The National Festival of Railway Modelling
Dates: 21 November - 22 November 2026 Venue: NEC Visit Event Website
The National Festival of Railway Modelling returns to the NEC Birmingham on 21–22 November 2026 for the UK's largest model railway exhibition. Sponsored by Rapido Trains UK, the event brings together thousands of railway modelling enthusiasts to explore an outstanding collection of expertly crafted layouts, discover the latest products and gain inspiration from some of the hobby's leading names.
Featuring more than 65 hand-picked layouts curated by the British Railway Modelling editorial team, the exhibition also offers expert talks and practical demonstrations at the World of Railways Stage. Visitors can browse over 120 manufacturers, retailers, clubs and societies showcasing new releases, specialist tools, scenery, accessories and modelling supplies. With family-friendly attractions, including the Marble Express Train Game and a free ride-on train, the National Festival of Railway Modelling is an unmissable event for experienced modellers, collectors and newcomers alike.
About NEC
In 1976, HM The Queen officially opened the NEC in Birmingham. The NEC has grown in size and notoriety and it has become one of the UK’s primary venues for event organisers, exhibitors and visitors by choice. The NEC initially housed seven exhibition halls – where as to date they house 19, and in addition to this they offer 34 conference suites and numerous outdoor spaces.
For 40 years the NEC has faced challenges, been questioned and propelled itself into exhibition industry to ensure they continue to grow and move with the times because only by doing so can they ensure their exhibitors and visitors can too. It’s an approach that is solid, and the NEC now hosts to over six million visitors and 500 exhibitions each year.
