NETWORK WITH TV STARS AND INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS AT OUR EVENING EVENT Summer Outdoor Living Exhibition | Fire Food & Outdoor Living Evening | Tuesday 11 July | 5.30pm – 7.30pm

Summer is a season that is all about fun and enjoyment, and what better way to embrace it than by attending events that allow you to mingle, network, and make new friends.

Solex 23 is the leading trade show in garden furniture, outdoor living, and barbecues, and they are hosting an evening event on Tuesday 11th July that promises to be a night of excitement, entertainment, and connection. The event is set to be one of their best, offering guests the chance to network with other visitors and exhibitors while enjoying music, a free bar, tasting some delicious food, and mingling with celebrities.

The Fire Food and Outdoor Living evening event is designed specifically for you to network, socialise and create genuine connections with like-minded professionals in the outdoor retail industry. This year's event theme is all about outdoor summer living, so expect a lively atmosphere. Attendees at the event will be interested in the latest outdoor furniture designs, barbecues, and garden accessories for their businesses.

Solex is thrilled to announce Top chef and TV presenter Matt Tebbutt along with broadcaster Jules Hudson from Escape to the Country, will be special guests at the SOLEX Fire, Food & Outdoor Living evening, hosted by BBQ magazine, at Birmingham’s NEC next month.

The duo will join Andy Clarke, one of the most exciting voices in the food and drink industry, to mix with exhibitors and guests and also judge the BBQ Hero competition, being run by BBQ magazine.

Matt Tebbutt is best known for presenting BBC’s Saturday Kitchen and its sister show Best Bites on BBC2. Matt also co-hosts Channel 4's Food Unwrapped which lifts the lid on how the food we eat, from all round the world, is produced.

He has written several cookbooks, the latest of which is Weekend, featuring plenty of BBQ and outdoor cooking. Matt had a restaurant in Monmouthshire for 14 years and now runs a cookery school and hosting kitchen.

Matt loves to cook outside over fire. “When you cook with fire, it’s a totally different skill and mindset to indoor cooking. I am really looking forward to SOLEX. It should be a lot of fun, showcasing all that is great about fire, food and outdoor living.”

Jules Hudson, an author, and archaeologist, presents the popular BBC series Escape to the Country, helping families find their pastoral paradise. He also presents Channel 5’s This Week on the Farm and Cash in the Attic. “One of the great joys of any rural experience is access to open fire. The fire is nature’s TV,” said Jules.

The evening, with drinks pairings from Powder Monkey Brewing Co (beer), Tidal Rum (spirits) and BeefSteak Club (wine), will be hosted by broadcaster and TV producer Andy Clarke, drinks expert on ITV’s Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh.

Clarke’s producer credits include BBC’s Saturday Kitchen Live, Great Cookbook Challenge with Jamie Oliver for Channel 4, James Martin’s French Adventure and American Adventure and responsibility for all food and drink on ITV’s Gordon, Gino & Fred: Road Trip. Clarke will be hosting alongside Ian Jones (BEM) chef, farmer, and events guru.

The Fire, Food & Outdoor Living evening (Tuesday July 11th) will include a BBQ Hero competition, run by BBQ magazine and the opportunity for a selection of cooks to test their live-fire cooking skills.

“It is going to be a fantastic evening of entertainment, education and inspiration. I’m really looking forward to chatting to Matt and Jules, as well as tasting some great food and drink,” said Andy Clarke.

The outdoor cooking zone at Birmingham’s NEC will feature fire brands such as Bramblecrest, Broil-King, Char-Broil, Charlie Oven, DeliVita (with Pacific Lifestyle), Gardeco, GrillStream (part of LeisureGrow), Kamado Joe, Kettler, Norfolk Grills, Cook King & Ooni Pizza Ovens (with Norfolk Leisure Lifestyle) and Outback International.

The three-day Celebration of Summer event from SOLEX (Summer Outdoor Living Exhibition) brings together the most prestigious luxury outdoor brands, giving quality buyers and visitors an opportunity to explore what’s new in both retail and contract markets.

"This leading event, organised by the Leisure & Outdoor Furniture Association (LOFA), provides a platform for key industry buyers to explore innovative designs, discover new products, and explore retail and contract market solutions all in one place. SOLEX delivers a friendly and relaxed atmosphere while maintaining a professional focus," commented Gina Hinde, Solex Event Director.

“Through this dynamic event, business professionals and buyers can foster valuable relationships in this vibrant industry while previewing the hot trends for shop floors in Spring/Summer 2024.”

There are distinct product lines at SOLEX to elevate your outdoor living experience. The line-up includes garden furniture and shading solutions; barbecues to entertain with confidence; garden decoration ideas to enhance outdoor aesthetics; leisure buildings for additional space. Outdoor spas and heating options for cooler evenings, and outside entertainment.

SOLEX takes place at the NEC Birmingham from Monday 10 July – Wednesday 12 July.

www.solexexhibition.com