Bristol Hi-Fi Show won't go ahead in a virtual format this year

The Bristol Hi-Fi Show
(Image credit: The Bristol Hi-Fi Show)

The Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2021 was cancelled as an in-person event in October, and now we've received confirmation that it won't go ahead in the proposed virtual format either.

Last autumn, the organisers of the UK's biggest hi-fi show cancelled the February event due to "uncertainty surrounding the ongoing pandemic," however stated they were "looking at options to host a virtual event". Unfortunately, they have decided not to proceed with virtual Bristol Hi-Fi Show plans, citing the lack of the industry's resources and time, as well as difficulties of supply and/or production created by the pandemic – albeit no lack of industry approval and enthusiasm.

"Sadly we have made the decision not to proceed with the virtual show... without the prospect of at least 25-30 virtual exhibitors we felt that the resulting endeavour would disappoint visitors and damage the Bristol Show brand, which we have spent 34 years creating," read the organisers' email. Some good news, though: the Bristol Hi-Fi Show is set to return next year – hopefully in person! – on February 25th, 26th and 27th. 

As for this year's hi-fi calendar, our fingers (and toes) are crossed that the Munich High End Show will go ahead as planned. In November it was revealed that Europe's biggest hi-fi show, which usually takes place in May, had been rescheduled to September.

And then there's the springtime What Hi-Fi? Virtual Show, of course...

Becky Roberts
Freelance contributor

Becky is a hi-fi, AV and technology journalist, formerly the Managing Editor at What Hi-Fi? and Editor of Australian Hi-Fi and Audio Esoterica magazines. With over twelve years of journalism experience in the hi-fi industry, she has reviewed all manner of audio gear, from budget amplifiers to high-end speakers, and particularly specialises in headphones and head-fi devices.

In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.