Soaring Temperatures, Drove Record Crowds to Hillhead.
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Hillhead 2026 proved to be one of the largest and busiest exhibitions in the event’s history. Amid exceptionally high June temperatures, a record 627 exhibitors showcased the latest products, equipment and technologies.
The exhibition also recorded its busiest-ever opening day, welcoming more than 9,000 visitors on Tuesday 23 June – a first for the event.
Over the three days, Hillhead 2026 attracted 25,878 visits, including 18,395 unique trade visitors.
As the dust literally settles on another event, Hillhead 2026 demonstrated the organisers said why it remains the industry’s benchmark exhibition, bringing together major product launches, engineering innovation and live working demonstrations in a unique operating environment.
From battery-electric and hybrid equipment to increasingly connected, automated and digitally enabled machines, the exhibition reflected the industry’s ongoing drive towards greater productivity, improved safety and a more sustainable future.
A standout feature for 2026 was the introduction of the new curated Quarry Face demonstration programme, hosted by broadcaster Nikki Dean. Alongside the scheduled demonstrations in the Rock Processing Area (Crusher Alley) and the continuous live machine demonstrations across the Quarry Face, East and Registration Areas, visitors were given an opportunity to see the latest plant, equipment and technology in real world working conditions.
The demonstrations brought to life many of the industry’s most significant developments, including electrification, intelligent machine control, automation and digital technologies.
Commenting on this year’s show, Hillhead event director Richard Bradbury said: ‘Hillhead has always been about bringing the industry together, and this year’s event demonstrated what can be achieved when exhibitors, visitors and our delivery partners collaborate. The result was an outstanding showcase for the quarrying, construction and recycling industries”.
Read the full report in the next edition of UK Plant Operators Magazine.
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