Visitors enjoy a ‘Grand’ day for the third year running

Award-winning formula attracts crowds to Grand Designs Live at ExCeL London

Over 43,000 visitors* flocked to Grand Designs Live London 2007, the number one UK consumer show for design and innovation. Running from 8-10 June, Grand Designs Live gave visitors the opportunity to meet representatives from over 600 exhibiting companies, and receive advice on everything from starting a self-build project to refreshing a room with new furnishings.

What’s more, over 18 areas of the show were dedicated to editorially rich features, which meant visitors stayed inside the exhibition for a record length of time.

ExCeL London was transformed to make visitors feel a part of the whole Grand Designs experience the minute they arrived. Budding designers were encouraged to realise their dream projects with a wide array of stands to browse, show-stopping features to explore and a wealth of information to gather every step of the way.

Kevin McCloud comments, "There has been a tremendous vibe and great atmosphere. There’s been an inspiring blend of architecture, building, design and furnishings, as well as seminars and live demonstrations. It’s been great to meet so many people – I’ve enjoyed myself."

Visitors packed themselves into the seminar theatre headed by Kevin McCloud, to hear the guest speaker celebrity line-up including Naomi Cleaver, Diarmuid Gavin, Sarah Beeny, Oliver Heath and Jason Bradbury, who wowed audiences with their specialist knowledge, top tips and advice.

The six show sections; GRANDGardens, GRANDKitchens, GRANDBathrooms, GRANDBuild and GRANDInteriors, plus the Design Shopping Arcade were a clear hit with visitors, as the numbers show. Features included an Energy Efficient House by headline sponsor Energy Saving Trust, WWF Journey to One Planet Living, Christian Aid’s The Green Garden in association with the Eden Project, The Saab iconnections exhibition and Grand Designs Lab with Electrolux.

If that wasn’t enough, visitors were able to explore a carbon positive house manufactured and built by Baufritz, situated outside ExCeL in Royal Victoria Dock and set in landscaped gardens, designed by TV presenter Hannah Genders.

Lee Newton, managing director of show organiser Media 10, said: "For the third year running, we have created a winning formula which has ensured that visitors feel inspired and stimulated the minute they arrive. It’s an exciting and entertaining event for the consumer, providing them with the chance to meet experts, feel inspired, gather ideas and purchase everything they needed for their own design project."

Grand Designs Live NEC
Fans of Grand Designs Live can look forward to its sister show, Grand Designs Live NEC (5-7 October, NEC Birmingham), which was launched in 2006 to meet a huge increase in demand for both visitors and exhibitors outside of London and the South East.

Like its first award-winning sister event in London, the vision for the exhibition is to create an event that celebrates design creativity, ingenuity, determination and aspiration, inspiring visitors to create their own ‘Grand Design’ – no matter how big or small.

Property Ladder Live
What’s more publishing Group and exhibition organiser, Media 10 and Fremantle Media Licensing Worldwide are pleased to announce a brand new live consumer event, Property Ladder Live (5-7 October, NEC Birmingham), which will be located alongside the award-winning Grand Designs Live NEC – with free access between the two shows.

Dates for 2007/8
Grand Designs Live NEC, Birmingham
Friday 5 October – Sunday 7 October 2007
www.granddesignslive.com

Property Ladder Live, NEC Birmingham
Friday 5 October – Sunday 7 October 2007
www.propertyladderlive.com

Grand Designs Live, ExCeL London
Friday 13 – 15 June 2008