London Show Opens This Friday

A quick reminder for south easterners that this weekend is the 2005 Outdoor Adventure Show at Olympia in the country of London. As a bonus, the unwritten rule that all outdoor shows coincide with perfect weather should mean a cracking weekend for the rest of us...

It's the second show of its kind. Last year's inaugural event was held at the Business Design Centre in Islington and frankly, despite the best efforts of the organisers, was a little disappointing with a relatively small number of genuinely interesting stands and events. With the main OS Outdoor Show at the NEC jiust a month away, maybe it's asking a little much to expect the industry to support a London show as well?

This year's switch to Olympia may see a step up in quality, though to be brutal, the exhibitor list looks a tad thin with Berghaus the only major UK outdoor brand with a stand. Of course it's not just about exhibitors and for many visitors, the main attraction will be the Spirit of Adventure Theatre featuring lectures by Sir Rannulph Fiennes - who's next target is Everest - award-winning writer Tony Hawks and Charley Boorman who kept Ewan McGregor company on his bike trip around the world. You can also catch Alan Hinkes, Benedict Allen and Bear Grylls, though again, the quality looks a bit patchy.

Also running at the show are the A5 British Bouldering Championships, Tiso outdoors workshop with talks and presentations on hill skills and the somewhat bizarre Giant Stalactite Climb Challenge, which pits your climbing skills against a giant stalactite in the middle of the Metro Adventure Cafe. Set the fastest time and you'll win a prize, doesn't say what it is though...

Ah well. The show starts this Friday 18 February and ends on Sunday 20 February with tickets at £10 for adults and a fiver for kiddies. More information on the Outdoors Adventure Show web site.