The event will take place at the NEC in Birmingham. Photo: Elliott Brown CC-BY-SA-2.0

Organisers of a new outdoors show say they will open its box office on Thursday with a Facebook event.

The inaugural National Outdoor Expo is scheduled to take place on the weekend of 27-28 March next year at the NEC in Birmingham.

Raccoon Events, who are organising the event, said the show will have six main areas: walking, climbing, eating outdoors, camping, family excursions and running.

It said it will be open to enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. Planned attractions include a rope walk, climbing experience, zip line and outdoor skills theatre.

Outdoor brands will also be attending, with the chance to try gear before visitors buy.

Speakers booked for the expo include writer and adventurer Ben Fogle; sportsman, athlete and adventurer James Cracknell; and adventurer and endurance runner Susie Chan.

Raccoon Events runs the National Running Show and is expanding to include more outdoor activities in the new expo.

Chief executive Mike Seaman said: “Living an active, healthy and exciting life outdoors is so important in this fast-paced world we live in.

“Being able to slow down, breathe fresh air and enjoy your favourite outdoor pursuits is so valuable. We all know how much better we feel after time outdoors and we hope to inspire and motivate more people to get active outdoors and make the most of what nature has to offer.

“At a time when the great outdoors has never been more appreciated, predictions are that 2021 will see a boom of people making the most of the great outdoors, with adventuring high on the list of priorities for many who have developed a passion for walking and running during lockdown.

“Our hope is that visitors can fully immerse themselves in all things outdoors with their friends and family. The weekend will offer a host of workshops, inspiring talks, information and advice from experts in the field as well as some of the best shopping around, and all under one roof.”

Brands so far booked include Ordnance Survey, Adidas Terrex, Ellis Brigham, Hoka One One, Grangers, Aftershokz, YAMAtune and Vibram.

The online launch will take place on the National Running Show Facebook page at 6pm on Thursday.

Raccoon Events said it will be offering free tickets to the first 2,000 people to register for the show. More details are on the event website.