Design of the times; SHOW: Popular television series helps to bring dreams to life at the NEC.Byline: By Patrice John INTERIOR designers and gardening gurus gathered for an exhibition on the grandest scale. Hit television series Grand Designs was translated to the NEC (NEC Corporation, Tokyo, www.nec.com, www.necus.com) An electronics conglomerate known in the U.S. for its monitors. In Japan, it had the lion's share of the PC market until the late 1990s (see PC 98). NEC was founded in Tokyo in 1899 as Nippon Electric Company, Ltd. where hundreds of exhibitors flocked to share tips. Grand Designs Live was launched at the NEC for the first time this year to cater for increased demand for exhibitors outside London and the South East. The show's presenter, Kevin McCloud Kevin McCloud (born May 8 1959) is a British designer, writer and television presenter. He is best known for his work on the Channel 4 series Grand Designs. Biography Born in Bedfordshire, McCloud and his two brothers were raised in a house his parents built. , originally developed the exhibition in the south east. He said: "The launch of Grand Designs Live NEC takes us to the heart of the country with a brand new event for a brand new audience." "The NEC event isn't sin ply a London spin-off, but a purpose-dedicated show where we can share grand ideas and innovations with both a Midlands and a more national audience. "I'm very excited by the idea of taking the exhibition beyond the boundaries of the M25." He was joined by gardening celebrity Diarmuid Gavin Diarmuid Gavin (born 10 May 1964) is an Irish garden designer and television personality, based in London. He is married to Justine Keane, daughter of the former Chief Justice of Ireland Ronan Keane and Terry Keane, and they have a daughter named Eppie born December 2004. , who created a garden which shows the world's continents using local sustainable plants. He said: "This looks like being one of the most exciting and challenging projects I've undertaken. "To create a garden which reflects that with Christian Aid for Grand Designs Live is a fantastic idea." The exhibition includes four shows in one place, which are Grand Interiors, Grand Build, Grand Gardens and Grand Kitchens and Bathrooms. There will also be a Design Shopping Arcade where visitors can complete the look of a home by buying designer home accessories. The show runs until tomorrow and more than 400 exhibitors will attend. Tickets cost pounds 12 in advance or pounds 16. Children under 16 go free. Book at 0870 060 0315 or visiting www.granddesignslive.com Have you completed a Grand Design revamp on your home? Phone 0121 234 5999 until 4.30pm, email paul_fulford@mrn.co.uk, log onto www.birminghammail.net/news/yoursay or write to us at Birmingham Mail, PO Box 78, Weaman Street, Birmingham B4 6AY. WHITTOCK: PAGE 8 CAPTION(S): INSPIRATION...telly frontman front·man n. 1. also front man A man who serves as a nominal leader but who lacks real authority. 2. Music A leading singer with a group. Kevin McCloud.' THIS IS PLANET EARTH... Charlotte Adam, from the WWF See Windows Workflow Foundation. charity, with a section of the world created for the show. Picture: Trevor Roberts' TOP TIPS... TV property guru Sarah Beeny, one of the stars at the show. |
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