The two hugely popular events return from 18th to 21st June 2026 and, frankly, if you enjoy good food, gardening, cookery demonstrations, outdoor living, plants, shopping, celebrity experts and the occasional temptation to buy “just one more” artisan chutney or unusual plant, this is your idea of heaven.
One of the great things about the shows is that your ticket gives you access to both events, making it one of the best-value summer days out around. You can wander from floral displays and show gardens straight into halls packed with sizzling cookery demos, tasting stands and some of the UK's best-known chefs.
A Paradise for Garden Lovers
BBC Gardeners' World Live has become one of the biggest highlights in the British gardening calendar.
Visitors can expect stunning Show Gardens, Beautiful Borders, the famous Floral Marquee, plant villages, gardening workshops and appearances from some of television’s best-loved gardening personalities including Monty Don, Adam Frost, Frances Tophill and Sue Kent.
Whether you have a sprawling country garden, a tiny city courtyard or simply a few pots outside the back door, the show is packed with ideas that make you immediately want to go home and start digging things up.
The Floral Marquee alone is enough to tempt visitors into carrying home far more plants than they originally intended. There is always something wonderfully British about watching people trying to fit six oversized perennials into the boot of a small hatchback.
Food, Glorious Food
Meanwhile, Good Food Show Summer is a dream destination for food lovers.
The event features live demonstrations from celebrity chefs, tasting sessions, cookbook signings, artisan producers, street food, kitchen gadgets and enough samples to ensure nobody leaves hungry.
Big-name chefs and food personalities regularly appear on stage, sharing recipes, cooking tips and stories from kitchens around the world. The atmosphere is lively, energetic and wonderfully indulgent.
One minute you are watching a professional chef create restaurant-quality dishes. The next, you are buying handmade fudge, artisan cheeses, chilli sauces, speciality oils and kitchen tools you suddenly become convinced you absolutely need.
Two Shows, One Brilliant Experience
What makes the combination so enjoyable is the way food and gardening naturally complement each other.
After all, gardening enthusiasts often love growing their own ingredients, while food lovers appreciate the value of fresh herbs, vegetables and beautiful outdoor entertaining spaces.
The NEC transforms into a giant celebration of summer living, creativity and inspiration. It is the sort of event where you can spend an entire day browsing, tasting, learning and shopping — and still feel like there is more to see.
For anyone looking for a fun summer outing packed with inspiration, flavour and colour, BBC Gardeners' World Live and Good Food Show Summer
"Good Food Show Summer","NEC Birmingham 2026" remains one of the great British event combinations.
Just remember to leave extra room in the car for plants, cookbooks and enough artisan food to stock a small delicatessen.