Where is The NEC?

The NEC is at North Avenue, Marston Green, Solihull, West Midlands, B40 1NT (near Birmingham).

 

In brief

The Birmingham NEC (National Exhibition Centre) was opened in 1976. There is now 20 interconnecting halls. Used for comic book conventions, to caravan shows to gardening based shows and more. Meet celebrities, or attend sporting events. It is connected to Birmingham Airport via Birmingham International Station and the Air Rail Link.

The NEC (October 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Plaques at the NEC

There used to be three plaques below world flags from the 1970s until 2018. These were relocated ahead of the construction of The Bear Grylls Adventure. They used to be close to Hall 1.

Flags and plaques at the NEC (October 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

In February 1973, the then Prime Minister the Rt Hon Edward Heath MP unveiled this plaque at the start of the building of the National Exhibition Centre.

Plaques at the NEC (December 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Three years later, Her Majesty The Queen unveiled this plaque in February 1976, to mark the opening of the National Exhibition Centre.

Plaques at the NEC (December 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Lions Clubs 81st International Convention was marked with this plaque, held from 29th June to 3rd July 1998, at the Birmingham NEC.

Plaques at the NEC (December 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Entrance bridge from Birmingham International to the NEC

After getting off your train from Birmingham New Street to Birmingham International, after going up the escalators, and passing the ticket gates, you head to the right for the NEC. You go over a bridge that crosses over part of the railway and over one of the halls.

The NEC (October 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

At the other end is escalators and stairs down to the NEC. Lifts are also available. If you head in the other direction, you can go to Birmingham Airport via the Air Rail Link.

The NEC (October 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Outside Halls 1 - 5

The area outside the 5 main halls leads to Pendigo Way and Resorts World. These halls were externally refurbished in 2018.

The NEC (October 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Outside of halls 1 and 5 is the Pendigo Lake. These halls can be seen opposite of Resorts World.

The NEC (October 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Halls 1 and 5 were extenally recladded during the summer of 2018, and by the autumn they were finished. It looked amazing with the Pendigo Lake on a sunny day.

The NEC (October 2018). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The main entrance to the NEC. Only enter via the green entrance doors. The red doors are exit only.

The NEC (September 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Hallways between halls 1 - 5

The area between halls 1 and 5 inside. It is where fans queue to go into comic book conventions. The exit doors leads out to the Pendigo Lake, the hotels and Resorts World. Starbucks near Hall 5, is only open when a show is on.

The NEC (August 2018). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

This is the hallway near the Piazza, and the exit from the bridge from Birmingham International Station. It goes between Halls 1 and 3.

The NEC (October 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

In the middle is an area with bars and cafes, somewhere to buy food, when a show is on. This is close to Hall 2, 3, 3A and 4.

The NEC (October 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

This is the hallway inside the NEC between Hall's 4 and 5. There is a Londis supermarket on the right, plus visitor information.

The NEC (September 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Piazza

The Piazza is an outdoor area between halls 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Somewhere to sit and relax, have something to eat or drink, or to smoke. Close to the entrance escalators to the Skywalk.

The NEC (Decemeber 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Skywalk

The Skywalk is the escalators and travelators / bridge that goes between Halls 4 & 5 to Halls 8 & 9. This gives visitors access to Halls 6 to 20.

The NEC (June 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Atrium

After you leave the Skywalk via the escalators, you are at the Atrium in The NEC. This gives visitors access to Halls 6 to 20. There is places to eat and drink in here such as Starbucks.

The NEC (June 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Outside the Atrium

This is the area outside of the Atrium (near Halls 17 to 20). Every June, it is used for BBC Gardeners World Live.

The NEC (June 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Atrium entrance 2. The City of Birmingham welcomes you to the National Exhibition Centre. There is several car parks nearby, so sometimes people might arrive to this entrance (if not gone by bus or train).

The NEC (June 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Atrium entrance 3. Welcome to The NEC. Enjoy your visit. During busy events such as BBC Gardeners World Live every June, there is ice cream vans, vintage bus bars etc, plus live music at the bandstand.

The NEC (June 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Hall 1

In November 2016, Hall 1 was used to sign in with your ticket to MCM Birmingham Comic Con, where you also got your hand stamped. Some fans came in cosplay.

The NEC (November 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Hall 2

During the first weekend of September 2022, Hall 2 was the location of Film & Comic Con Birmingham Collectormania 27. Would have been a mix of veteran actors and former sport stars here.

Film & Comic Con Birmingham Collectormania 27 at The NEC (September 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Hall 4

In October 2016, Hall 4 was used for Destination Star Trek Europe, celebrating (at the time) the 50th anniversary of the Star Trek Franchise.

Destination Star Trek Europe at The NEC (October 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Hall 5

In November 2016, MCM Birmingham Comic Con was held in Hall 5. There was a variety of items for sale, as well as fans dressed in cosplay. Plus celebrity guests.

The NEC (November 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Hall 16

The Floral Marquee at BBC Gardeners World Live used Hall 16 during June 2022. Celebrating 100 years of the BBC.

The NEC (June 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Halls 17 - 18

During BBC Gardeners World Live in June 2022, Halls 17 and 18 were used, with various companies displaying their gardening related products. The halls were open to halls 19 and 20 for BBC Good Food Summer as well. There was stages were you could see gardening TV experts such as Alan Titchmarsh.

The NEC (June 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Halls 19 - 20

BBC Good Food Show Summer was held in Halls 19 and 20 at the same time as BBC Gardeners World Live, during June 2022. The dividers were all open from halls 17, 18, 19 and 20. And you could freely walk through both BBC shows with your Gardeners World Live ticket.

The NEC (June 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Go to this feature on Conventions at the Birmingham NEC.

 

Transport links

• By car: M42 junction 6 at the A45 Coventry Road.
• By train: Birmingham International Station with a link to Birmingham Airport on the Air-Rail Link.
• By bus: X1 and X12 Platinum buses from National Express West Midlands (stops at Birmingham International Station)

 

Contact details

The NEC Birmingham

Birmingham

B40 1NT

0121 780 4141

NEC Contact us