Events by University of Birmingham

Experience the UK’s Longest-Running Guitar Event in Warrington The North West Guitar Show returns to the Warrington region for another magnificent, jam-packed day dedicated entirely to guitar culture and musical innovation. Organised by Northern Guitar Shows Ltd, this iconic event stands as one of the most respected, long-running, and widely attended musical instrument trade shows in the United Kingdom. Taking place at the spacious Haydock Park Racecourse Exhibition Centre right on Warrington Road, this event brings together thousands of passionate guitar players, dedicated collectors, top-tier retailers, skilled luthiers, and leading equipment manufacturers under one expansive roof. Whether you are a beginner looking for your very first acoustic guitar, a seasoned touring professional searching for rare vintage amplification, or simply a fan of incredible live music, the show offers an unparalleled day out for gear lovers of all ages and skill levels. Explore Over 100 Exhibitors and Vintage Treasures With over one hundred distinct exhibitors occupying multiple large halls, attendees will have access to an incredible collection of new, pre-owned, and vintage musical instruments. Major guitar manufacturers, boutique pedal designers, custom pickup builders, and prominent instrument retailers will display their finest inventory alongside private collectors offering rare historical finds. Unlike standard retail stores, this event creates a dynamic marketplace environment where visitors can openly buy, sell, or trade equipment directly with dealers and fellow enthusiasts. Bring along your pre-loved instruments to swap or sell on the day, test out boutique overdrive pedals, sample hand-crafted custom acoustic guitars, or bargain for original vintage electrics from golden eras of guitar making. Every visitor will also receive automatic entry into a door prize raffle with the chance to win quality brand-new guitars and premium gear packages. Enjoy Live Stage Music and Product Demonstrations Beyond the bustling floor of exhibitors, the event features a continuous schedule of live entertainment and educational workshops hosted in the dedicated 400-seat performance hall. Throughout the day, talented solo artists, virtuoso fingerstyle acoustic players, dynamic blues groups, and high-energy rock bands will take the stage to showcase their skills and demonstrate featured equipment. Attendees can sit back and enjoy top-level guitar playing, observe technical tone demonstrations, or participate in interactive gear workshops led by industry specialists. It is a rare chance to see how master players dial in their tone, test innovative signal chains, and get expert maintenance tips directly from renowned luthiers. Plan Your Visit and Join the Local Guitar Community Located just moments from major transport links with abundant free parking for all attendees, attending the event is convenient and accessible for visitors across the region. On-site refreshment areas and licensed bars ensure you can comfortably spend the entire day exploring stalls, chatting with fellow musicians, and catching live show sets. Tickets are available directly at the venue doors on the morning of the event, offering exceptional value for a full day of live music, gear hunting, and community networking. Mark your calendar today, grab your guitar-playing friends, and join Northern Guitar Shows Ltd for an unforgettable celebration of guitar craftsmanship and music culture!

