Welcome to the Glee Media Centre

Autumn Fair, the UK’s leading marketplace for Home, Gift and Fashion, 6–9 September 2026 will run side by side with Glee, the definitive event for the Garden, Outdoor Living and Pet industries, 8-10 September 2026. While the two shows will retain their individual brands and identities, they will co-locate for the first time, unlocking massive potential for both visitors and exhibitors.

The new format provides a two-day crossover, Tuesday 8th - Wednesday 9th September, allowing seamless access across both shows. With no barriers between halls, a unified layout and thoughtfully curated sector adjacencies, visitors will enjoy a free flowing, energised buying, learning and networking experience designed to inspire discovery and maximise return on investment.

The co-location is a direct response to feedback from the retail and garden communities. Buyers and exhibitors have been calling for a more connected, efficient, and impactful retailer event, and in 2026, Hyve is delivering exactly that.

The fastest-growing UK retail trade events: Autumn Fair and Glee deliver record growth ahead of their 2026 co-location.

For exhibitors, the benefits are compelling. Delivering unparalleled exposure to a wider network of high-quality retailers across multiple sectors. This confidence is built on strong 2025 momentum, Autumn Fair is 15% up on exhibitor numbers year-on-year, while Glee has grown by 15% and set to deliver its largest ever footprint . Buyer attendance across both shows is projected to rise by 20%, proving the strategy for creating compelling retailer experiences is working. With shared footfall during the two crossover days in 2026, exhibitors will have the opportunity to engage not only with their core customer base but also with new and adjacent audiences, from independent retailers and garden centres to department stores, lifestyle boutiques, and online platforms . It is anticipated that this broader reach will deliver up to a 50 % increase in combined buyer audience which translates into more leads, greater brand visibility, and increased order potential, underscoring Hyve’s position as a leader in the retail events industry.

Visitors to both Autumn Fair (Halls 6–9) and Glee (Halls 17–20 ) in 2026 will feature dynamic layouts and vibrant feature areas designed to maximise visitor flow and spark discovery. At Autumn Fair, the content programme will be anchored by the Retail Corner stage, home to merchandising masterclasses, trend forecasts, and digital growth seminars, alongside the revitalised Buyers Retreat, offering an exclusive space for networking, retailer workshops, and one-to-one consultations. The show will also host Pitch Live competitions, where brands present their most innovative products, as well as dedicated zones including the New Business Pavilions, Taste at Autumn Fair, and the Gift of the Year Showcase. Glee will complement this with lifestyle-driven outdoor entertaining areas, high-end garden showcases such as Garden Lux, and focal points including Food at Glee and Fire, Grill & Chill. Together, these interactive features, content-led theatres, and lounges will create an energised environment .

With global September shows facing uncertainty, this unified platform is poised to become the biggest and most influential trade event in the second half of the year, offering retailers and suppliers alike a marketplace that inspires, connects, and equips them for success. With a single NEC visit, buyers can cover two leading shows, reducing travel time and cost, a huge win for time-pressed retail professionals.

Jackson Szabo, Retail Portfolio Director, Hyve Group commented, “The co-location of Autumn Fair and Glee is a pivotal step in our long-term strategy to evolve with the changing retail landscape. Our communities told us they wanted more than just a buying event, they wanted a platform that delivers inspiration, learning, and connections that can transform their businesses. By bringing these two powerhouses together, under one roof, we are creating an experience that goes beyond sourcing new products to provide the insights, partnerships, and opportunities that today’s retailers need to thrive. This is about futureproofing not just our events, but the industries we serve .”

Autumn Fair and Glee continue to connect industries by driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and inspiring growth. To learn more or to register interest in exhibiting at Autumn Fair 2025 (7-10 September, NEC Birmingham), visit www.autumnfair.com and Glee 2025 (16-18 September, NEC Birmingham) visit www.gleebirmingham.com

Mark Your Calendar:

Autumn Fair 2026: 6–9 September (Sunday–Wednesday), Glee 2026: 8–10 September (Tuesday–Thursday), NEC Birmingham