Lack of exhibitors causes top UK fishing show to be postponed

The Big One show at Stoneleigh, the UK consumer event produced by Bauer Media, has been postponed. Exhibitors were notified today.

This year’s show was due to take place on April 1st and 2nd, but Angling International understands that not enough brands were committed to the Warwickshire event.

Bauer’s twin The Big One show in Farnborough, Hampshire – traditionally the bigger of the two events with attendances of around 20,000 – is still on and takes place on March 4th and 5th. It is one of the biggest consumer shows in Europe.

“It is disappointing timing,” said one tackle company owner who had booked exhibition space at both locations. “We need shows to get anglers motivated, but sales are hard and brands are just tightening down I think.”

Bauer acquired The Big One (Farnborough) in 2018 and launched the Stoneleigh event using the same proven formula in April 2019 to take advantage of the strong Midlands catchment area. Both events missed the following two years due to Covid, but made a return in 2022.