Will there be a Harrogate show in 2023?

Confusion surrounds prospects for a model engineering show at Harrogate in the Spring of 2023.

In our November issue we reported on the apparent prospects for a revived National Model Engineering Show, not in Doncaster where the show was last held in 2019, but in its former home of Harrogate.

Our story was based on invitations sent to model engineering clubs, for a two-day gathering in the Yorkshire Event Centre at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate on 24th-25th February. Responsible for the invitations was Simon Boak, who started the National show in 1994 and ran it until it moved to Doncaster.

As time has gone on, however, there has been no official announcement of the new show, and no contact made for example with the media.

At the time of going to press there was no mention of the show on the Great Yorkshire Showground website. Meanwhile personalities involved with the Doncaster show have stated on social media that there is no connection between the new show and the National event, which they said would not take place in 2023 “due to a lack of trade support.”

Two shows in one?

In the latest twist, EIM has seen trade invites and a site plan for a Harrogate event over two halls, stating that the show will now take place on 10th-11th March, alongside the established Harrogate Model Rail show, with one ticket admitting visitors to both events. This date clashes with the established Midlands Garden Rail Show at the Warwickshire Event Centre.

Despite the plans apparently proceeding, there have apparently still been no details released to the media or any pre-publicity released, only three months before the event is due to take place.

So will it happen? We must hope so as at present the only major model engineering show confirmed to be taking place in 2023 is the Midlands event in October...