Festivals

Whatever the event, whatever the weather...

Come rain, come shine, the NEC can help you create a unique festival experience. With our outstanding facilities, outdoors and indoors there are endless opportunities for your event. We’re the ideal central location too, with the UK’s best connectivity by road, rail and air – and all the essential infrastructure ready and waiting for you.

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Weather-proof event space

100 acres of hardstanding provide the ideal outdoor event space, with no wet grass, waterlogging or mud to contend with. Easier for vehicle and visitor movements. Easier for build, whatever your content. And with a variety of environments to book as your event grows.

Unbeatable central location

75% of the UK population are within 3 hours by road and rail - giving you outstanding national reach. International too, with the airport connecting into the venue in minutes. Ideal for smooth journeys on the way in – and out – of your event, all done in a day.

No neighbours

With no neighbours, no noise issues and no curfews you can run your event into the early hours allowing you to bring your dream event to life. Here at the NEC, we want to help you to make moments that matter for your event attends.

Indoor event halls

18 versatile high-ceiling inter-connectable halls provide ‘blank canvasses’ where anything and everything is possible, creating all sorts and sizes of space for events. Combining indoor and outdoor space enables you to add content too, with total flexibility as your event grows.

Existing infrastructure

With all the essential infrastructure already in place to facilitate large events, there’s no need to bring it yourself. And with 47 years of event experience, our on-site teams can support you with everything from event and operations management to security and catering, whenever you want.

Private campus destination

The NEC’s self-contained campus enables you to think big and be creative, with security and privacy ensured. And with Resorts World and thousands of hotel rooms on site we’re a 24/7 destination. So your audience – and staff – can stay overnight, waking refreshed and ready for the action.

WIRELESS FESTIVAL TAKES CENTRE STAGE IN BIRMINGHAM

The Wireless Festival came to the NEC for three glorious days in July 2022 – the biggest music event we’ve hosted, with 75,000 fans coming from all over the UK and beyond, directly into the venue by road, rail and air. Top acts took to the festival’s stages in front of rapturous crowds, outdoors on hard-standing surfaces and taking up five of our extensive car parks.

This approach to hosting a festival on concrete is a tried and tested method in the US and improves the logistics associated with the great British weather. With no mud or wet grass, it’s easier for set-up, and much of the infrastructure is already in place. A big hit for organisers Festival Republic and evidence that the NEC is the ideal venue for outdoor festivals and events.

Festivals at the NEC

NEC BIRMINGHAM | A UNIQUE LOCATION FOR FESTIVALS