TheBritish Industries Fair (BIF) was an annualtrade show held between 1915 and 1957, most often at twin venues, in London and Birmingham, England. The first show took place in 1915 duringWorld War I at theRoyal Agricultural Hall, London, to encourage the production of goods that would otherwise be imported from abroad, particularly from Germany.[1]
At Birmingham, a large complex of buildings was built in 1920, situated betweenCastle Bromwich Aerodrome and the railway line. For two weeks every year it was the most visited attraction in the country. In 1933, the first diesel locomotive arrived for display at the BIF. The final B.I.F was on 6 to 17 May 1957.[2]The associated aerodrome, which often showed air displays, closed with the final flight on 31 March 1958.
The Castle Bromwich exhibition hall and railway station, seen on a contemporaryOrdnance Survey 1st edition 1:25 map
The site was sold in 1960, along with that of the airfield. The buildings and the sites were cleared for the construction of theCastle Vale housing estate. The Exhibition Hall at Castle Bromwich was replaced by theNational Exhibition Centre in 1976, 19 years after its demise.
^Programmes, brochures and advertising usually specified Birmingham as the second venue, especially for visitors from other countries, although the actual location is more specifically identified as Castle Bromwich
Bartholomew's Pocket Atlas and Guide to Birmingham. Edinburgh: John Bartholomew' & Son Ltd. 1949. p. 25. (for coordinates)
