed for the weekend resulting in loss of trade. However, lots of shooters don't live near a gunshop so it's a good opportunity to pick up stuff - particularly stuff you can't post - like powder.

3. Custom rifle builders - this is what many of us go to see but recently they have been scarce at shows. Reason - they spend plenty of time talking but get very little business from it - they will never recoup the costs and even with a free stand, hotel bills etc will put them out of pocket.

4. Club stands can be a very good part of any show. I've been fortunate to get a free stand at most of the major shows but with hotel, food and petrol bills I'm usually £200 out of pocket plus volunteers give their time etc. Yes, we have picked up the odd new member and it's great to meet old friends and have a natter.

5. Non-shooting stands just pad out the show - we don't need 'em but they rent a stand (so good for the organiser) and hopefully make a profit.

For the poor organiser, it's massive financial risk - to recoup the cost of the venue hire and hopefully come away with a small profit.

I thought that the first Newark Show was one of the best - organiser John gave free stands to the right people and it brought the crowds in. Sadly, John died a few years ago but legacy lives on through the Harrogate Show which is still one of the best in my opinion.

Unfortunately charging £16 to park is just not on and must have put a lot of punters off.