29 March 2024, 13:44
By Furniture News Jun 15, 2021

MFS at Harrogate to proceed with robust safety framework

In light of the Government's Covid-19 precautions extension, Manchester Furniture Show (MFS), co-located with Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival, will be going ahead as planned (18th-21st July 2021) at the Harrogate Convention Centre (HCC), organiser Clarion Events has confirmed – with attendees required to provide proof of being Covid-free prior to their visit.

MFS has the full support of the venue, and the organiser is working with the local authorities and liaising closely with the Director of Public Health for North Yorkshire.

Portfolio director Zoë Bonser says: “We are confident that we will be able to run a safe and effective event this July. The furniture industry is crying out for the opportunity to network and socialise at a large-scale, in-person event, and that is what Manchester Furniture Show is all about. MFS is the industry’s favourite summer show, and we can’t wait for the industry to get back together again across those four days in Harrogate, instead of the usual three.”

The show will occupy a large footprint made up of several different halls, which include both inside and outside relaxation and catering areas. This means visitors and exhibitors will be spread out across the exhibition, and capacity and visitor flow can be controlled effectively, adhering to the current event guidelines, and not affecting visitor numbers across the four days. The HCC build will commence on 12th July, unaffected by the current guidelines.

Safety remains paramount, with measures such as facecoverings, wider aisles, increased ventilation, and an enhanced daily and deep cleaning regime being implemented. Hand-sanitising stations will be available at all entry and exit points, and various other points across the site. Visitors will also be asked to take a lateral flow Covid-19 test and produce a negative result prior to arrival, or provide proof of double vaccination in order to attend. See full information here.

The Sundowners event will take place on the Monday 19th July outside in the grounds of the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, and the exhibitor party will now take place on the Tuesday night, 20th July. MFS visitor registration is open and is currently tracking ahead of previous years, says Clarion, with key names confirming their attendance and hotel stays as part of the event's VIP hosted buyer programme.

Show director Russell Rule says: “With the backing of our key customers, venue, and local authorities, we can see that the appetite and enthusiasm is there for an in-person buying and selling event. There is great excitement from both exhibitors and visitors to reconnect in Harrogate.”

Ian Kettle, director at exhibitor Kettle Interiors, comments: “We can’t wait to see customers old and new at Manchester Furniture Show in Harrogate this summer. MFS is always an important touchpoint for us, and it’s a great chance for the industry to get together, do business, relax and socialise.”

Fairway Furniture's Penny Craze notes: “I am delighted to be attending MFS this summer! After such a long time, I can’t wait to see my suppliers and do business in person, and to catch up with old friends and colleagues. MFS is my favourite summer event, and it will be fantastic to see everyone in Harrogate this July.”

Visitors are invited to register to secure their free ticket to the summer show here.

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