Tickets to the live version of the Channel Five tech programme sold out within weeks. Emma McKinney explains what thousands of gadget fans can expect to find at the NEC this week.
GIZMO geeks will flock to Birmingham this week as the Gadget Show Live returns to the National Exhibition Centre.
The five-day event, based on the Channel Five TV programme filmed at Digbeth’s Custard Factory, has almost tripled in size since it was first held in 2009 when it attracted about 30,000 people.
In fact, it has proved so popular, that all 80,000 tickets sold out for this year’s show within weeks of release.
After being flooded with emails from disappointed fans desperate to attend, organisers released a limited number of afternoon tickets, which are now selling like hot cakes.
The show, which runs from Wednesday to Sunday, will feature the latest must-have gadgets, giving visitors the chance to see, try and buy kit such as high definition camcorders, 3D televisions, game consoles and in-car electronics.
To cope with the expected record-number of visitors, organisers have hired an extra hall at the NEC to showcase the gadgets, which means this year’s show takes up 25 per cent more floor space than last year.
An extra date has been added tomorrow for trade and media only, while additional seats have been fitted into the Super Theatre, which will see the TV show’s presenters Pollyanna Woodward, Ortis Deeley, Suzi Perry, Jason Bradbury and Jon Bentley, performing to audiences of up to 4,500 people.
The one-hour shows, which will take place three times a day, are promised to be “high energy” theatrical versions of the TV programme, showcasing the latest gadgets.
Shropshire-born Suzi, 40, who was raised in Wolverhampton and is an avid Wolves football fan, is not surprised show tickets have been snapped up.
“I think its appeal is that it’s unique,” she says.
“It appeals to people from all walks of life and is a chance for lovers of gadgets to find everything they want in innovative design under one roof.”
She says she has had a love for gadgets since a very young age.
“I’ve loved gadgets since my mum bought me a camera when I was nine years old and, since doing the TV show, I’ve become quite a gadget geek,” she adds.
