Will Rusbridge reports on the success of the Glamping Show, the UK’s first physical trade show to take place since lockdown.
For visitors and exhibitors, the announcement that the Glamping Show was going ahead was welcome news. The government had put in place strict restrictions to protect people from the ongoing pandemic, and safety was of paramount importance to organisers Swan Events.
Combining both a physical and an online event, The Glamping Show ‘Visit’ was held at the NAEC Stoneleigh and was staged as an outdoor only event, for the first time in its history.
Three uncharacteristically sunny days saw just under 60 companies in attendance. An incredible achievement, the Glamping Show UK was the first trade event to go ahead in the UK since lockdown and is one of very few to take place this year.
With an incredibly rocky start to the year, glamping sites across the country were forced to remain closed until well into the season. It was a very difficult time for the industry, with no clear answers on when sites would be able to reopen. Once they did however, it became clear that glamping was in very high demand. After months of lost business and uncertainty, it’s incredible to see that there has never been a better time to own a glamping site.
Lucy Harris, regional director of Farm Stay UK, said, “We thought the show was a huge success especially in the current situation. There were enough keen and interested visitors and the atmosphere was so friendly and welcoming. I could not believe how many people are considering glamping as a future income, whether they have two acres or 20. I think The Glamping Show has a future for many years to come.”
The Glamping Show ‘Virtual’ was created for anyone who was not able to attend the live event. Visitors could browse exhibitors and watch seminars from over 40 speakers. A highlight was the live glamping debates, hosted by International Glamping Business publisher Steph Curtis-Raleigh. These one hour debates were followed by an hour of virtual networking.
After a difficult year, the glamping industry is seeing an unprecedented surge in popularity. With experts expecting this trend to continue long after the pandemic has ended, 2021 is shaping up to be an important year, and we cannot wait to see what it has in store.
OAB’S TOP PICKS
The Ground Screw Centre
www.groundscrewcentre.co.uk
The Ground Screw Centre launched in 2018 supplying self-install ground screws for multi-purpose, year round use for structures and buildings that traditionally used a concrete base. Ground screws are an easy to use, cost effective foundation system and more environmentally friendly than concrete.
The Ground Screw Centre has now designed a complete self-install ground screw foundation system that saves both time and money.
Escape Pods
www.escapeglampingpods.co.uk
The founders of Escape Pods have been in the manufacturing industry for over 30 years. The original pods were created for their own luxury glamping site in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Following comments about the style, space and build quality, it was a natural step to offer them for sale to other luxury glamping businesses.
Escape Pods offer a unique alternative to a standard pod or hut, with a striking design and careful choice of materials. They are built on a substantial galvanized base with high levels of insulation.
Heart Pods
www.heartpods.co.uk
Heart Pods operates from the workshops at the Heart of England Conference & Events Centre. Over the past few years the team, led by Stephen Hammon, has designed, developed and built bespoke glamping pods, office pods, log cabins, shepherd huts and a double storey, trailer mounted house.
The new pod range was launched at the Glamping Show and includes the Mini, Midi and Maxi Pod, ranging from 4.9mx3m to 7.3mx3.1m. Prices start at £17,500 for a fully fitted glamping pod with bathroom, kitchen, electrics and bed.
Purepods
www.purepods.co.uk
Purepod’s unique glamping structures are built by artisans in the Forest of Dean using locally sourced oak, sycamore and sweet chestnut.
Designed by award-winning craftsman Eon Graves, and constructed by All Good in the Wood England, Purepods creates durable structures with the stability and strength of traditional carpentry and construction. Each pod is unique and their free-flowing feel and cosy atmosphere achieved by hand construction and natural wood.
The Coal Bunker
www.glampingfires.com
After a disaster put their show trailer out of action, the team from Glamping Stoves brought plans for a new glamping structure forwards 12 months and launched The Coal Bunker.
The striking pod features a double height space with mezzanine level accommodation, a kitchenette and shower room with toilet. The range will feature three designs and be ready in the first quarter of 2021.
Cumbrian Shepherd Huts
www.therolighut.co.uk
From the heart of the Lake District, Cumbrian Shepherd Huts are made in Staveley Mill Yard. Combining years of joinery craftsmanship and high tech computer cutting and fabrication technology, huts are built to domestic standards with the best materials available.
A new design, The Rolig, was launched at the show. A real departure from the shape and style of a traditional shepherds hut, it features a full height glazed window so guests can soak up the views from their bed.
