The LAMMA Show once again returns to the NEC again this year, where visitors can see all the latest farm machinery and equipment, for free. Jane Carley offers a guide to the venue and how to get the most out of your visit.
After a highly successful debut in 2019, LAMMA Show returns to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), on January 7 and 8 (Tuesday and Wednesday) with 11 halls of exhibits offering the very latest in machinery, products and services for farmers and contractors.
More than 700 exhibitors will be at the 2020 LAMMA Show, from multi-national manufacturers to individual entrepreneurs. Visitors can take the opportunity to compare everything from arable and livestock equipment to components and business management services, with the wide range of machinery on show offering something for every farming sector.
For many companies in the engineering, component and technology sectors, this is the only major agricultural show that they attend, so it is a unique meeting place for the manufacturer, trade and end user. There are also plenty of new and returning exhibitors this year.
LAMMA Show 2020 details
When: January 7 and 8
Opening times: 8.30am to 5.30pm
Where: NEC, Birmingham
Admission and parking: Both are free, but visitors are encouraged to preregister at the Lamma Show website to save time
Getting to the show
Convenient transport links and access are among the main benefits of the venue's location.
- By Train - Birmingham International train station is located within the NEC with direct services all day. Connecting trains from Birmingham New Street are less than a 15 minute journey away. By bus - It is also possible to access the NEC via bus or coach and there are numerous clearly marked taxi ranks.
- By air - The closest airport is Birmingham International which is connected directly to the NEC by a free and fast air-rail link to Birmingham International Railway Station, located at the upper level of Terminal 1. The train runs every two minutes and takes 90 seconds, and the NEC is clearly signposted from the station. Flights operate into Birmingham from a number of regional airports in the UK as well as the Republic of Ireland so it may well worth investigating flying as a travel option.
- By road - Road access is also directly from the motorway network with ample free, hardstanding parking. Frequent shuttle buses link to the halls, or it is a short, signposted walk - all walkways are hard surfaces, no need for the wellies. All routes, buses and halls have disabled access, and mobility scooters and wheelchairs will be available to hire.
Admission, parking and where to stay
Admission, parking and the show guide are all free, and all visitors are encouraged to pre-register to save time at the entrances. Pre-registered tickets can be printed out at the entrances, and it is possible to register on the day.
For visitors travelling some distance or wishing to make the most of the show by taking in both days, there are multiple accommodation options in the area, including leading hotel brands for all budgets on the NEC site itself.
To view the interactive map, exhibitor list and other show information and to pre-register, visit www.lammashow.com
To book accommodation contact BGC Events Tel: 01572 770352
Facilities
Halls open at 8.30am, but the NEC Atrium will be open early, enabling visitors to meet up and get a coffee or breakfast.
Each hall also has its own catering and toilet facilities, and cloakrooms allow visitors to store coats or luggage.
The NEC offers free visitor Wifi and enhanced 3G and 4G networks.
‘You Are Here' maps will guide visitors around the halls, which all interlink - no need to walk back out into the elements to get to the next hall.
Knowledge and advice
The Safety Revolution Farm Safety Zone is back, providing vital information on how to make the farm a safer place, while visitors can learn about the latest technology in the new Farming 4.0 Zone, and get essential advice on export for their business in the Export Hub.
A number of knowledge trails will be available for visitors wishing to clock up BASIS, NROSO or Dairy Pro CPD points, along with the Lamma Awards Innovation Trail, showcasing many exciting developments at the show. Look out for exhibitors who have been successful in the Lamma Innovation Awards, supported by the Institute of Agricultural Engineers, to recognise ground-breaking developments in machinery.
Lamma is also a fantastic source of practical advice. Just a few examples are the NAAC which is offering contractors the opportunity to quiz HMRC on fuel use, Western Power who will discuss how operators can can stay safe around powerlines and Volac, whose Cut to Clamp initiative aims to help farmers improve silage-making and utilisation through more efficient use of machinery.
