In order to ensure that everyone can fully immerse themselves in the Exhibition and exciting SOLEX Evening Events, we have secured Special Hotel Rates For Visitors who wish to attend these events and stay overnight on Tuesday 9th or Wednesday 10th July.

For the exclusive price of £100 per room, per night, SOLEX visitors can take advantage of this offer and enjoy a comfortable stay while attending the exhibition and events. This offer is not to be missed!

Don't miss out! Follow the link to book your stay BOOK NOW

or scan this QR Code:

N.B. Hotel rooms are subject to availability. Offer ends 30 April 2024.

SOLEX Exhibition, the premier event that gathers the best and brightest of the outdoor leisure industry, has announced an Awards Ceremony & Afterparty to kick off the excitement of the summer event on the Tuesday 9 July. Marking its 16th year, SOLEX Exhibition has curated a night of celebration, networking, and a thrilling football-themed evening to coincide with the highly anticipated UEFA Euro 2024 semi-finals.

With a captivating football-themed setting, the stage will be set with tv screens and hot food, as industry players gather, attendees can look forward to not only the prestigious SOLEX Awards but also to the electric atmosphere as the evening blends business recognition with the shared love for the beautiful game.

Adding to the excitement, former Ex - England footballer Dion Dublin will be joining us for the event to share insights and predictions ahead of the semi-final clash, (which we hope will feature England) as well as taking part in a Q&A session. The evening begins with a Welcome Drink and Hot Buffet, leading into the hotly awaited match on the big screen. The SOLEX Awards will be presented by Dion at half time. The afterparty, will be a chance to mingle outside the usual professional environment and promises to be as thrilling as the game itself.

The evening won't just be about football. We will have delicious food and drink, exciting entertainment, and a chance to unwind and socialize with exhibitors and visitors. So even if you're not a fan of the beautiful game, we've got you covered.

Don't miss out! Add your name to the guest list today BOOK NOW

Ready your grills, sharpen your knives, and stoke the fires! SOLEX Exhibition 2024 is about to welcome back the crowd-pleasing, taste-bud-teasing Fire Food and Outdoor Living Evening incorporating our BBQ Competition, which is set to light up the evening with charm and flavour.

Scheduled for Wednesday 10 July, the evening now in its second year, is the event that celebrates not only the mastery of the grill but the communal joy of al fresco dining.

Attendees eagerly anticipate the BBQ showdown, where teams of both exhibitors and visitors will vie for the prestigious BBQ Trophy. The stakes are high.  Each team aims to impress the judges, including industry experts with a signature dish.

Competition is set to heat up under the open skies outside Hall 5, be it under a radiant sun or cheering each other on beneath the shelter of gazebos, all competitors and spectators are poised to make beautiful bites of every challenge.

The essence of the evening is more than just the BBQ prize it embodies the thrill of the grill and the unifying spirit of good food shared.

Don't miss out! Add your name to the guest list today BOOK NOW

Retailers and buyers visiting SOLEX 2023 were quick to give the show the thumbs-up, heaping praise on the organisation and the quality of product ranges on show.

Here are some of the comments from visitors:

“The outdoor live fire cooking section was amazing. Because of this section it gave a lot of people the opportunity for buyers to see of the barbecues in action.” 

“The event was sized perfectly with many quality brands exhibiting.”

“Learnt a lot and saw a wide variety of products I’ve never seen or thought about before.”

“Great atmosphere and beautifully presented show.” 

“Layout of stands inside was easy to follow.”

“The opportunity to network with other retailers and wholesalers was great.”

“Excellent displays, trends for next season.”

“The ambience, the ability to walk round unhindered and take time to view the exhibition.” 

“We found everyone on the stands we visited were friendly and knowlegable." 

“Relaxed atmosphere, great furniture suppliers.”

“Comfortable to walk around and friendly.” 

“The demos of food at lunchtime, having a taste for the products that the food was being cooked on was lovely and getting into good conversation with reps and their passion for their love of outdoor cooking.”

“I liked having outdoor furniture suppliers together at one show. Very beneficial.”

Companies visiting SOLEX 2023 included:

• B&Q
• John Lewis
• Robert Dyas
• Wayfair
• Blue Diamond
• Tillington Group
• British Garden Centres
• Dobbies
• Eden Project
• Dunelm
• Fenwick
• Homebase
• Klondyke Group
• Marks & Spencer
• Choice Marketing
• RHS
• Hilliers
• Leekes
• Notcutts
• Redrow Homes
• TK Maxx
• Sainsburys
• Selfridges
• Argos 

Gina Hinde, SOLEX Event Director, revealed she was extremely pleased with the response from exhibitors and visitors to the show. Here's what she had to say about last year’s event:

"SOLEX 2023 was a fantastic show. The hall was buzzing, and it was great to see such engagement in the new ranges and products on display. 

"As always, the exhibitors pulled out all the stops. The stands looked fresh and vibrant, and the furniture was plentiful, with many new designs and some exciting additions to their ranges. But it wasn't just the furniture that impressed everyone – the BBQ exhibitors were also on top form, and we couldn't get enough of the fantastic food they were cooking in the Loving Outdoor Living area. Two highlights of the show for me were the awards ceremony on Monday night and the Fire, Food & Outdoor Living Evening on Tuesday.

"Visitor numbers exceeded expectations. The hall was packed with garden centre buyers and visitors eager to see the latest products from industry giants. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, and everyone was buzzing with excitement over what was on display. Everyone was blown away by all the incredible outdoor leisure products from furniture to innovative barbecues.

