Coming off a record-setting event in 2022, Hillhead 2024 hopes to build on the momentum from two years ago.
This year’s Hillhead – taking place June 25-27 at Hillhead Quarry in Buxton, Derbyshire, UK – reestablishes the event taking place every two years. QMJ Group, the organization that puts on Hillhead, was forced to cancel the 2020 show due to the COVID pandemic.
Despite that setback, Hillhead 2022 – the 40th anniversary of the show – set records for exhibitors and opening day attendance.
“More than 600 exhibitors showcased their latest products, innovations and technology, collectively offering more choice for the quarrying, construction and recycling sectors than ever before,” says Richard Bradbury, executive director of QMJ Group. “Some 18,500 unique visitors attended the show and were entertained by a record number of live demonstrations.”
QMJ anticipates Hillhead 2024 will break these records, with around 600 UK and international companies set to exhibit and up to 20,000 visitors expected.
Live demos
In preparation for the show and the displays that will take place, QMJ shot a blast at Hillhead Quarry that produced more than 22,000 tons of run-of-quarry stone. This stone will be used across four demonstration areas at Hillhead, allowing attendees to get a live look at machinery operating in a real quarry environment.
More than 200 product categories will be on display, according to QMJ.
At the quarry face area, excavators, earthmoving equipment, heavy haulage and material processing equipment will operate across three benches spanning the length of the quarry. Equipment from brands such as Case Construction Equipment, Develon, Hitachi, Liebherr and SBM will be in use there.
Another display area known as “Crusher Alley” will focus on rock processing. Material handlers, crushers and screens will be running from companies such as Anaconda, Astec, EvoQuip and Powerscreen.
There will also be an area focused on recycled materials, with crushers, screens, shredders and material handers at work. According to QMJ, the materials imported onto the site for recycling and demonstrations include general construction and demolition waste, concrete blocks, waste asphalt and brick rubble.
Finally, demonstrations near the show registration area will focus on attachments, excavators, shredders and screens. QMJ says this area was further developed ahead of the previous Hillhead show to create an enclosed arena hosting rock processing and recycling demonstrations.
Amenity additions
Attendees of Hillhead 2024 will see a number of expansions, additions and improvements throughout the showgrounds. The renamed Showground Pavilion (previously the Main Pavilion) has been extended by nearly 14,000 sq. ft., generating more indoor stand space and adding a newly designed Hillhead Café and an outdoor terrace seating area, according to QMJ.
More seating and communal areas, as well as two hydration stations, have also been added to various locations around the showground. Also, additional catering areas have been organized across the site to offer a wider range of choices and reduce wait times.
Following the success of Hillhead 2022, Bradbury is excited to welcome exhibitors and attendees back to Buxton this month.
“Above all else, Hillhead 2022 proved there is no substitute for face-to-face events for keeping up to date with the industry, building positive relationships and doing business,” he says. “We look forward to welcoming you all again in 2024.”