BOURNEMOUTH Hotel & Catering Exhibition has received major support from the industry in the run up to the 50th anniversary event on March 7-8.

New sponsors coming on board include Electrolux and industry networking group Arena, along-side continued support from key sponsors HCE, Coastline Foodservice, Major International and Stalbridge Linen.

The exhibition is set to take over the new halls of the BIC following its £22 million re-development.

Arena's Penny Steiner said: "We're pleased to support the 50th Bournemouth Hotel & Catering Exhibition, which promises to be a significant landmark event for the industry.

"This event will bring together some of the industry's most influential and leading players, including Arena members, and we're particularly proud to be associated with the show's glittering Gold Hospitality Ball event."

Exhibitors will include Caf du Monde, Nestle UK, IDB Deutschland & Co, Aspen Design & Catering Equipment and oriental foodservice provider Lee Kum Kee.

Regional exhibitors such as Marshfield Farm Foods and New Forest Ice Cream will be giving visitors a taste of the best flavours in the area.

The show will also feature a Speciality Food & Drink Pavilion and the Wessex Salon Culinaire - the second largest Salon Culinaire forum in the UK.

The show's Bournemouth & Poole College Cookery Theatre, sponsored by Electrolux, will feature live cookery demonstrations by celebrity and leading chefs.

Exhibition director Anna Wallis said: "It's fantastic that the 50th anniversary show is attracting so much support from across the industry.

"The Bournemouth Hotel & Catering Exhibition is gaining excellent national recognition and we look forward to hosting a dynamic event crammed with benefits for exhibitors and visitors."

First published: October 28