THE UK's biggest farm machinery show is all change this year – it's earlier and it's at a new location.

An exciting new era is promised for LAMMA begins on January 8 and 9 when it opens its doors at the NEC Birmingham for the first time. It's still free entry, too, even though some standholders have been grumbling about the cost of going to the event, there is one thing for sure, it will not be as subject to the vagaries of the weather which have caused problems and, indeed, cancellations, in the past.

Organisers told The SF that the move will deliver a whole new experience for visitors, with all stands at the UK’s leading agricultural event being fully under cover for the first time in its history. Convenient for road, railway and air travel (car parking is also free) the aim is to build on the event’s reputation as the most diverse and innovative machinery, equipment and services show, covering all sectors of the farming industry under one roof.

While some in the sector are mooting a shift to sharing an alterante year schedule with Agritechnica, the massive German machinery show, this year is all about how the new venue will go down with visitors. There will be plenty for them to see – the 11 halls at the NEC are set to host more than 650 exhibitors and will once again provide a key platform for exhibitors to introduce ground-breaking innovations to the market.

The LAMMA Innovation Awards will be relaunched at the NEC, with the medal winners announced in December (see separate story) and a new guided Innovation Trail will enable visitors to find out more about the gold and silver medal innovations that will be showcased on exhibitors' stands.

The event organisers promise the show will stay true to its roots, attracting not just large machinery manufacturers, but also smaller agricultural engineering and machinery firms from across the UK. Between them they will be showcasing the latest tractors, combines, drills and cultivation kit, some of it on view for the first time, as well as wide range of products and services and every type of tool imaginable. In this preview to the event, we will showacse some of the highlights you can expect ...

Advance registration:

Visitors are being asked to register in advance via a simple four-step process, which is now open at www.lammashow.com. Badges will be emailed automatically within a few minutes of completing the form, ensuring visitors can walk straight through to the show when doors open in January as long as they print out their badge.

* Doors open on Tuesday, January 8 between 8.30am and 5.30pm and Wednesday, January 9 between 8.30am and 4.30pm.

* Venue: National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham B40 1NT. The NEC is clearly signposted from all motorways and major routes. Once at the NEC ignore satnavs and look for LAMMA show signs. Once parked, visitors can take a free shuttle bus or signposted footpaths to the show entrance.

* Birmingham International Railway Station is located within the NEC. For all events at the NEC, Virgin Trains offers 25% off advance tickets fares – see www.virgintrains.co.uk/nec. The closest airport is Birmingham Airport which is connected to the NEC by a free and fast shuttle.