Visitor numbers released for GroundsFest 2025 broke through 9,000, with the organiser claiming the indoor/outdoor event is now the UK’s largest industry trade show.
This third event drew 9,037 visitors over its two days, 9 and 10 September, offering
hundreds of brands, cutting-edge product launches, “and a community spirit that made GroundsFest stand out.
“The atmosphere was electric – relaxed yet vibrant – with interactive games on stands, smiling faces throughout and a genuine sense of excitement as professionals and volunteers from every corner of the industry came together,” said event director Chris Bassett.
Innovation at its heart
“Innovation was everywhere,” he added. “From world-first product launches to interactive demonstrations, GroundsFest once again proved itself as the home of forward-thinking solutions. Visitors were among the first to experience never-before-seen equipment and technology that is shaping the future of the sector.”
The first-ever GroundsFest Innovation Awards, in association with Hort Week and sponsored by Cramer and Bosch, drew over 100 entries, showcasing the best of new product design alongside proven favourites.
Winners:
• Maintenance and workshop equipment – New product – Foley Company for the 642 Quick Spin Reel Grinder
• Stood the test of time – Clearwater Recycling Systems
• Services – new product – Origin Amenity Solutions for Machine Keeper
• Transport – new product – LCVT for Side Tipping Beavertail
• Tractors and implement carriers – new product – AEBI, Schmidt UK for Aebi TT 282
• Tree care – new product – CMC Lift UK for CMC S20
• Landscape consumables – new product – Wildflower Turf Ltd for Enhanced Wildflower Biodiversity Range
• Stood the test of time – DLF Seeds for Pro-Flora mixtures
• Landscape equipment – New product – Westermann UK for WR870 EGO Battery Moss Brush
• Stood the test of time – The Professional Sprayer People for Mankar ULV Sprayers
• Turf maintenance consumables – new product – Fargro for the DCM Vital Green
• Turf maintenance equipment – new product – Redexim UK for Redexim Scarivator
• Stood the test of time – Redexim UK for Verti Drain
• Grass cutting equipment – new product – STIGA for Nexus
• Stood the test of time – Trimax for Pegasus
Free education and inspiration
More than 30 hours of free education were delivered across five seminar theatres, with top speakers providing invaluable insights and CPD points for attendees.
The Landscape Zone, in partnership with BALI, was significantly busier than in 2024, with packed-out education sessions on design, planning, and outdoor construction.
Crowd favourites
Feature areas continued to thrive and expand, the organiser reports. Machinery Nation LIVE drew audiences with its Chainsaws – Past, Present and Future showcase, featuring brands like Stihl, EGO, Milwaukee, and Dewalt alongside rare vintage models. Visitors also enjoyed the stand-on mowers head-to-head challenge and “an adrenaline-fuelled machinery relay”.
“Lawn Mower Racing, in partnership with Kramp UK and the West Midland Lawn Mower Association, made its debut and proved to be a huge crowd-pleaser,” Chris said.
Visitors also had the chance to win prizes ranging from robotic mowers to premium hand tools, adding extra excitement to the show.
Festival vibes
“GroundsFest’s unique blend of trade show and festival atmosphere set it apart once again. The live music festival returned bigger and better, with great food, drink, free bumper cars and the world’s best Oasis tribute band delivering a set that struck a chord with attendees,” Chris said.
“This show wouldn’t be possible without the support of our incredible exhibitors, visitors, and partners. We’re truly humbled and we’ll continue to reinvest profits from GroundsFest back into the industry through the GroundsFest Academy. The key is to always keep listening and evolving – to give the industry a show they can be proud of.”
GroundsFest 2026 will return to Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 16 and 17 September.
www.groundsfest.com