4 reasons Grand Designs Live is a MUST-VISIT for 2026
Expect a refreshed and updated show, taking place at the NEC Birmingham 2-4 October 2026 – it promises to be the one stop shop for everything build, renovation, and home and garden
Opening Friday 2 October, our leading self-build and renovation, home and garden event returns bigger and better than ever to NEC Birmingham. This is why you need to be there…
The all new Grand Designs Live, sponsored by Daikin, is BACK, opening Friday 2nd October – and it’s been revamped for 2026. Excited? So are we…
Expect a refreshed and updated show, taking place at NEC Birmingham 2-4 October 2026 – it promises to be the one stop shop for everything build, renovation, and home and garden.
To find out more and buy tickets to Grand Designs Live, click here.
1. Tour the Grand House
The star attraction this year is the Grand House – our own Grand Design, built at the very heart of the show.
On your day, make it a priority to explore this contemporary and cutting-edge two-storey, self build villa, designed to showcase the finest modern home innovations the sector has to offer.
Inside will be a wide selection of UK product launches, handmade kitchen with the latest appliances, stunning bespoke glazing with floor to ceiling windows, advanced decarbonisation control systems, home gym, beautifully landscaped outdoor areas, and much more.
The Grand House aims to inspire and educate visitors, demonstrating how to decarbonise a home using renewable energy solutions whilst maintaining luxury, bold design.
Brands featured include: F.B & Sons, Gaviota, Stannah, Cult Furniture, Project Solar, Smeg, Qudaus Living, Sunny Bedrooms & Kitchens Ltd, Stretcharama, Daikin, Luthmore, Quantum Facades and RGB Facades, amongst others.
Grand Designs Live at Excel. 01/05/2026 – Photograph by Sam Frost ©2026 – www.samfrostphotos.com
2. Enjoy expert talks
There’ll be dedicated theatres (Build and Renovation, Sustainability, Kitchen & Bedroom, and Home & Gardens) showcasing some of the most knowledgeable experts around. Consequently covering a range of topics from sustainability to innovation.
As a result, whatever the nature of your project, you’ll find something to inspire you.
Plus, you’ll also be able to hear how others made their dream a reality.
The Build and Renovation theatre will have panel discussions covering everything from planning through to project execution.
Kevin McCloud and Kunle Barker will host across all stages whilst the Sustainability theatre will be hosted by Max McMurdo and involve discussions n the best ways to achieve your self-build in a sustainable way. It is sponsored by Daikin.
Photo: Grand Designs Live
To find out more and buy tickets to Grand Designs Live, click here.
3. Advice centres
Do you have a burning question you’d like advice on in your latest build or renovation? Get one-to-one advice for free from experts for your project at one of the advice centres.
There’ll be dedicated advice centres for Sustainability, Architecture, Build and Renovation, Home and Garden and Kitchen and Bathrooms.
Who wouldn’t want to grab the chance to pick the brains of an expert? Just make sure you book.
Booking in advance is highly recommended. Visit the Grand Designs Live website for further details.
Grand Designs Live London at Excel. 02/05/2026 – Photograph by Sam Frost ©2026 – www.samfrostphotos.com
4. Kevin McCloud’s Green Heroes
Every year, Kevin McCloud’s Green Heroes celebrates the very best conceptual and eco-friendly construction ideas.
Grand Designs icon Kevin personally selects his top heroes for every show. From small-scale start-ups to big businesses setting a green example for the rest of the industry.
This year, Max McMurdo will be showcasing these incredible products in the Sustainability Theatre.
Photo: Media 10
Grand Designs Live will be open between 10am-5pm every day between 2-4 October 2026.
Buy your tickets to Grand Designs Live here.
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