Video Showcase - The countdown is on for GroundsFest
The countdown is on and it's time to get ready for the most anticipated event of the year. GroundsFest is set to be the largest, annual, free must-attend event for grounds staff, greenkeepers, landscapers, gardeners, local authorities, estate managers and contractors.
Taking place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 20 - 21 September, here is a snapshot of what attendees can look forward to.
Hundreds of brands and demonstrations
Hundreds of brands will be on display, and you will be able to see a wide range of products in action. If you want to dig it, move it, cut it, mow it, climb it, mulch it, or build it, it's ALL at GroundsFest. The event will give you the opportunity to not only see a wide range of machinery in action but get up close and personal with it.
GroundsFest will feature a wide range of exhibitors showcasing machinery, power, and hand tools; seeds, turf, aggregates, and treatments; landscaping materials; arboriculture, horticulture, and forestry products; playground equipment; irrigation and drainage equipment, and much, much more.
Practical training sessions
Carried out by Grounds Training, the programme will feature free hands-on, training sessions on a range of groundscare topics including line marking, pedestrian mowers, ride-on mowers, handheld machinery, and the calibration and use of knapsack sprayers and boom sprayers. The sessions will be delivered by a fantastic team of Lantra approved instructors which includes Keith Kent, Martin Sampson, Chris Parry, and Steve Potter.
Free education and CPD points
With five seminar theatres, outdoor practical sessions, and an abundance of land-based education providers in attendance, GroundsFest is set to have the largest display of educational opportunities ever seen at a groundscare event.
GroundsFest's all-encompassing education programme has been designed for all sectors of the groundscare and landscaping industry. In addition to the seminars, there will also be an education area featuring many of the UK's leading land-based colleges. BAGMA (British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association) will be offering advice about its specific industry training courses, and We Are Land-Based Engineering has a stand to provide information on a career in land-based engineering.
The free-to-attend, CPD accredited education programme is set to be a major attraction at the event and will feature many expert speakers including representatives from the Amenity Forum and the STRI (Sports Turf Research Institute), Geoff Fenn (Origin Amenity Solutions), Adam Witchell (The Nurture Landscapes Group/Harlequins Rugby), Wayne Grills (BALI), Keith Kent (Grounds Training), plus many more.
The Landscape Zone
An entire hall dedicated to all those involved in the planning, design, and construction of outdoor environments in the landscaping sector. The Landscape Zone will spotlight the latest outdoor environment technologies, solutions and innovations and will be a must-attend event for landscape architects, local authority landscaping professionals, garden designers, landscape contractors, interior designers, facilities managers and many more. Some great speakers at the top of their game will also be taking to the stage in the Landscape Zone seminar theatres.
Live music festival
After an action-packed day at GroundsFest, unwind and continue networking with live music, and sumptuous street food. There will be great selection of DJ's and live bands taking to the stage and there will also be beer tents and drink stalls. The festival will start at 5pm on the first day of GroundsFest.
Register and be in with a chance of winning a prize
There are multiple prizes of over £6,000 worth of battery powered equipment up for grabs. All you have to do is register. The prizes include Etesia and Pellenc pedestrian mowers and Pellenc telescopic and fixed-poled pole saws - all of which will allow you to work for a full day in an environmentally-friendly way. Don't worry if you have already registered - you will automatically get entered into the free draw which is taking place on the second day.
Free on-site parking and free shuttle buses
Stoneleigh Park has thousands of free on-site parking spaces. Free shuttle buses will also be available after the festival to take attendees back to their accommodation in Kenilworth, Leamington Spa and Coventry.
Accommodation and camping
There are lots of accommodation options nearby. Stoneleigh Park also has a dedicated area for camping, motorhomes, and caravans. If you are interested in this area, please contact the GroundsFest team through the website.
Register for free at groundsfest.com
You can also follow GroundsFest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views.