The Northern Christian Resources Exhibition (CRE) recently wrapped up in Yorkshire Event Centre (Oct 19-21), which drew nearly 4,000 visitors alongside a further 500 exhibiting staff.
"We are delighted to have established a more central venue for northern visitors," said CRE's founder Gospatric Home. "We plan to be back in Harrogate in 2008 for what will be the 10th Northern exhibition - the others having been held at the GMex Centre, Manchester. We were fortunate in having an outstanding talks programme this time which attracted an above average number of attendants."
A key draw was Faith 'n' Fashion, a special feature showcasing fair trade clothing, Christian leisure wear and ecclesiastical vestments.
"Our aim is to present a positive response to some of the negative aspects of the fashion industry," explains CRE marketing executive Joy Gilmour. "At the heart of it, we want to encourage people to use their buying power to speak up for those who have no voice."
Media interest in the event was strong with the BBC taking a stand and setting up inserts from the show into some 17 stations throughout the UK.
"BBC TV's Look North featured us on the evening of the first day," said Home, "Well-known newspapers such as the Manchester Evening News, Northern Echo and Yorkshire Post also gave us excellent coverage."
The next regional CRE takes place at Westpoint, Exeter (25 to 27 January 2007), followed by National CRE at Sandown Park, Esher (15 to 18 May 2007) to be opened by Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury.
