What’s The Big Deal About Yorkshire’s Event Venues Coming Together?

Yorkshire has something exciting brewing for event organisers, businesses, and visitors alike! Two of the region’s best-loved venues—the Yorkshire Event Centre and the Pavilions of Harrogate—are now joining forces under one fresh new banner: the Great Yorkshire Events Centre (GYEC).

This isn’t just a name change. It’s a complete refresh that ties together heritage, charity, and modern event planning into one seamless package. So, what’s new, and what does it mean for you? Let’s dive in.

Image source: https://www.eventindustrynews.com/news/yorkshire-venues-merge-in-brand-revamp

Why merge? A fresh face for Yorkshire Events

First up, why the change? Well, both venues are part of the Great Yorkshire Showground, a 340-acre site known for its lush green space (fittingly called “The Grounds”) and parking for over 2,000 cars. Whether it’s weddings, corporate meetings, massive exhibitions, or even festivals for 50,000 people, the Showground has been the go-to for events in the region. But until now, its two main venues operated under different names, which made things a bit clunky when marketing them as a single destination.

The Yorkshire Agricultural Society (YAS), the charity that owns the site, decided it was time for a revamp. By merging the venues into one unified identity, GYEC can better represent the versatility of what the Showground offers. Plus, the refresh gives a nod to Yorkshire’s proud farming heritage while adding a modern edge.

What’s new with The Yorkshire Agricultural Society?

YAS has also had a makeover, ensuring its Great Yorkshire Show, the charity, and its commercial businesses all feel more connected. And here’s the cool part: when you book an event at GYEC, you’re actually supporting something bigger.

All profits from events go straight into YAS’s charity work. Whether that’s providing mental health support for farmers, training teachers on agriculture, or hosting free educational events for kids to learn where their food comes from, it’s all about giving back. So, booking here isn’t just about throwing a great event—it’s about helping the community too.

A new film, a new website, and bigger picture

To kick things off, YAS has released a new film that showcases everything the venues, charity, and Showground offer. It’s like a little love letter to Yorkshire’s countryside, food, and farming. Plus, the shiny new GYEC website is now live, making it super easy to plan events, check out the facilities, and get inspired.

But the rebrand isn’t just for show. It’s a way of bringing the charity and business sides of YAS closer together. CEO Allister Nixon explains it best:

“Clients know that when they book with us, they’re contributing to a greater good. All profits fund the work of the Society.”

Hosting events for everyone, from farmers to festival fans

The newly merged Great Yorkshire Events Centre isn’t just a pretty name. It’s designed to handle every kind of event you can think of. Need space for 50,000 people? No problem. Throwing a smaller party or planning an awards night? Sorted. From exhibitions like the North of England Woodworking Show to events like The Great Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show, they’ve done it all. Events Director Richard Moorhouse summed it up: “We can now market the Great Yorkshire Events Centre as one destination that covers everything from conferences and product launches to weddings and remembrances.”

What’s happening in 2025? Sustainability takes centre stage

Looking ahead, GYEC isn’t just about hosting events—it’s committed to doing it sustainably. In 2025, they’ll be building on their ESG (environmental, social, and governance) goals with some ambitious plans. These include measuring the Showground’s biodiversity and carbon capture abilities, as well as finding ways to enhance both.

It’s all part of YAS’s mission to promote sustainability, protect the environment, and support Yorkshire’s rural community. And if you’ve ever been to the Great Yorkshire Show, you’ll know just how much they love celebrating food, farming, and countryside life. Fun fact: this flagship event attracts a whopping 140,000 visitors every year!

Fodder’s makeover: Supporting local producers

Speaking of food, there’s another big change coming this March: a complete revamp of the Fodder shop and café, which sits on-site at the Showground. If you’ve ever stopped by, you’ll know they’re all about showcasing local produce. With goods from over 430 Yorkshire suppliers, it’s a one-stop shop for everything from fresh veg to handmade cakes.

The new look Fodder will feature tasting tables (because who doesn’t love a free sample?) and a sleeker, more modern design to make shopping even better. The goal? To put farmers and producers at the heart of the experience.

Why it matters for Yorkshire

At the end of the day, the rebrand isn’t just about a new name or logo—it’s about creating a stronger identity for Yorkshire’s venues, its countryside, and its community. Whether you’re an event planner looking for the perfect spot, a business keen to impress clients, or just someone who loves supporting local farmers, the Great Yorkshire Events Centre is something to get excited about.

So, next time you’re thinking about where to host your event—or where to grab some locally made goodies—remember that Yorkshire has just levelled up. And it’s bringing everyone along for the ride.