8 reasons to visit Grand Designs Live 2023

Grand Designs Live returns to NEC Birmingham from 4-8 of October 2023 packed with advice and inspiration for your self-build or renovation. There are live talks to entertain and inform, as well as workshops, free expert advice and exhibitors showcasing innovative products for your home improvement project.

Kevin McCloud will also be on stage catching up with memorable faces from the hit TV show, as well as leading lively discussions with industry experts.

Plus, Green Living Live runs alongside Grand Designs Live, focussing on all things sustainability, from electric vehicles to renewable energy systems and low-carbon living.

Here are 8 reasons to visit year’s event.

1. Grand Designs Magazine Theatre

Take a seat in the Grand Designs Magazine Theatre to see host Kevin McCloud alongside a fantastic line-up of speakers including property guru and TV presenter Kunle Barker, representatives from the Energy Saving Trust, and the stars from Sky TV’s Property Elevator. Find some of the top talks listed here.

2. Meet the TV series stars

Homeowners from your favourite Channel 4 property show will tell their inspiring stories live on stage, where you’ll get the chance to ask questions about their self-build or renovation experience and even get some advice on your own build. Find out who will be appearing here.

3. The House of Grand Ideas presented by OVO

The House of Grand Ideas will be the centrepiece of Grand Designs Live Birmingham. New for 2023, visitors can come to see a house, built by Grand Designs Live, designed to educate, inspire and wow visitors.

The house is a new showcase of stunning, innovative designs and an opportunity to discover ways to decarbonise your home through renewable energy generation, without compromising on cutting edge luxury.

What’s more, advisors from all the brands featured in the house will be available to speak to and all products showcased will be ready to purchase at the show.

4. Ask an expert sponsored by Schüco

Ask an Expert is a free one-stop shop for useful tips and advice, with specialists on hand including architects, renovation experts and project managers. Bring your plans, budget and ideas along for a detailed assessment.

A new category has been added for the event with expert giving advice on windows and doors.

Booking in advance is recommended. Visit the Grand Designs Live website for further details.

5. Mini Grand Designers sponsored by IKEA

Grand Designs Live have challenged a primary and secondary school from Birmingham to design and make their own miniature model. This competition will see children create the house they would love to live in and should include elements of recycled materials such as cereal boxes and milk bottles.

A number of entries to the Mini Grand Designers competition will be on display at this year’s Grand Designs Live Birmingham show for visitors to see. A panel of judges will announce the winners on the Grand Designs Magazine Theatre on Sunday 8th 1pm.

The Judges include Kevin McCloud, Kunle Barker, Satwinder Samra – The Dengineers and RIBA.

6. The ufurnish.com Interiors Village sponsored by Santander

ufurnish.com, the UK’s leading search and comparison website for home furniture and furnishings, is back at Grand Designs Live in Birmingham. The ufurnish.com team will present the ufurnish.com Interiors Village which comprises the Interiors Stage and the Retailer showcase.

The Interiors Stage will be hosted by ufurnish.com founder, Deirdre Mc Gettrick, where she will welcome over 30 home expert presenters across the five days of Grand Designs Live.

Surrounding the Interiors Stage within the ufurnish.com Interiors Village will be the Retailer Showcase where some of the UK’s most innovative furniture retailers will exhibit their products and allow attendees to experience their craftsmanship.

People will also have the chance to enter the ufurnish.com Interiors Prize Draw to win over £2,000 in furniture for their home.

7. Meet the eco experts

Visit the Green Living Live Advice Zone  powered by OVO in the Green Living Live area where a whole host of eco experts are on hand to provide tailored advice on everything from insulation and solar power to electric vehicle (EV) charging and heat pumps.

8. Kevin’s Green Heroes

Green Heroes celebrates the best conceptual and eco-friendly construction ideas. Every year Kevin personally selects his top heroes for each show, from small-scale start-ups to big businesses setting a green example for the rest of the industry.

Highlights this year are Gulp, which prevents your washing machine waste water releasing microplastics and Kenoteq Ltd who have developed The K-Briq® and K-Slip™ bricks which are made from over 90% recycled construction and demolition waste and are 100% recyclable.