Design Festival North is back for 2026, but with Birmingham replacing Manchester

Design Festival North, the regional design event organised by Design Social North, will return in 2026 with an expanded programme visiting Leeds, Birmingham and Liverpool. The one-day festival, which takes place on 12 March, will bring together architects, interior designers, specifiers and suppliers to explore new products and ideas from across the design and built environment sectors. The organisers say the event aims to strengthen connections between creative professionals and foster collaboration across regions outside London.

Each location will feature exhibitions from a range of design and furniture brands alongside talks, workshops and networking sessions. The format reflects a growing shift in the industry toward regional engagement, with designers and suppliers increasingly focusing on local communities and sustainable travel rather than centralised trade fairs.

Design Social North, which launched the festival in Manchester, has said that the move to take the event on tour follows strong demand from manufacturers and design practices keen to engage with audiences in other major cities. Previous editions have highlighted workplace and hospitality design, sustainability and technology as recurring themes.

By expanding to new regions, the organisers say they hope to reach a wider audience of designers and specifiers who may not travel to London-based events. The aim, they say, is to provide an accessible platform for knowledge sharing and connection between suppliers and the wider design community.

The festival’s format is expected to combine product showcases with informal learning sessions and opportunities for networking. It will also act as a barometer for current trends in commercial interiors, from material innovation and circular design to the evolving role of regional design hubs. Design Festival North 2026 will take place in Leeds, Birmingham and Liverpool on 12 March. Further details on venues, exhibitors and registration are expected to be announced later this year.