katygriff has been thanked 1 times for this contribution
"Ok so the NEC is home to so many shows a year it would be mad to write them all down but to name a few we have Crufts, the clothes show live, the good food show and then many many more. It is one of Birmingham's premier venues and a fantastic one at that. I visit quite often as there is always something on that I want to go and see and every time I think it is great so in this review I will tell you a little of what the NEC is all about and why it is worth checking what goes on there.
First where to find it:
The National Exhibition Centre,
Birmingham,
B40 1NT
Now the NEC is not right in the city centre so don't think you will be able to get into Birmingham and simply walk there but you can get a very short ten – twenty minute train ride to get there and you are in the middle of the action. By car you can go on the motorway and end up there quite quickly so it is easily accessible which of course for a place this big it is a good job it is so accessible.
When you are there it is a massive place. The car park can fit hundreds of cars and parking varies depending on the shows so expect to pay anywhere between £5 – 10. Train tickets are only a few pounds. When you are there via train or car you will be able to get shuttle buses to where you want to go from the car parks and everywhere is signposted from the train station.
Now the NEC is a huge building but very well looked after it is extremely clean. You will see posters on the wall for all of the exhibitors that are there or coming soon and there is also pictures that people have made locally. There are escalators and lifts available for those who need it and plenty of staff are always on hand if any help is needed while you are there.
The building has several show areas so you have to go to the one you need. You will have to show tickets to staff there and before you go into any exhibition there are toilets, newsagents and cafes there so you have everything you need.
Now of course the exhibitions have huge rooms but are always clearly signposted so you know where you are going. In each exhibition you will find several toilets, cafes and stalls to get drinks and food in case you need them.
The shows depending on what they are will have different layouts but there are theatres for the main shows which are clearly displayed and there will be a lot of stalls there whatever you see. From my experience whenever you go to a show there, it is a good atmosphere and it is put on very well indeed with lots to see and do.
The staff there are always helpful and the NEC is always a good laugh to visit. If you check the website for what is happening there and just go. Tickets for things all vary and I have spent as little as £8 or as much as £90 to go to something. It is always busy and lots of people go so I suggest that if you are driving to the NEC to start of quite earlier than you would usually as we always get stuck in traffic.
The building is fabulous and hosts many events so I really do recommend checking if there is anything you fancy on.
Also the NEC has good links to the airport and there are hotels nearby so ou shouldn't really get stuck. A fantastic place and definitely somewhere great to keep updated with in Birmingham.
;)
