The decision to reschedule to early spring comes in response to the UK’s increasingly unpredictable winter weather patterns which have over the last few years proved testing during early February. The new timings for 2017 move the event to a period of generally more benign weather conditions, making it less vulnerable to the extreme cold, floods or wind that have become a feature of the British winter, the organisers say.
The arrival of Storm Imogen this year coincided with the build-up for the show, forcing a delay in the build schedule. Show director Phil Valentine explains: “When faced with 60 to 70 mph gusts, the safety of everyone on-site becomes an absolute priority.”
Commenting about the date change, FIL Venue Director, Michael Watton, added, “The unpredictable winter weather did add some additional challenges to the set-up of the show, but we worked closely with the organisers to ensure that build-up and show days went off with as little disruption as possible.
In addition, the rescheduling of the event to March moves the show away from other sensitive timings in early February, including the half-term holidays and the unpopularity for many of being away from home on February the 14th.
Phil Valentine comments: “Our exhibitors have greeted the news of the change of dates with universal approval, prompting record re-bookings for 2017. This year’s show attracted well over 8,600 visitors, which is itself a new record and vindicates our choice of the site over other Southern venues.”
Entry to Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2017 is completely free, and the venue offers car parking and access via public transport.
