Tickets for the Cycle Show 2014, ‘the UK’s number one cycling exhibition’, have now been released. Following a record attendance in 2013, the annual event will be hosted yet again at the Birmingham NEC, and is set to be bigger than ever in 2014 with a new room of stands taking the show’s total floor space to 21,000m2.
Accessible to over 35 million people in the UK within two hours, the organisers note that the NEC’s central location in the UK has been integral to The Cycle Show’s growth in recent years.
Opening its doors from the 26-28 September, The Cycle Show 2014 returns with a host of new stands and activity areas. 80% of the event’s floor space has already sold out, with a further 10% reserved by exhibitors – an ‘unprecedented uptake this far ahead of the event’.
The expanded floor space has helped attract some of the best brands in cycling for cycling enthusiasts’ enjoyment, with exhibitors including Trek, Moore Large, Raleigh, Windwave, i-ride and ATB Sales all returning with much larger stands than last year, Extra UK and Paligap returning after an absence from the show, and Beacon making its Cycle Show debut.
New for 2014 will be a series of Cyclocross races on Sunday 28 September, starting and finishing inside the show, with a course taking in the NEC’s surrounding woodlands. Run by Derby Cyclocross, the categories will include elite men’s and women’s races as well as what’s set to be a fiercely contested industry race open to all attending brands and media.
The competitive element of the Cycle Show doesn’t stop there, as attendees will also be able to enjoy the return of the show’s popular dirt jumping contest – ensuring that the event will be ‘just as much of a key date on the racing calendar as it is for consumers.’
Further 2014 additions including live frame-building hosted by Prestige Cycles and the Bicycle Academy, a new holiday theatre for travel brands and a women’s cycling area.
Sharp’s Brewery is returning with an expanded bar and café area, which is set to host the first night exhibitor party as well as showcasing the brand new Doom Bar airstream, four-man roller racing rig and a rowing challenge. Another returning favourite is the main stage for hosted Q&A sessions with famous faces throughout the sport and the cycling industry.
The number of stands and activities at the Cycle Show may be rising, but the price remains unchanged in three years. Adult tickets are priced at £13 per person when booked in advance, offering attendees a saving of over £3 per ticket, while children aged 14 and under can attend for just £1 each with an accompanying adult. Concession prices are also available to students and those over 65.
Chris Holman, Event Director at show organiser Upper Street Events, said “The cycling community has grown at an astounding rate in the past few years, and we’re very proud of how The Cycle Show has expanded and adapted to welcome that trend; not only in terms of the quantity and size of the stands, but also in their variety. From kids to commuters, electric bikes to mountain bikes and everything in between, The Cycle Show has something to offer everyone with an interest in cycling.”
He added “This year we are particularly keen to welcome new cyclists of all ages and abilities, and we are working hard to ensure the event is as entertaining, engaging and affordable as possible.”
