Beyond the Halls - Issue 4 | July 2026

Peppa Pig prepares for space launch

This summer, the NEC is taking family entertainment to new heights as Peppa Pig prepares for her first ever real-life galactic mission.

As part of a unique campaign for PEPPA PIG Space Adventure, the beloved children's character will be launched more than 100,000 feet above Earth before floating at the edge of space. Families visiting NEC Lakeside will be able to follow the journey through an exclusive screening event, live mission tracking and a range of interactive activities.

The one-off activation has been designed to extend the story of PEPPA PIG Space Adventure beyond the attraction itself, transforming a themed experience into a real-life event that captures imaginations and generates excitement. Young explorers will be able to take part in astronaut training, rocket building workshops and space themed experiences before welcoming Peppa home from her extraordinary journey.

The campaign demonstrates how attractions on the NEC Campus are being brought to life through creative experiences that engage audiences and create memorable moments. As the NEC continues to expand its leisure and entertainment offering, initiatives like this help attract new visitors and create reasons for families to return to the Campus time and time again.

NEC Lakeside family fun this summer

With the launch of NEC Lakeside, the Nation’s Experience Capital has become a hub of family entertainment this summer, with a range of new attractions designed to encourage visitors to spend more time enjoying the wider Campus experience.

New additions include a free outdoor cinema, a dedicated play area and a programme of family activities taking place throughout the school holidays. The investment forms part of the NEC's ongoing commitment to enhancing the visitor experience and creating reasons for guests to extend their visit beyond the event they are attending. The Lakeside offering complements an increasingly diverse portfolio of attractions across the Campus, including Peppa Pig Space Adventure, iFLY, and a range of seasonal experiences.

By continuing to expand its leisure and family proposition, the NEC is creating additional opportunities for organisers to benefit from increased footfall, greater dwell time and a destination experience that attracts visitors throughout the year.

Invictus Games countdown begins at the NEC

The NEC was proud to host the official one year to go milestone event for Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, welcoming Prince Harry, competitors, supporters, partners and members of the Armed Forces community. The event marked the beginning of the final countdown to the international sporting competition, which uses the power of sport to support the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans from around the world.

Visitors experienced a series of live sporting demonstrations showcasing the determination, resilience and camaraderie that sit at the heart of the Invictus movement. During the event, Prince Harry spoke of the wider impact of the Games, highlighting the strength of the Invictus community and the inspiration it provides to people around the globe.

As a host venue for Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, the NEC looks forward to supporting an event that will bring together thousands of competitors, families and spectators, while creating a lasting legacy for Birmingham, the West Midlands and the wider events industry.

CloserStill completes charity cycle challenge

Congratulations to the CloserStill Media operations team, who recently completed their impressive 150 mile charity cycle ride from the NEC Birmingham to ExCeL London. Over three days, eight riders took on the challenge to raise awareness of breast cancer, promote the importance of regular checks and early detection, and generate vital funds for CoppaFeel! and Breast Cancer Network Australia. The team set off from the NEC Campus before travelling the length of the route to London, demonstrating the commitment, teamwork and determination that are so often seen across the events industry.

We were delighted to support one of our valued organiser partners as they embarked on this inspiring challenge and are proud to celebrate their achievement. Their efforts have helped raise awareness of an important cause while bringing colleagues, partners and supporters together behind a shared mission.Please join us in celebrating the team's achievement and, if you're able, support their fundraising efforts for these incredible causes.