Is there a cat show in London this year?

[Dawn F]

looks like it will be my first supreme as well then, oh has agreed to take me (I'm the worst navigator in the world!!)

[Reynard]

Well apparently, the National changed the date of the show, bringing it forward a fortnight without checking it with folks running shows in the same timeframe - which is what a club is *supposed* to do in order to minimise clashes with other shows in the same catchment area and / or clashes with other shows that are popular with exhibitors.

Hence the clash with the Supreme, which itself has had a change of date due to venue availability.

Either way, the National will probably be quite down on entries as a result - there were only 480-ish cats last year, compared to the 1450-ish of the Supreme and this year the number at the National is likely to be even less. Most shows are actually feeling the pinch and are down on numbers anyway.

Seems that some exhibitors will have to think long and hard over where they're going to go, particularly since the National holds the grand final for the Crystal Clear competition. It's a competition that has qualifying heats throughout the year at various championship shows and the prizes for the grand final involve a nice financial incentive amongst other things.

For me, and for quite a few of my exhibitor friends it's an easy decision - we'll be Supreme-bound.

[Dawn F]

I understand the reason for the 13 day rule but it seems a shame to have the shows so close that it applies - I know the venue quite well and go to a few shows there I'll be going at the end of the month and always go to the bengal show and it is a nice venue but I'm not sure if transport links are convenient enough for people not to drive and I really don't think the car park can cope once all the exhibitors have parked

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

I think this is sad about the National and I much preferred it to the Supreme , which I visited for the first time last year.

I was hoping to go to the National again this year but the change of venue would not suit my plans at all.

[Susanne (urbantigers)]

It seems a bit daft to hold it the week following the Supreme.  They must know that any cat qualifying for the Supreme is probably going to attend there if possible, and so is going to be unable to attend the National.  I've never been to the National, with it being so soon after the supreme and less easy to get to.  But it sounds a bit like they are deliberately down sizing.

[Reynard]

is that true Witty, I can't believe no more Olympia - Bracknell is pretty convenient for me but I'm not sure there is enough parking - that's pretty rubbish about the 13 day rule as well, I think the national will probably die out

Dawn, the 13-day rule is there for a reason - to prevent the possible spread of infection between cats. IMHO it is a sensible precaution and it also makes sure that cats get a decent break between shows. I know a day's showing takes a lot out of Pearl, which is why I rarely take her to two shows on the bounce i.e. a fortnight apart.

The Bracknell venue actually holds quite a few shows throughout the year - this year, as well as the National on the 29th November, you have the following:

31st of this month, a joint show for the Breed 32 Cat Association (newer colours of Siamese), the Balinese Cat Society and the Tonkinese Cat Club.

26th July, there is another show at the venue - again a joint show for the Kensington Kitten & Neuter Club, Maine Coon Breed Society, Norsk Skogkatt Society and the Seal & Blue Point Birman Cat Club.

20th of September, there is the Bucks, Oxon & Berks Cat Society show.

4th October, a joint show for the Longhair & Semi-Longhair Cat Club and the Turkish Van Cat Club.

25th of October you have a joint show between the Ocicat & bengal Cat Club and the Tonkinese Breed Club.

Regarding the National, they'll probably still ask a premium to get in (most other shows are around the £2 mark) and with the clash with the Supreme, they'll be quite down on numbers, I'd imagine. The National is just another cat show these days and IMHO there are others to visit that are more fun.

[clarenmax]

Bracknell is only just down the road from me as well, so will probably go as its so close 

[Kirst]

Brackneel is local to me . Ive never been to a cat show before (despite having owned two peds lol) so i might take myself along this year!

[Dawn F]

is that true Witty, I can't believe no more Olympia - Bracknell is pretty convenient for me but I'm not sure there is enough parking - that's pretty rubbish about the 13 day rule as well, I think the national will probably die out

[Reynard]

There is no major cat show in London this year - the National Cat Club show which used to be held at Olympia is moving to Bracknell.

There is also a change of date for the National to the 29th November - a week after the Supreme, which is on the 22nd at the NEC in Birmingham. This puts exhibitors in the position of doing either one or the other, but not both, since it puts us all inside the 13-day rule.

For me it's an easy decision - I'll be Supreme-bound.

[Leanne]

I heard that the one at Olympia is downsizing its venue, and it might be held in Bracknell (Berkshire) this year.

Oh no I hope not!

[clarenmax]

I heard that the one at Olympia is downsizing its venue, and it might be held in Bracknell (Berkshire) this year.

[Leanne]

Brilliant thank you, i'll look out for dates

[bunglycat]

Usually in Dec -the National cat show , think its at Olympia -been twice ,but not for a few years -like it better than the Nec -its just worse for me to get to.

[Dawn F]

its the biggie so I'd think so, usually November

[Leanne]

Does anyone know 

I missed last years one and would love to go to one this year