GroundsFest 2024: A Landmark Event in Grounds Management and Landscaping
The second edition of GroundsFest, held on 10 and 11 September at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire, has firmly established itself as the UK’s largest grounds management and landscaping event. Following a strong debut in 2023, this year’s show exceeded all expectations, marking a significant milestone in its young history.
Record-Breaking Attendance
GroundsFest 2024 welcomed an impressive 8,014 visitors over two days, with 4,738 attendees on the first day and 3,276 on the second. This remarkable increase in attendance is a testament to the event’s growing popularity and relevance in the industry. The expanded event layout immediately immersed visitors in the action, creating an engaging and dynamic atmosphere from the moment they arrived.
Machinery Nation LIVE: A Thrilling Experience
One of the standout features of this year’s GroundsFest was the introduction of Machinery Nation LIVE, which captivated large crowds with thrilling machinery face-offs. Attendees watched as top brands went head-to-head in a series of entertaining and rigorous trials, comparing performance across categories such as petrol vs. battery, agility, and power.
In addition to the competitive displays, Machinery Nation LIVE offered interactive equipment challenges where attendees could compete for prizes, adding to the excitement and engagement throughout the show. This hands-on experience allowed visitors to connect with the latest technology in a fun and competitive environment.
Innovation at the Forefront
Innovation took center stage at GroundsFest 2024, with over 60 new products launched, providing visitors with a firsthand look at the latest advancements in grounds management and landscaping technology. The event featured a perfect balance of indoor and outdoor areas. Indoors, a vibrant show floor showcased a diverse range of exhibitors presenting their products and services, while seminar theatres hosted a wealth of educational sessions—all free to attend.
The Landscape Zone, an entire hall dedicated to professionals involved in the design, planning, and construction of outdoor spaces, proved to be particularly popular, adding another dimension to the show’s offerings.
Educational Opportunities and Hands-On Training
Grounds Training practical sessions were another highlight of the event, attracting large crowds eager to learn from experienced instructors on the use and maintenance of various machinery, including pedestrian mowers, ride-on mowers, handheld machinery, and sprayers. This focus on hands-on experience is one of GroundsFest’s key strengths, allowing attendees to test out equipment before making purchasing decisions.
A Festival Atmosphere
Beyond the business of grounds management and landscaping, the festival atmosphere of GroundsFest offered a fun way for exhibitors and visitors alike to unwind. The popular happy hour, live bands, and free bumper cars added to the entertainment, ensuring that GroundsFest was not just about work but also about building relationships and enjoying the camaraderie within the industry.
Looking Ahead: GroundsFest 2025
Event Director Christopher Bassett summed up the event’s success, stating, “It’s incredible to see how much support GroundsFest has received from every corner of the industry. The growth from last year has been phenomenal, and we’re so grateful to all the exhibitors, visitors, and partners who made this year’s show such a success.”
As the team looks to the future, they are committed to continuing the growth and evolution of the show. Bassett emphasized the importance of feedback, encouraging attendees to fill out surveys to help shape the future of GroundsFest.
GroundsFest 2025 is already on the horizon, set to take place on 9th and 10th September at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. Following this year’s monumental success, anticipation is already building for what promises to be an even bigger and better event next year.
For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com.