This year’s Lawns Caravan Show will be the last to be held in Cottingham, as the exhibition bids farewell after 44 years.
The six-day event is the most anticipated trade fair of the year for the caravan and holiday home industry, and includes big-hitters including Willerby, Swift, ABI and Coachman.
However, after over four decades in Cottingham, the boss of one of Hull’s biggest holiday home manufacturers has confirmed 2019 will be the show’s last year in East Yorkshire.
Peter Munk, CEO at Willerby, said: “We started discussions about this a number of years ago.
“Originally we had manufacturers in the north who would hold their own shows, and manufacturers in the south who would have their separate ones.
“Eventually, everyone agreed we would do a show all together, but everyone thought of it very much as a trade show.
“The reality is, at the end of the day, it is the consumers that are really important.”
The Lawns show is this year being held from Tuesday, September 3 to Thursday, September 5 for trade visitors, before it opens its doors to the public on September 7 and 8.
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Over 20,000 people are expected to flock to Cottingham this year, as industry big hitters showcase their latest products and models.
When the exhibition doors close on Sunday however, it will mark the end of an era.
The show will next year head to Harrogate, Mr Munk revealed – a move he said will be good for manufacturers and firms involved.
“This event started out as a trade show first, with a public show at the end, when really the consumer side should come first,” he said.
“You have to look at where people live and where they are buying. In moving to Harrogate and serving people in Leeds and York, it is right in the middle of the country and companies can supply to both sides of the country.
“It is a super exciting time for businesses, and it will form the biggest outdoor show in Europe.”
Mr Munk said although the show was leaving East Yorkshire, it was good news for firms involved.
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“At the moment we have some manufacturers who are squeezed into the site, whereas in Harrogate there will be more room for everyone.
“The industry in East Yorkshire will not disappear. It will always be here, and it will be good for the businesses that are here.
“The economic impact for the area will be beneficial, and hopefully firms will be able to sell more products, which is what it has to be all about.”
The Lawns is open for trade visitors from September 3 to September 5.
The show then opens to the public on the Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and 9am to 4pm on Sunday.
For all the details on the 2019 expo, visit .
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