Regular readers might remember our January round-up of home, garden and building show dates for your diary. With the show season now well underway, itÔÇÖs time for Part II ÔÇô so here are the must-visit events in April, May and June!
The Gadget Show Live, NEC, Birmingham
Now in its seventh year, the Gadget Show is the perfect way to round off the Easter holidays! With the chance to see, try and buy the latest in cutting edge technology, this event showcases the best of British innovation, as well as staging gaming tournaments and talks and shows in the Super Theatre.
April 7-12, adults £25, children (5-12) £20, http://www.gadgetshowlive.net
The RHS Flower Show, Cardiff
Spring will well and truly bloom at WalesÔÇÖ premier flower show, with gardening tips from Royal Horticultural Society experts, exciting family activities and, of course, thousands of plants! Talks and demos will take place in the theatre, whilst the show will be split into three main themed areas ÔÇô plants, people and places. The RHS Flower Show takes place in Bute Park, just outside the walls of CardiffÔÇÖs historic castle and with the largest number of ÔÇÿchampionÔÇÖ trees in any public park in the UK.
April 17-19, RHS members, £7.50, public £8.50 (two under-16s free with every paying adult), https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-flower-show-cardiff
The Cornwall Home & Lifestyle Show, Wadebridge
CornwallÔÇÖs only home, garden and living exhibition, at the Royal Cornwall Showground, brings together the best products and services in interiors, homeware, gardens and architecture. The 150+ exhibitors include renewable energy firms, letting agents and food and drinks vendors, and thereÔÇÖll also be a health and wellbeing zone. And, if you book online in advance, itÔÇÖs free!
May 2-3, free in advance or £3 per person or £5 per couple on the door (children free), http://www.cornwallhomeshow.co.uk
Grand Designs Live, ExCel Centre, London
The show of the year for fans of the long-running C4 series (not to mention presenter Kevin McCloud!), this huge event has it all. The interiors hall has inspiration from every room in the house, from essential kitchens and bathrooms to luxury games room. In the Grand Village, visitors can take in unique and innovative architecture and see the latest in eco-friendly design, whilst experts, celebrities and real life Grand Designs case studies will share their experiences in the Grand Theatre.
May 2-10, from £12 (under-15s free), http://www.granddesignslive.com
All Energy Exhibition & Conference, SECC, Glasgow
After 14 years in Aberdeen, the UKÔÇÖs largest renewables show for professionals is moving to Glasgow during the cityÔÇÖs Green Year. Featuring more than 450 suppliers and with more than 400 high-profile speakers, the exhibition includes a Sustainable Cities Zone, a number of conference theatres, a Meet the Buyers ÔÇÿshare fairÔÇÖ, where developers will explain what they look for during their tendering processes, and an Energy Storage Visitor Trail. And donÔÇÖt miss the Low Carbon Transport Zone, where visitors looking for personal or company vehicles can take a ride in a number of display cars.
May 6-7, free to register in advance, http://www.all-energy.co.uk
The Homebuilding & Renovating Show, SECC, Glasgow
The second of seven Homebuilding Shows throughout the UK in 2015, this Glasgow date comes hot on the heels of the All Energy Exhibition and in the same venue. ItÔÇÖs an essential date for anyone planning to create their dream home, either from scratch or by remodelling or extending an existing property. A one-stop shop of ideas and advice, this show includes inspiration for gardens and has experts from Homebuilding and Renovating magazine ready to answer your questions.
May 16-17, from £8 in advance, http://www.homebuildingshow.co.uk
RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Chelsea, London
The RHS staged its first ÔÇÿGreat Spring ShowÔÇÖ in Kensington in 1862, before moving to Chelsea in the early 20th century. Since then, this world-renowned show in the grounds of the Royal Hospital has become the place for horticulturalists to exhibit, with displays becoming increasingly inventive year on year. 2015 marks the return of award-winning designer Jo Thompson, who is creating a romantic retreat inspired by the writing room of author Vita Sackville-West. Prince HarryÔÇÖs charity, Sentebale, will also create a garden, whilst the RHS Discovery Zone in the Great Pavilion is a great place to head to with children. They can even turn astro-biologists courtesy of ÔÇÿRocket ScienceÔÇÖ, a project with the UK Space Agency encouraging youngsters to plant rocket seeds that have been to the International Space Station!
May 19-23, from £24 for non-RHS members, https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show
Salvo Fair, Henley-on-Thames
This outdoor show at Fawley Hill is a mecca for homeowners with an eye for all things vintage. The UKÔÇÖs largest architectural salvage fair, itÔÇÖs a treasure trove of home and garden antiques, industrial products, upcycled goods, reclaimed material and retro items. New for 2015 is ÔÇÿTiny Salvaged SpacesÔÇÖ, an exhibition of summerhouses, wagons and shepherdsÔÇÖ huts. Note that Friday, June 26 is trade day.
June 27-28, £8 in advance or £9 on the day, or £29/£32 for a family ticket, http://www.salvo-fair.com/2015/Salvo_Fair,_architectural_salvage_and_reclaimed_materials_fair_in_Henley_on_Thames.html
Main image courtesy of the Homebuilding & Renovation Show