Across the UK, some Easter traditions have outlasted world wars, economic downturns, and technological revolutions. Each Easter, generations of families have flocked to grand venues to witness the newest innovations, marvel at craftsmanship, or simply enjoy the spirit of spring.

Exhibition News takes a closer look at some of the UK’s prominent exhibition venues to explore how Easter events have evolved from a century ago to today.

Over the past century, the way exhibition venues use their space at Easter has transformed dramatically. In the early 20th century, major shows like the Ideal Home Show at Olympia and the Model Engineering Exhibition at Alexandra Palace would fill entire venues for weeks at a time.

Today, venues such as Harrogate Convention Centre, the NEC Birmingham, and Manchester Central host multiple smaller, specialised events across flexible spaces. Where once Easter exhibitions were grand, singular occasions, modern venues now reflect a more dynamic environment.

Harrogate Convention Centre

At Harrogate Convention Centre, the Easter exhibition tradition stretches back over 100 years. Launched in the early 1920s, the Harrogate Spring Flower Show remains one of Britain’s longest-running Easter events.

Originally catering to a small, affluent audience, the show has evolved into a major family event, with floral displays, craft competitions, workshops, and artisan markets. Where once it showcased rare blooms, today it embraces sustainable gardening, local food, and interactive experiences.

Alexandra Palace

Alexandra Palace, affectionately known as “Ally Pally,” has long been a centrepiece of London’s Easter festivities. Beginning around 1907, it became the spiritual home of the Model Engineering Exhibition, running for nearly 100 years.

Timed to the Easter school holidays, it transformed the venue into a showcase of steam engines and mechanical marvels. A hundred years ago, visitors marvelled at miniature locomotives; today, Ally Pally’s Easter season features vintage fairs, artisan markets, and live entertainment.

Olympia London

Olympia London’s Easter reputation is firmly tied to the Ideal Home Show, which debuted in 1908. For much of the 20th century, it offered a glimpse into futuristic living, from gas ovens to motorcars.

Although the show moved to Earls Court in the 1970s, it triumphantly returned to Olympia in 2015. More than 115 years on, the Ideal Home Show continues to evolve — now showcasing smart homes, eco-innovations, and sustainable living.

Scottish Event Campus (SEC Glasgow)

The SEC Glasgow, opened in 1985, carries forward Scotland’s long tradition of spring fairs. Easter today is marked by events like the Foodies Festival and Scotland’s Gardening Festival, blending seasonal flavours with outdoor living inspiration.

Where Victorian Scotland celebrated with local markets and fairs, today the SEC offers large-scale food, gardening, and lifestyle exhibitions under one roof.

NEC Birmingham

Since opening in 1976, the NEC Birmingham has reshaped the Easter exhibition landscape. Moving away from singular grand shows, it pioneered a model of multiple specialist events.

Shows like the BBC Good Food Show Spring and the Spring Fair International reflect the changing tastes of modern audiences. Today, the NEC presents a diverse programme of food, tech, home, and lifestyle exhibitions throughout the Easter season.

Manchester Central

Manchester Central, converted from a Victorian railway station in 1986, embraces the rise of travelling, flexible exhibitions. While it lacks a century-old Easter show tradition, it reflects a new model of regional, adaptable events.

Where Manchester’s Easter once centred on civic fairs and church celebrations, today the venue hosts wedding showcases, lifestyle expos, and contemporary consumer shows.

Over the course of a century, Easter exhibitions have mirrored the evolution of British society. Venues like Harrogate and Alexandra Palace echo Edwardian grandeur, while Olympia London bridges the past and present. Meanwhile, the SEC, NEC, and Manchester Central reflect a dynamic, modern spirit keeping Easter exhibitions relevant for new generations.

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