Excel London or Olymipia shows

[misshestp]

which one do you recommend?
who has been, who is going?
please post
thanks

[Gailh]

I went to Excel last year and wouldn't recommend it. Car parking was very expensive andthe stands were very small and overcrowded. That was the only show I've been to so maybe they're all like that? I didn't book to go to any of the workshops so maybe I missed out there.

[amylashton]

I went to the stitch and craft at Olympia last year and it was rather disappointing. Not very much there for scrapbookers - mainly sewing etc. It was fun to see the Scrapbook Inspirations team and their display of layouts (don't know if they're planning to be there this year) but other than that, there wasn't very much going on. I struggled to spend my money, to be honest! I've never been to any other big shows but I'm sure there are better ones.

xxx

[amcmen]

I was not impressed either last year. Personally I would save my money and go to the big show at Alexander Palace in April. There are masses of scrapping and stamping shows (many of them are sponsors on here) and the workshops/classes are usually good.

HTH

Anna x

[CarolynUK]

Another one who wouldn't bother with either! They are both expensive to get into and awful when you are in.

Save your dosh for Ally Pally

[klmpink]

I would agree with the above. I did a couple of classes which were fun but the stalls were really disappointing. Mostly for card makers and certainly no "new" stuff. I wont be going this year despite it being 20 mins away. Ally Pally is the best show in London and the only one I would recommend.

[spurs]

I agree Ally Pally is by far the best show I have been to for scrappers. I went to Olympia last year for the first and the last time, I would say it was really for crafters interested in stitchcraft rather than papercraft.

[klmpink]

Ooh forgot about Olympia, I went there for the first time last year and it was definitely more for stichers. For Scrapbookers the best is Ally Pally, then Excel and finally Olympia for shows in London

[Ches]

I think the next Ally Pally scrapbooking show is the weekend of 12/13 April. It's the absolute best one