The UK’s exhibition scene isn’t just about the future of events, it’s rooted in a deep, sometimes surprising, history. From iron-and-glass marvels of the Victorian era to transformed industrial giants, these five venues represent not only where exhibitions began in the UK, but where they’re headed.
Let’s travel through time with the five oldest major UK exhibition venues still in use today and look at what lies ahead.
Olympia London (Opened 1886)
Then:
Originally built to host spectacular Victorian entertainments, Olympia opened its doors with the awe-inspiring “International Horse Show” beneath its immense iron and glass barrel roof. Designed by Henry Edward Coe, it featured one of the largest clear-span roofs in the world at the time.
Now:
Olympia remains a thriving exhibition destination, having hosted events from The Ideal Home Show to London Film and Comic Con. A massive £1.3bn regeneration project is currently transforming it into a world-class arts, culture, and entertainment district, complete with new hotels, a theatre, and a 4,400-capacity live music venue.
The Future:
With its transformation set to complete in 2026, Olympia is aiming to become Europe’s most sustainable entertainment and exhibition district, blending heritage with future-ready flexibility.
NEC Birmingham (Opened 1976)
Then:
When the NEC opened, it marked a shift in the UK’s exhibition model — offering scale and accessibility in the Midlands. The venue opened with just seven halls and was quickly dubbed the “UK’s premier exhibition centre”.
Now:
It’s grown into a 20-hall powerhouse hosting over 500 events and 2.3 million visitors annually. From Crufts to The Motorhome & Caravan Show, the NEC has become synonymous with large-scale consumer and trade exhibitions.
The Future:
Part of the NEC Group’s wider campus vision, recent sustainability and digital transformation initiatives suggest it’s positioning itself as a tech-enabled, carbon-aware venue for next-gen exhibitions.
Harrogate Convention Centre (Opened 1982)
Then:
A bespoke conference and exhibition facility built on the success of Harrogate’s reputation as a spa town, the centre was part of a push to bring northern England into the conference and exhibitions mainstream.
Now:
Home to iconic shows like the Harrogate Home & Gift Show and British Wool Show, the venue remains an integral part of the northern events landscape, with eight versatile spaces and Victorian-era theatres integrated into the complex.
SEC Centre Glasgow (Opened 1985)
Then:
Opened as the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, the SEC was one of the first UK venues to combine exhibition space with conferencing and live performance — a pioneering move at the time.
Now:
Now encompassing the OVO Hydro and the SEC Armadillo, the venue has hosted everything from COP26 to All-Energy and Eurovision 2023 Jury Shows. It’s become the beating heart of Glasgow’s event economy.
The Future:
SEC’s roadmap to net zero by 2030, combined with increased investment in the exhibitions sector, puts it in a strong position to lead the UK’s push for sustainable mega-events.
Telford International Centre (Opened 1981)
Then:
Originally a modest conference facility in the new town of Telford, it was established to draw business visitors to the area and support regional development.
Now:
With over 15,000 sqm of event space and a recent £250m regeneration of its surrounding Southwater district, Telford has cemented itself as a serious contender in the exhibition space, especially for mid-sized national shows.
The Future:
Tech investment and infrastructure upgrades are key to Telford’s strategy, with ambitions to become a model for regional exhibition centres outside London.
What we can learn from the oldest venues
These venues aren’t just aging gracefully, they’re proving that history and innovation aren’t mutually exclusive. Each is investing in sustainability, digital infrastructure, and mixed-use development to remain competitive in the global market. As legacy meets longevity, the UK’s oldest venues continue to shape the future of exhibitions, one event at a time.
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