More than just a trade show, the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event is your ultimate hands-on experience! Dive into live demonstrations and over 80 expert-led training sessions, all designed to inspire and upskill UK garages, bodyshops, and detailers. Discover everything that happened at the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event 2026!
Theatres & Features
Bodyshop Village
New for this year, the Bodyshop Village is a dedicated area designed exclusively for collision repair professionals. It brings together leading bodyshop suppliers in one focused space, offering: Live product demonstrations, hands-on repair solutions and direct access to suppliers specialising in paint, refinishing, tools, and collision repair. It’s the fastest way to discover new products and technologies that can improve repair quality, efficiency, and profitability.
Workshop Theatre
In partnership with Autotechnician and sponsored by Mavrick Diagnostics, the Workshop Theatre presents a packed programme of technical seminars addressing the advancements and challenges facing the service, repair and maintenance sector, covering a range of topics such as faults & diagnostics, repairs, MOT, EVs service and repair, ADAS and more. Join for a mixture of panel discussions and case studies with top tier technicians and experts in the field to continue to build skills and adapt to the ever-changing automotive landscape.
Paint & Spray Live
This will feature a fully operational and ventilated spray booth at the show where the latest products and techniques can be put to the test in a live demo environment. A must-see for any Bodyshop visitor!
Collision & Detail Lab
Join this feature for the latest updates, demos, advice, technical innovations and expertise in the collision repair and vehicle detailing sector. Ensuring you receive the best information and techniques through a combination of demos and seminars, visitors can expect to learn about everything from abrasives and dents to polishing and paint correction. This feature is in association with our Education Partner, Bodyshop Magazine.
Business Management Theatre
This theatre is designed for forward-thinking garage and body shop owners and managers who are eager to enhance their business operations, boost profitability and future-proof their business in an ever-evolving industry. This is a must-attend programme for anyone responsible for the operations of their garage or workshop, in addition to key industry updates prepare to cover topics such maximising profits, sustainability, adapting operations to the digital age, mastering marketing, tackling the talent gap and much more.
Ignite Arena
The Ignite Arena welcomes students and apprentices to join for live entertainment and interactive talks highlighting the range of opportunities available and direction of travel in the automotive industry. This innovative arena is perfect for the next generation of talent looking to jumpstart their careers with real industry insights following a mixture of talks and meet & greet opportunities.
NEW Dent-pulling Demo
At the Collision & Detail Lab Car-O-Liner is set to showcase the latest techniques and equipment in action for a live dent pulling demo. Designed for technicians and repair professionals, the session will deliver a practical demonstration into efficient, accurate dent removal processes. Attendees will see first-hand how advanced pulling systems can improve repair quality while reducing cycle times. With expert guidance and real-world applications, this is a must-attend session for anyone looking to enhance their structural repair capabilities at #UKGBE2026.
NEW Mini Boys First Car
This year we are welcoming a very special guest duo — a father and his 12-year-old son who are bringing their own car project to show live on-site. After two years working together rebuilding an old Mini from the ground up, they’ll be showcasing the progress they’ve made and sharing their hands-on journey of learning and craftsmanship. Don’t miss this family collab and automotive creativity!
Classic Car Showcase
We’re bringing a true piece of motoring history to this year’s event — a beautifully preserved Sunbeam Tourer. Originally used as a wedding car, this 1925 classic represents an era of craftsmanship, attention to detail and pride in presentation that still defines the very best garages and bodyshops today. Taking centre stage at the event, it’s a rare chance to get up close to a vehicle that showcases how far our industry has evolved — while reminding us that quality workmanship never goes out of style.
NEW Garage Den
The IAAF Garage Den is a new innovation initiative from the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), launched at their 2025 conference, pairing aftermarket suppliers with independent garages (the "Dragons") to co-develop new commercial products or services for the automotive aftermarket, with successful ideas to be showcased at the June 2026 UK Garage and Bodyshop Event. It's a "Dragon's Den"-style format where suppliers pitch innovations, like TechMan's garage software or Hella Gutmann's diagnostic tools, to garage owners for real-world testing and development, fostering collaboration and future solutions.
Hot Wings Challenge
The Hot Wings Challenge is a fiery twist on the traditional panel debate where bold opinions meet even bolder flavours. As the wings get hotter, so do the questions. This year’s line-up features Tina Drayson (Operations Director at CCM Garages), Gary Wood (Managing Director at Intelligent Auto), Jenny Price (Director at James Price Garage) and Jordan Kendal of JLK Vehicle Technicians — known to many as The Norfolk Tech on TikTok — moderated by Mark Field, CEO of IAAF. Expect unfiltered insights, quick-fire reactions, and plenty of personality as panellists face progressively hotter wings with every round. It’s opinionated, unpredictable, and guaranteed to be one of the most talked-about sessions of the programme.
