Event organisers have released plans for what they say will be the first all-discipline national event in the UK, scheduled to take place in September 2027.
Under the banner of HOOKED! National 2027, the event is promising to bring coarse, match, carp, predator, sea and fly fishing together under one roof for the first time.
Currently, the UK is served by one major national angling event, The Big One, held in late winter, several carp-focused and venue-specific shows around the country plus The Game Fair, which offers mainly fly and coarse fishing stands, demos and have-a-go sections in its fishing village.
But organisers Elevate Exhibitions, who have a track record of delivering large-scale consumer events in the UK, believe their show – set for September 18th and 19th 2027 at the Staffordshire County Showground – will be a first.
It is being flagged as a national platform for the sport, designed to cater for newcomers and experienced anglers alike as well as allowing the tackle trade to reach a diverse range of customers across one weekend.
It has already received backing from the ATA and major angling media, with a section format designed to appeal to all.
Having done extensive behind-the-scenes research on the market and the desire for a new event, the organisers have broken cover early to encourage tackle companies and organisations to get on board early as founding partners.
Event co-director Carly Jackson said: “Two million-plus anglers. Every discipline. One weekend. HOOKED! National is the UK’s first all-discipline national angling event – a new platform designed to grow participation, grow the market and give the trade a single place to reach every corner of the sport.
“The ATA is behind it, with further media and industry partnerships forming. The disciplines are under one roof for the first time, trade enquiries are already coming in, and founding opportunities won’t stay available for long.”
The ATA is also partnering with the event to deliver meaningful industry interaction through an exclusive trade-only exhibitor lounge, providing a calm space to relax away from the show floor, network and do business with others in the industry.
ATA chair Andrew Race said: “Over the last few years, the industry events calendar has stagnated with little or no passion for evolution or investment in new participation growth, something that is not conducive to a strong future for angling.
“Industry stakeholders like ATA are focused on investment in angling and participation because that is part of our role. So, when an event organiser comes along with a format that includes multiple angling disciplines and the facility to attract both new and existing anglers, I believe that passion is worthy of our support.
“The HOOKED! National event format is a comprehensive offering for recreational angling participation with pro-active support for its exhibitors and a potential future focal point for the wider angling trade to come together, and I look forward to seeing the outcome.”
Meanwhile, the venue – Staffordshire County Showground – said it is delighted to be hosting the show in September 202 and added: “Moreover, we are excited by the range of trade stands, displays and demonstrations the organisers are bringing to this flagship event.
“Hosting a national fishing show is a new venture for the Showground and will be one that, I am sure, will be tremendously popular. Furthermore, our central location will mean that the how will be accessible to visitors from across the country.
For trade enquiries and the full exhibitor pack, visit hookednationalfishingfestival.co.uk/exhibitor-pack/ or contact hello@hookednationalfishingshow.co.uk