The Stafford Toy Collectors Fair 2026 is one of the United Kingdom's most anticipated toy and collectible exhibitions, bringing together collectors, hobbyists, dealers, retailers, and families for an exciting day dedicated to vintage and modern collectibles. Organised by BP Fairs, this well-established event has earned an excellent reputation for offering a huge selection of rare toys, model railways, die-cast vehicles, action figures, comics, and memorabilia under one roof. Whether you are an experienced collector looking for exclusive items or a newcomer exploring the fascinating world of collectibles, this event provides an unforgettable experience. Hosted at the spacious Stafford Showground, the exhibition offers visitors access to hundreds of dealer stalls featuring unique products that are often unavailable in traditional retail stores. The fair is designed to celebrate the history of toys while supporting today's thriving collector community through buying, selling, networking, and knowledge sharing. Discover Thousands of Collectibles One of the biggest attractions of the Stafford Toy Collectors Fair is the incredible variety of collectibles available throughout the exhibition. Visitors can explore aisles filled with vintage toys, die-cast cars, model trains, dolls, teddy bears, comic books, board games, action figures, military models, science fiction memorabilia, and many other collectible items. Professional dealers from across the United Kingdom bring carefully selected stock, including limited editions, discontinued products, boxed collectibles, antique toys, and hard-to-find treasures. Every stall offers something unique, making the event an exciting destination for collectors of all interests and age groups. A Paradise for Toy Enthusiasts Collectors know that finding rare items can be challenging, but the Stafford Toy Collectors Fair makes the search much easier. With hundreds of specialist exhibitors gathered in one location, visitors have an excellent opportunity to compare products, negotiate prices, and discover valuable additions to their collections. From classic Matchbox and Dinky Toys to LEGO collections, Scalextric sets, Funko Pop figures, Star Wars memorabilia, Marvel collectibles, Doctor Who merchandise, and vintage action figures, every collector can expect to find something that matches their interests. Buy, Sell and Trade with Confidence The event is much more than a shopping exhibition. It also provides an excellent marketplace for individuals wishing to sell or trade collectible toys. Many professional dealers actively purchase vintage collections and rare items throughout the event. Collectors bringing surplus items have the opportunity to receive expert valuations while negotiating directly with experienced buyers. Those wishing to become exhibitors can reserve trading tables through BP Fairs and connect with thousands of enthusiastic visitors. This buying and selling environment creates an exciting atmosphere where collectors can continuously expand and improve their collections. Perfect for Families Although the fair is highly respected among serious collectors, it is equally enjoyable for families. Parents often introduce children to classic toys they enjoyed during their own childhood, creating memorable shared experiences across generations. Children enjoy seeing colourful displays filled with trains, cars, dolls, superheroes, LEGO creations, and favourite television characters, while grandparents appreciate the nostalgia of discovering toys from decades ago. The welcoming atmosphere makes the exhibition suitable for visitors of all ages. Extensive Range of Exhibitors One reason the Stafford Toy Collectors Fair remains so popular is the quality and diversity of its exhibitors. Dealers specialise in numerous collecting categories, including: Vintage Toys Die-Cast Vehicles Model Railways Comic Books Action Figures Dolls and Teddy Bears Science Fiction Memorabilia Movie Merchandise Military Models Pop Culture Collectibles This extensive selection ensures every visitor finds products matching their collecting interests. Learn from Experienced Collectors Beyond shopping opportunities, the exhibition provides valuable educational experiences. Many exhibitors have spent decades collecting, restoring, and researching toys and are happy to share their expertise. Visitors can learn about: Toy history Manufacturer identification Product rarity Market values Authentication techniques Restoration methods Collection preservation Storage best practices These conversations help beginners become informed collectors while offering experienced enthusiasts valuable industry insights. Business Opportunities The Stafford Toy Collectors Fair is also an excellent networking platform for businesses operating within the collectibles industry. Independent toy retailers, antique shops, auction houses, museum representatives, online sellers, wholesalers, and specialist dealers attend to source inventory, establish supplier relationships, and identify valuable products for resale. Networking with industry professionals often creates long-term business partnerships while helping exhibitors expand their customer base. Excellent Venue and Visitor Facilities Stafford Showground is one of the UK's leading exhibition venues and provides excellent facilities for large-scale events. Visitors benefit from: Spacious indoor exhibition halls Convenient road access Large parking facilities Food and refreshment outlets Comfortable visitor amenities Easy navigation throughout the exhibition Professional event organisation The venue comfortably accommodates hundreds of exhibitors while providing visitors with a relaxed and enjoyable browsing experience. Supporting the Collecting Community Toy collecting continues to grow across the United Kingdom, and events like the Stafford Toy Collectors Fair play an important role in supporting this passionate community. The exhibition encourages: Preservation of vintage toys Sustainable reuse of collectibles Knowledge sharing Community engagement Hobby development Historical appreciation Responsible collecting By bringing collectors together, the event helps preserve toy heritage for future generations. Why You Should Attend Whether you are searching for a rare collectible, looking to expand your existing collection, planning to sell vintage toys, or simply wanting an enjoyable family day out, the Stafford Toy Collectors Fair offers outstanding value. Visitors can expect: Hundreds of quality exhibitors Thousands of collectible items Competitive prices Rare and exclusive products Friendly collecting community Professional event management Excellent venue facilities Fantastic networking opportunities The fair continues to attract visitors from across the United Kingdom because it consistently delivers an enjoyable and rewarding collecting experience. Wrapping Up The Stafford Toy Collectors Fair 2026, organised by BP Fairs, remains one of the UK's leading toy and collectibles exhibitions. Combining hundreds of specialist traders, thousands of unique collectibles, expert knowledge, business networking opportunities, and a welcoming family atmosphere, the event offers something for everyone. Whether you are a lifelong collector, an occasional hobbyist, a retailer searching for stock, or a family looking for an entertaining day out, this exhibition promises an unforgettable experience. Make plans to visit Stafford Showground and discover why this event continues to be a favourite destination for toy enthusiasts throughout the United Kingdom.

The InForm Conference 2026 is a premier event for practitioners and educators involved in International Foundation Programmes (IFP). Hosted by the Birmingham International Academy at the University of Birmingham, this year’s theme focuses on adaptation and innovation in the face of significant internal and external pressures within the higher education sector. The conference provides a vital forum for demonstrating how institutions can meet these challenges through changes in the curriculum, technology, and assessment. It is specifically designed to be inclusive, catering to both seasoned professionals and those new to the field of international education. The 2026 program is centered around four main pillars: the learner, technology and assessment, the curriculum, and the teacher. A highlight of the event is the keynote address by Professor Bee Bond, an internationally recognized scholar specializing in English for Academic Purposes (EAP). The schedule includes 30-minute presentations and 50-minute interactive workshops, allowing for a mix of theoretical exploration and practical skill-building. Attendees will also have the chance to view poster presentations showcasing innovative foundation delivery methods. Held in the Alan Walters Building next to the university's "Green Heart," the conference provides a fully catered experience that encourages networking during breaks. This in-person event is essential for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving landscape of international student preparation.