Modern Garage
Modern Garage is a dedicated drop-in clinic at #UKGBE2026, designed to give visitors direct access to practical, expert-led advice across the show. Industry specialists Mike Bell, Tom Banks, Jason Luter, Kevin Pearce and Chris Lennon will be on hand each day to answer questions and share insights. Whether you’re looking for guidance on workshop solutions, diagnostics, bodyshop PFR or LKQ Electric, the team will provide clear, actionable support. If you want straight-talking advice from professionals who understand the realities of today’s automotive sector, this is one stand you won’t want to miss.
Student Programme
Designed to inspire and guide the next generation of automotive talent, students are invited to follow a dedicated event programme packed with interactive sessions showcasing the breadth of opportunities across the industry. Highlights include a podcast-style talk on career pathways, technology of the future, a live interview with 12-year-old Ben rebuilding a Mini from scratch, and practical sessions on entering the aftermarket and building a fulfilling career. The Student Programme is built to help students make informed decisions about a future in the automotive sector. By hearing from some of the best in the industry and seeing first-hand the technologies and career opportunities on offer, students will leave with fresh ideas, real insight and valuable connections — plus enjoy a slice of pizza at lunchtime. Come prepared with an open mind and be ready to get involved — the more engaged you are, the more you’ll gain from this rare and rewarding experience.
Autotechnician Workshop
Brought to you in partnership with Autotechnician Magazine, the Autotechnician Workshop will feature hands-on practical demonstrations with both EV and ICE vehicles, debunking myths, tackling common troubleshooting and answering key questions in real time.
Automechanika Birmingham Thirty Under 30
An awards programme celebrating the next generation of the automotive industry! FREE to enter, with the top 30 finalists chosen by an expert panel and honoured at an exclusive networking event during the show. This is your chance to shine—enter now and be recognized as a rising star in the automotive industry! The Student Programme is built to help students make informed decisions about a future in the automotive sector. By hearing from some of the best in the industry and seeing first-hand the technologies and career opportunities on offer, students will leave with fresh ideas, real insight and valuable connections — plus enjoy a slice of pizza at lunchtime. Come prepared with an open mind and be ready to get involved — the more engaged you are, the more you’ll gain from this rare and rewarding experience.
Ramp Up
In partnership with JHM Butt & Co Ltd and Snap-on, this brand-new feature brings fully operational vehicle ramps centre stage. Expect hands-on demos, technical insight, and real-world workshop expertise throughout the show. You’ll see correct lifting techniques, workshop best practice, and the evolving demands of modern garage equipment demonstrated live, alongside expert-led sessions and interactive discussions.The Student Programme is built to help students make informed decisions about a future in the automotive sector. By hearing from some of the best in the industry and seeing first-hand the technologies and career opportunities on offer, students will leave with fresh ideas, real insight and valuable connections — plus enjoy a slice of pizza at lunchtime. Come prepared with an open mind and be ready to get involved — the more engaged you are, the more you’ll gain from this rare and rewarding experience.
Garage Games
Get ready for one of the most entertaining moments of the event. Overseen by Matt Cleevely and Alex Jones, the Garage Games sees top technicians and influencers, including Lou Baker, Alex Lindley, Ant Jally, Sophie Bailey, Elliot’s Autos and Norfolk Tech - go head-to-head in fast-paced, knockout challenges. Expect everything from teamwork-based tyre changes to blindfolded tasks and diagnostic tests, top performers will battle it out in the final Garage Gauntlet to take the crown.The Student Programme is built to help students make informed decisions about a future in the automotive sector. By hearing from some of the best in the industry and seeing first-hand the technologies and career opportunities on offer, students will leave with fresh ideas, real insight and valuable connections — plus enjoy a slice of pizza at lunchtime. Come prepared with an open mind and be ready to get involved — the more engaged you are, the more you’ll gain from this rare and rewarding experience.
STREETBUS
STREETBUS is no ordinary bus, it’s a converted American school bus turned mobile community hub and youth outreach vehicle. Using street basketball, art, music and culture STREETBUS brings energy to every space it visits, creating fun, inclusive experiences that bring people and communities together in a bold and unforgettable way..
Networking & Socials
Networking Pitstop
Recharge and connect at the Networking Pit Stop, the perfect place to meet industry peers, forge new relationships, and share ideas in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
Bodyshop Buzz Social
BODYSHOP BUZZ will be THE networking event for bodyshop owners and managers, technicians and support staff, and everyone from the repair sector supply chain during the #UKGBE2026 trade show. The drinks reception, in association with Bodyshop Magazine, will take place on 3rd June from 4:00pm across the Bodyshop Magazine and NBRA Lounge and the Complete Collision and Detailing Live theatre. Places will be limited and it’s important that you register in advance to guarantee your spot. If you’re going to be at #UKGBE2026 – which is a must for the entire UK #bodyrepair sector – this is the one party you will not want to miss. Visit www.bodyshopmag.com to sign up.