22nd International Symposium
22nd International Handbell Symposium 2026
As you will know HRGB will be hosting the 22nd International Handbell Symposium in 2026. On behalf of the NEC, a venue finding group has been hard at work seeking bids from a number of venues and comparing their responses. This process has looked at each venue in terms of their facilities, accessibility, support and particularly, value for money.
After a long and thorough process a selection decision has been made and a contract signed.
The 22nd International Handbell Symposium will be held 4th – 8th August 2026 at
The Sage International Conference Centre Newcastle Gateshead Quays.
The centre is currently under construction and is due to be open in 2024/25 with HRGB’s hosting of the Symposium being an important early international event for the venue.
Please publicise this event at your regional events and in your newsletters. Please encourage your members to follow the progress of the planning team who will update us all with plans for the event and its activities over the next 3 years. Please also encourage them to save the dates and consider attending, after all it’s only on home turf once every 16 years now!
The event planning team will be chaired by Martin Winter. If there is anyone on your team that would like to be involved in the planning and or delivery of the symposium their help would be greatly appreciated. Please ask them to contact Martin to chat through how they can help. symposium26@hrgb.org.uk
We all look forward to hosting, attending and enjoying being part of this great event.