The Modern British Studies Conference 2026 marks the inaugural event of the Association of Modern British Studies, hosted by the University of Birmingham. This three-day international conference brings together a diverse array of scholars to interrogate the state of British studies within an "urgently unstable global context." The central theme revolves around the concept of the 'polycrisis'—a confluence of economic, environmental, and sociocultural transformations that are reshaping the United Kingdom and its place in the world. The event aims to provide historical depth to contemporary debates, showcasing cutting-edge research into Britain's political economy and its global environmental footprint. The conference features an impressive lineup of confirmed speakers, including prominent historians and social scientists such as Sarah Crook and Catherine Hall. It offers a critical space to engage with the disruption and change currently facing the UK higher education sector. Sessions will range from traditional panels to plenary lectures funded by the British Academy and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. This is more than just an academic meeting; it is a foundational moment for the newly formed Association, establishing a roadmap for future research in the field. Attendees will benefit from the interdisciplinary approach, exploring how the past informs our understanding of the current marketized and crisis-ridden landscape of modern Britain.

The Birmingham Business School, in prestigious partnership with the Academy of Marketing and the Marketing Trust, is hosting a specialized one-day publishing workshop. This intensive event is meticulously designed for researchers and early-career academics who aspire to see their work published in top-tier, highly ranked marketing journals. The workshop offers a rare, "behind-the-scenes" look at the rigorous journey from initial manuscript submission to final publication. Led by Professor Finola Kerrigan and Professor Caroline Moraes, both renowned experts in the field, the day will be structured around transparency and practical learning. Participants will have the unique opportunity to examine actual original submissions, reviewer reports, and the response-to-review documents of successfully published papers. This granular approach demystifies the peer-review process, providing attendees with a clear understanding of what editors and reviewers are looking for. The workshop also covers methodological rigor, digital identity in research, and the ethical considerations of modern marketing. Beyond the technical aspects, the event serves as a critical networking hub, allowing participants to interact closely with leading authors and editors who shape the marketing discipline. By providing a supportive and collaborative environment, the Academy of Marketing Publishing Workshop empowers researchers to refine their strategies and increase their impact within the global academic community.

The 57th Annual Conference of the UK Society for Co-operative Studies (UKSCS) is set to be a landmark gathering at the University of Birmingham. Following recent political commitments to double the size of the UK’s co-operative economy, this conference serves as a pivotal platform for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss the future of the movement. The event focuses on how co-operatives can address major societal challenges while contributing to robust economic and social development. Participants will explore the practicalities of scaling up co-operative models in sectors ranging from housing to digital technology. Attendees can expect a series of high-level plenary sessions, peer-reviewed paper presentations, and interactive workshops. The conference aims to bridge the gap between academic research and on-the-ground co-operative practice, fostering a unique environment for networking and knowledge exchange. By examining the current "polycrisis"—a term used to describe the web of global economic, environmental, and social instabilities—the conference will highlight the resilience and necessity of co-operative values. The University of Birmingham’s historic Edgbaston campus provides a stimulating backdrop for these discussions, offering state-of-the-art facilities and a long-standing tradition of social research. Whether you are a seasoned academic or a new entrant to the co-operative sector, this event offers the insights needed to navigate the evolving landscape of the broader co-operative movement in 2026.

The University of Birmingham Inclusion Research Conference is a premier academic gathering dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge research in the fields of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and social inclusion. Organized by the University’s Interdisciplinary Research Network, this event brings together scholarly excellence from three major colleges: Social Sciences, Medicine and Health, and Life and Environmental Sciences. The conference serves as a critical platform for researchers, practitioners, and external partners to engage with evidence-based findings that shape the lives of children and young people with disabilities and their families. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear from renowned experts, including Amanda Allard, Director of the Council for Disabled Children, who will discuss the evolving landscape of inclusion policy. Other sessions will delve into health and nutrition in special schools, meaningful measurement of outcomes for children with intellectual disabilities, and the application of implementation science in educational settings. Beyond the formal presentations, the event is designed to foster networking and collaboration within the Birmingham region and beyond. It aims to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world application, ensuring that the latest scientific insights directly inform policy and practice. The day begins with a welcome address followed by high-impact 20-minute speaker sessions, each concluding with dedicated Q&A time to encourage rigorous academic dialogue. This conference is an essential date for anyone committed to advancing the frontier of inclusive education and healthcare.