With free attendance, 150 brands, and dozens of live demos, the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show is a hidden gem amongst other UK exhibitions. Located up in the north, this event is a rapidly-growing spectacle with many opportunities for business success.
But what value does it really have for you?
We hear your concerns loud and clear! That’s why we’ve assembled this guide: the only one you’ll ever need for making the most out of this valuable county business show.
Dates And Venue

The 2026 Lakes Hospitality Trade Show takes place on 25 and 26 February at the J36 Rural Auction Centre at Crooklands Milnthorpe in Cumbria. It is the largest exhibition venue in the Lake District and is operated by North West Auctions and its sister company, 1818 Auctioneers. They specialise in livestock and antique auctions, but also allow other organisers to host exhibitions and conferences.
The venue itself offers 1,400 metres of exhibit space, and there is free entry via online registration.
Getting There
Attending the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show is easier than before:
- The J36 Rural Auction Centre is about an hour and a half’s drive from both Manchester and Liverpool.
- Free on-site parking is available for up to 800 cars.
- The venue is located right by Junction 36 of the M6 highway.
- For those looking for a slightly more scenic route, the Oxenholme Train Station is a few minutes away.
- The postal/sat-nav code is LA7 7NU.
Event Outline And History
The first Lakes Hospitality Trade Show was held in 1976, and is now at the heart of the region’s hospitality industry. The show prides itself on showcasing new technologies from the hospitality sector for all to see.
The event is organised by the Lakes Hospitality Association.
What To Expect From The Lakes Hospitality Trade Show

A variety of local and national companies attend the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show event to showcase their present products and innovative technologies.
Networking is also a significant focal point, with numerous opportunities to form new customer relationships and nurture existing ones.
Industries Represented
100 Exhibitors and 150 brands from a diverse range of industries and sectors will be present:
- Hospitality
- Marketing
- Finance
- Health and safety
- Education and training
- Packaging
- Food and drink
- Furniture
- Other supporting business services
Live Demonstrations And Masterclass

Another big draw at the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show is the Kitchen Demonstration Theatre, where special guests and artisans show off their cooking skills. It’s a huge opportunity for food suppliers to work with some famous names and get their brand out there.
Community Reinvestment
The Lakes Hospitality Trade Show reinvests some of its profit back straight into local events, businesses, and organisations. So while you grow your business on the show floor, you’ll also have the peace of mind knowing the local economy is being uplifted too!
Make A Big Impression At The Lakes Hospitality Trade Show
What are you waiting for? There are a whole bunch of fantastic events throughout the UK; London and Birmingham aren’t the only places that offer event success. Depending on your event objectives, smaller regional shows like the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show can open the door to multiple opportunities.
No matter whether you’re a small business or an industry leader, standing out at the Lakes Hospitality Show will depend on your exhibition stand. That’s where we come in: we’re an exhibition stand builder that can put your fresh ideas to paper. Give us a call to get your next booth sorted!