Grand Designs Live Birmingham welcomed 26,170 visitors to the NEC from 2–4 October 2026, marking a 7.7% increase in attendance year-on-year and a strong close to the show’s 2026 edition.
Organised by Media 10 and sponsored by Daikin UK, the three-day event brought together homeowners, leading brands, industry experts and some of the best-known names in design, build, renovation and sustainable living.
The growth was reflected before the doors even opened, with ticket registrations up 13% compared with 2025, as audiences across the Midlands and beyond planned their visit to the show.
Across three days, visitors were able to discover products and solutions for projects of every scale, meet brands face-to-face, access free expert advice and hear from an extensive line-up of speakers led by Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud.
Strong results for exhibitors and partners
Early feedback from exhibitors and partners has highlighted not only the number of people attending the show, but the quality and intent of the audience.
Project Solar, an Official Partner of Grand Designs Live Birmingham, reported speaking to double the number of visitors compared with 2025, with conversations spanning solar energy, battery storage, EV charging and reducing household energy bills.
Metex reported record-breaking sales across the first two days of the show, while HINSON Custom Made described its stand as busy throughout the event, meeting homeowners actively planning their next projects.
For headline sponsor Daikin UK, the event provided an opportunity to speak directly with homeowners about heating, cooling and ways to decarbonise their homes. Following the event, Regional Sales Lead Leah Felgate described Grand Designs Live Birmingham as “the busiest show I have ever done”, highlighting the enthusiasm of visitors looking to understand their options.
DCC Energy Solutions also praised the level of interest at the event and the opportunity for its team to meet and connect with customers across the three days.
The results reinforce Grand Designs Live’s role in connecting brands with homeowners who are actively researching, planning and investing in their homes.
Inspiration, expertise and advice under one roof
The 2026 show combined inspiration with practical advice, giving visitors the opportunity to take their projects from ideas to action.
The Sustainability Hub, Build & Renovation Hub, Kitchen & Bedroom Hub and Home & Garden Hub hosted talks and discussions throughout the weekend, while specialist Advice Centres gave visitors direct access to experts and the opportunity to discuss their individual projects.
At the centre of the event, the Grand House brought products, design ideas and technologies together in a complete home environment, allowing visitors to see how individual solutions could work as part of a wider project.
Kevin McCloud was joined across the weekend by designers, architects, renovation specialists and industry experts, with conversations covering everything from sustainable design and renewable energy to interiors, kitchens, construction and the future of the skilled trades.
For visitors, the combination of inspiration and access to expertise proved a key part of the experience.
“We came with so many questions about our renovation and have left with actual ideas, contacts and a much clearer idea of what we want to do next. Being able to speak directly to the experts and see so many different products in one place has been incredibly useful.”
– Grand Designs Live Birmingham visitor
Another visitor commented:
“There is so much to see, but what we enjoyed most was being able to stop and speak to people who really know their subject. We came for inspiration but ended up learning a huge amount as well.”
– Grand Designs Live Birmingham visitor
Taking Grand Designs Live beyond the NEC
The impact of Grand Designs Live Birmingham extended beyond the show floor, with the campaign generating regional media attention in the run-up to the event.
Ahead of the show, Kevin McCloud visited Birmingham’s historic Moseley Road Baths during Birmingham Heritage Week, exploring the restoration of the Grade II* listed building and discussing how the city can protect its architectural heritage while adapting historic spaces for the future.
The activity helped take the themes of Grand Designs Live into the wider city and formed part of a PR campaign that secured two appearances on BBC Radio WM, alongside coverage across Reach plc and other regional media.
The show also created opportunities for the next generation of designers and built-environment professionals to engage directly with the industry. Students attending the event highlighted the value of hearing from speakers, exploring new materials and technologies and speaking directly with businesses and experts working across the sector.
Building on the success of 2026
Richard Morey, Event Director, Media 10, said: “We’re incredibly pleased with the result of this year’s Grand Designs Live Birmingham. Seeing the show grow year-on-year is a fantastic result and testament to the work of the whole team behind it. But the numbers only tell part of the story. Walking around the show, you could see the quality of conversations taking place between our visitors and exhibitors. These are homeowners with genuine projects, looking for advice, comparing solutions and finding the businesses that can help them make those projects happen.
To already be hearing about record sales, increased visitor conversations and such positive experiences from our exhibitors and partners is hugely encouraging.
A massive thank you goes to Daikin UK, all of our sponsors and partners, our exhibitors, speakers, experts and, of course, everyone across Media 10 who worked incredibly hard to deliver the event. We’re looking forward to building on that momentum for Grand Designs Live in 2027.
The strong response to this year’s Birmingham event gives the Grand Designs Live team positive momentum as it looks ahead to 2027, continuing to develop the show for visitors, exhibitors, sponsors and partners.”
Grand Designs Live returns to Excel London from 30 April–3 May 2027.