"I have to give a special shout out to the BBQ exhibitors who provided some fantastic food in the Loving Outdoor Living area. Dodging a few raindrops they produced everything from delicious pizzas to melt in the mouth steaks, they created a fantastic festival-style vibe and great visitor engagement. 

"But SOLEX is not just about showcasing new products it’s also about awarding the industry's best. The awards on Monday evening were well-attended and resulted in prizes for the best products, and innovative designs. Exhibitors went home happy, knowing their hard work and dedication to creating good quality products was recognised and appreciated by their peers and customers.

"The Fire, Food & Outdoor Living Event on Tuesday evening, hosted by the BBQ Magazine, was an incredible networking event that brought everyone together. We enjoyed great food, good music, and each other's company, not to mention the BBQ competition hosted by Andy Clarke and Ian Jones. The judges, Matt Tebbutt and Jules Hudson, had a tough job on their hands, choosing between Kamado Joe, Charbroil, and GrillStream but the winner was Cheeky Charlie Ovens who stole the show with their amazing steak sandwich.

"Overall, SOLEX 2023 was a huge success. We saw incredible products, met some amazing people, and had a lot of fun! We're already looking forward to seeing what's in store for SOLEX 2024 and can't wait to see what the exhibitors bring to the show next year. If you're an exhibitor, an outdoor leisure buyer, or just a visitor who loves outdoor living, be sure to put the SOLEX dates in your diary for next year - you won't regret it!"

SOLEX 

9-11 July 2024 

Hall 5, NEC Birmingham

The Fire Food & Outdoor Living Evening turned in to an unforgettable night of socializing and great company following the second day at SOLEX 2023 with the team from Cheeky Charlie Ovens winning the BBQ Hero competition, a 30 minute Steak Sandwich Challenge, ahead of teams from Kamado Joe, CharBroil and GrillStream.

The evening event saw SOLEX visitors and exhibitors socializing and networking into the evening after the show closed for day 2.

Top chef and TV presenter Matt Tebbutt along with broadcaster Jules Hudson from Escape to the Country, were special guests at the event and judges of the challenge.

The duo were joined by Andy Clarke, one of the most exciting voices in the food and drink industry, mixing with exhibitors and guests at the event which was run by BBQ magazine.

Matt Tebbutt is best known for presenting BBC’s Saturday Kitchen and its sister show Best Bites on BBC2. Matt also co-hosts Channel 4's Food Unwrapped which lifts the lid on how the food we eat, from all round the world, is produced.

He has written several cookbooks, the latest of which is Weekend, featuring plenty of BBQ and outdoor cooking. Matt had a restaurant in Monmouthshire for 14 years and now runs a cookery school and hosting kitchen.

Matt loves to cook outside over fire. “When you cook with fire, it’s a totally different skill and mindset to indoor cooking. I am really looking forward to SOLEX. It should be a lot of fun, showcasing all that is great about fire, food and outdoor living.”

Jules Hudson, an author, and archaeologist, presents the popular BBC series Escape to the Country, helping families find their pastoral paradise. He also presents Channel 5’s This Week on the Farm and Cash in the Attic.

“One of the great joys of any rural experience is access to open fire. The fire is nature’s TV,” said Jules.

The evening, with drinks pairings from Powder Monkey Brewing Co (beer), Tidal Rum (spirits) and BeefSteak Club (wine), was hosted by broadcaster and TV producer Andy Clarke, drinks expert on ITV’s Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh. 

Clarke’s producer credits include BBC’s Saturday Kitchen Live, Great Cookbook Challenge with Jamie Oliver for Channel 4, James Martin’s French Adventure and American Adventure and responsibility for all food and drink on ITV’s Gordon, Gino & Fred: Road Trip. Clarke will be hosting alongside Ian Jones (BEM) chef, farmer, and events guru.

"This leading event provided a platform for key industry buyers to explore innovative designs, discover new products, and explore retail and contract market solutions all in one place. SOLEX delivers a friendly and relaxed atmosphere while maintaining a professional focus," commented Gina Hinde, Solex Event Director.

“Through this dynamic event, business professionals and buyers were able to foster valuable relationships in this vibrant industry while previewing the hot trends for shop floors in Spring/Summer 2024.”

SOLEX 2023 continues tomorrow, Wednesday 12th July, in Hall 5 at the NEC.

CharBroil, Bramblecrest, Lifestyle Appliances, LifestyleGarden, Tramontina and Kamado were the winners in the Solex 2023 Awards, presented this evening at the NEC.

The judges were:

• Pravin Patel, LOFA Chairman
• Alyn Williams, Zest, LOFA Council Member
• Marcus Bawden, The BBQ School
• Chris McCormack, Leisure Plan
• Stephen Davis, Southsea Deckchairs, LOFA Council Member
• James Storey, PlanetMark

Best Small Stand

Winner: CharBroil

Second: Broil King

Third: Buschbeck

Best Large Stand

Winner: Bramblecrest

Second: 4 Seasons Outdoors

Third equal: Hex Living and Alexander Rose

Best Individual Product 

Winner: Lifestyle Appliances Power Pack (wins £1k marketing in GTN)

Best Sustainable Product

Winner: LifestyleGarden Onyx Chair (wins £1k marketing in GTN)

Second: CharBroil e-Grill

Third: Lifestyle Appliances Power Pack

Best Furniture Product

Winner: Tramontina Mood Lounge Set - £2k marketing in GTN

Second: LifestyleGarden Onyx Chair

Best BBQ Product – Marketing package with BBQ Magazine

Winnner: Kamado Joe Konnected Joe

Second: LeisureGrow Smash Grill

Third: LeisureGrow Legacy 4 Burner BBQ