Following the relaxation of Plan B measures, it’s full steam ahead for the return of the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show.

Anticipation is building for the much-missed free event taking place tomorrow, March 9 and Thursday, March 10, with more than 300 people registering for tickets within just 24 hours of them being made available to businesses.

Now in its 45th year, the show is making a welcome return after a three-year absence – due to the pandemic – and will include more than 140 exhibition stands showcasing the latest tourism products and innovations.

It takes place at the J36 Rural Auction Centre with a ‘speed networking’ session to discuss potential business opportunities, a series of celebrity masterclasses and a newly-expanded marquee.

The masterclasses will be led by multi-Michelin star chef and restaurateur Jean-Christophe Novelli, wine expert and TV personality Joe Wadsack, and Cumbria-based Masterchef winner Irini Tzortzoglou.

Meanwhile hospitality guru Andrew Coy will share his personal tales of his 50+ years working in the trade, with a firm focus on first-class customer service.

Cumbrian hotelier James Tasker is Director of the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show. He says, “Businesses are telling us how much they’re looking forward to being back and meeting face-to-face after a really tough couple of years and the fact that we had hundreds of people pre-registering in the first 24 hours speaks volumes!

“So much has happened since the last show – with products evolving at a rapid pace – so this is a fantastic opportunity for tourism and hospitality operators to check out the smartest, most cost-effective innovations and services first-hand.

“We’ve also got a great lineup of masterclasses with an emphasis on helping businesses improve efficiency and profitability, stay ahead of key trends and find solutions to industry-wide challenges like recruitment, retention and sustainability.”

James adds, “For exhibitors not just from Cumbria, but right across the North of England, to stick with us and hold their stands for two years shows the value they put on the event.

“To be going strong after 45 years is no mean feat, and this event really does continue to grow, evolve and diversify. That’s precisely what tourism and hospitality are all about and I’m so proud to be leading the team which is bringing our industry back together again under one, very spacious, roof.”

Exhibitors at the show will span a wide range of tourist attractions, food and drink suppliers and support services such as IT technology and catering equipment.

As well as holding masterclasses across both days on their specialist areas for food, beverage and service, all four VIP guests will be available on a number of exhibition stands to answer questions and speak directly to businesses.

Attendance at the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show is completely free, but businesses do need to register to attend.

Sign up here

Parking is also free, with the J36 Rural Auction Centre easily accessible from the M6 and other main routes linking Cumbria, Lancashire and North Yorkshire.