Exhibitor Information

BTC 2026

Artist & Exhibitor Handbook

Welcome to Brighton 2026, please take a few minutes to read the following pages.

It should give you all the answers to the most common questions I get asked in the run up to the show.

Build up and registration times:

All exhibitors, artists, helpers, traders entry via Russell Road entrance.

Friday 27th Feb 2026: 4pm – 9pm 

Saturday 28th Feb 2026:  8am – 10am  

Sunday 1st Mar 2026:  9am – 10am

Please register & collect weekend wristbands & passes from Artist/Trader Reg before attempting to load in.

If you owe payment for booth or tickets it must be paid upon registration before you set up.

For trader load in, you can use either Russell Road or the seafront doors, direct to your booths once you have your bands.

Access to the venue is between the hours given above only; there will be no concessions.

Exhibitors must not carry out construction/alteration work to their stand during the show opening hours, and trolleys are not to be used during the show opening hours.

Please note children under 16 are not permitted in the hall during build up or breakdown – there are no exceptions.

You must be in place by 10am Saturday, and please remember your appointment must be at the front of the queue to get to your booth for 11am as there are no early entries allowed for public, all tickets from the Box Office (seafront queue).

The public will be on site from 11am Sat & Sun.

Breakdown times:

Sunday 1st March: 7pm – 11pm

All stands and space must be vacated by midnight Sunday.

Property not removed by this time may be disposed of at the discretion of the organisers. Exhibitors and contractors will be liable for any charges thus incurred.

The organisers accept no responsibility for goods or equipment left on stands at any time, be sensible and don’t leave your kit unattended.

General information

Stenciling: Can be found to the left of the stage, we have two vista fax machines, and trained staff ready for you, no charge as always, but tip if you are happy not to have to make your own stencils.

Printing: We will have Bluetooth print and copy facilities here also.

Couches: All our couches are pre booked, via  www.showbedz.com who will be at the show this year with additional equipment to rent from their booth.

Clinical: We will have a full stock of clinical supplies on site for anything you forget in the Stencil room.

Please use the chair covers and aprons.

Tea/coffee available free of charge in stenciling.

Artists only toilets/washrooms, please ask clinical or a staff member.

Exhibitors Wristbands:

Your booth includes an Artist Wristband / Trader Wristbands, and an artist helper band free of charge this year. These are intended for booth helpers, family and clients, we can not hold these on the door, you must take them and distribute. When the show is open, artist registration will move to the stencilling area.

First Aid: The paramedic area is in the West Bar.

Loading bay parking: Is reserved for tall supplier vehicles only in advance via Kim, all others please use NCP opposite, for local traders/artists please drop and go, watch for the wardens!  Book your NCP opposite the venue online in advance to save money.

Registration certificates: Your studio registration certificates must be entered into the application form online, if you change studio between being accepted and working please let us know asap and bring a new copy with you.

Security: There will be security in the venue during all show times. However, please be vigilant at the show and do not leave your stand unattended at any time. Ensure that personal belongings and items of value are locked away securely. The organisers accept no responsibility for goods or equipment left on stands at any time.

Candles, Vapes & Incense : Please note NO Candles or Incense can be burnt in the venue – It’s sets the smoke alarms off and we have to evacuate, same with Vapes.

Shell panels: Each shell panel is 2.13 metre high x 1 metre wide and covered in black, red or grey cloth. You may use hooks, tack, staples, nails, screws, glue or pins.

Storage facilities: Exhibitors should make provision for storage, as there are no on-site facilities.

Tables and chairs: Artist booth front Trestle tables are 1.5m long x 460mm wide. Traders trestles are 1.8m x 600mm. We have ample soft chairs for all available. Small square tables are provided for each artist to work from these are generally 600-750mm square.

Trolleys: There are no trolleys available at the venue. If you are going to need a trolley for unloading/loading, please ensure you bring one with you.

Power: All artist booths have power provided. Please don’t overload the power in the booths, it causes trips and down time for everyone. PAT test your stuff on the Friday (next to the main stage) and remember to pack extension leads. Everything you plug in must have a current PAT sticker!

 Fire and safety: Gangways must be kept clear by law. Under no circumstances will exhibits, stand dressings, mirrors or chairs be allowed to encroach into gangways. Offending items are liable to be removed.

Competitions:

Please see the ‘Whats Happening’ page…

Key times:

Friday

16:00 – Artist/trader registration & load in opens

21:00 – Artist/trader registration & load in closes

Saturday

08:00 – Artist/trader registration & load in opens

10:00 – Artist/trader registration & load in closes

10.30 – Council walk around and sign off

11:00 – Doors open to all public

11:00 – Tattooing starts

12.00  — Live Music TBC

13.00  — Live Music TBC

14.00  — Live Music TBC

15.00  — Live Music TBC

14.00 – Competition registration opens

16.00  — Live Music TBC

17.00 – Competitions on Main Stage

19.00 – Tattooing ends

19.30 – Bars close

20.00 – Venue closes

Sunday

09:00 – Venue opens

11:00 – Doors open to all public

11:00 – Tattooing starts

13.00 – Live Music TBC

14.00 – Competition registration opens

14.00 – Live Music TBC

15.00 – Live Music TBC

16.00 – Live Music TBC

17.00 – Competitions on Main Stage

18:00 – Tattooing finishes

18.30 – Bars close

19.00 – Venue closes to public

19:00 – Load out starts

Venue:

The full address is:

The Brighton Centre, Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2GR.

We use the Russell Road entrance for loading.

Delivery: Must be on Thu 26th Feb.

Collections: Must be before 2pm on Mon 2nd March.