Kevin McCloud’s hit TV series has evolved. What was once just a living room staple is now also an inspirational UK B2B phenomenon! As a home renovation supplier, this means access to an eager market hungry for the latest home trends, green innovations, and creative designs. Why wouldn’t you want to exhibit at Grand Designs Live?
Still, with annual events in Birmingham and London, this show can get confusing. Whether you’re a new exhibitor or an architecture pro looking for stronger marketing returns, read on to uncover all you’ll need to know about this home and garden event.
What Is Grand Designs Live?
Grand Designs Live has its roots in Channel 4’s Grand Designs, which first aired in 1999. Each episode focuses on a specific housing renovation project and follows it until completion.
Building on the success of the TV series, Grand Designs Magazine was launched in 2004. Grand Designs Live followed in 2005, so professionals can showcase contemporary home design ideas, products, and technologies.
In 2008, Grand Designs Live London ran over nine days and attracted a record audience of over 100,000 visitors.
Grand Designs Live Birmingham: NEC
Next Show Date: TBCOctober 2026
The Birmingham edition of Grand Designs Live offers a broader range of renovation and building inspiration for all home types. It offers the most expansive outdoor section.
Grand Designs Live London: ExCeL
Next Show Date: 1-4May 2026
London’s Grand Design Live event is held at ExCeL London and focuses on urban living and luxury interiors.
What Happens At Grand Designs Live?
In addition to the main exhibition, there are many unique show features you shouldn’t miss. They’re entertaining, informative, and a source of home design inspiration.
Don’t just take our word for it, though. Grand Designs Live won the Exhibition News “Best Feature Area” award in 2024 and was shortlisted for “Consumer Show Of The Year” in 2025.
Kevin McCloud’s Green Heroes
Kevin McCloud is a Grand Designs icon, thanks to his tenure as presenter on Channel 4’s Grand Designs Television series. Join him at this feature for live talks, demonstrations, and eco-friendly construction ideas. All the eco-friendly products are shortlisted by Kevin before the show.
Advice Centres
Grand Designs is all about practical improvement and getting everyone involved. That’s why the organisers have established one-on-one advice centres at each show, where attendees can get expert advice from the best minds in the country.
All the advice centres are split up by section:
- Bathrooms
- Home and garden
- Kitchens
- Architecture
- Build and renovation
Grand House
The Grand House was a major design project unveiled by the organisers at Grand Designs Live London 2025. It took the form of a fully-furnished, eco-friendly, Georgian-style show home visitors could explore.
Multiple design components were sourced from different exhibitors, so congratulations to all those who got featured!
Emerging Brands
A bit hit at Grand Designs Live Birmingham in 2025, Emerging Brands featured small-scale start-ups casting the spotlight on their newest creations.
Make Your Grand Appearance At Grand Designs Live
For all the latest ideas from new start-ups, leading designers, and big businesses, look no further than Grand Designs Live. There’s a lot to learn at this trade show gem, and also lots of business to be had.
If you fancy a go at exhibiting at the NEC or the ExCeL, contact us! We’ll work with you to design a bespoke exhibition stand that you’ll never forget.
What is Grand Designs Live?
Grand Designs Live is the UK’s most important home and garden renovation trade show.
When Is Grand Designs Live?
Grand Designs Live London is held in May, and Grand Designs Live Birmingham is held in October.
Where is Grand Designs Live?
Grand Designs Live is held twice a year, once in London at the ExCeL and once in Birmingham at the NEC.
What Time Does Grand Designs Live Open?
Both Grand Designs Live events open at 10:00 am.
