8 March 2010

The facts about London 2010 International Stamp Exhibition                                                     

It won’t be long now. Soon the doors will open on the event in the philatelic calendar that collectors look forward to for years in advance. Every ten years London hosts an international stamp exhibition, and the next, London 2010, will take place in May.

Here are the key facts:

What’s it called? - London 2010 International Stamp Exhibition

When? - Saturday, May 8 to Saturday, May 15.

Where? - Business Design Centre, Upper Street, Islington, London.

How much will it cost to get in? - Free every day except the opening day, when admission will cost £10.

What are the hours of opening? - From 10am to 6pm each day, except the exhibition will close at 5pm on May 15.

How many stands will there be? - There will around 150 dealers, auctioneers, and postal administrations.

Are there exhibits? - There will be 1,250 frames of exhibits, but these will change half way through the exhibition. From Saturday, May 8 to Tuesday, May 11 you can see the exhibits in the Traditional, Postal Stationery, Revenue, One-Frame and Youth classes. Then, on Wednesday, May 12, all the exhibits will change, and from that date until Saturday, May 15 you can enjoy the exhibits in the Postal History, Thematic Philately and Aerophilately classes. Entries in the Literature Class may be inspected throughout the duration of the exhibition.

Will there be anything to encourage young collectors? - The Stamp Active Network will be providing activities for the young throughout the exhibition. Accompanied children will be admitted free on the opening day.

How easy is it to reach the Business Design Centre? - Many bus routes pass the entrance in Upper Street. Angel Station on the Northern Line of the London Underground is a short walk away. From Angel Station it is easy to reach all parts of London, including the main railway stations and links with London’s airports.

Will there be facilities to eat and drink at the Business Design Centre? - Catering is provided, and the organisers of London 2010 are increasing these facilities. Remember, however, that the area around the Business Design Centre is full of bars and restaurants, plus a plethora of shops.

Are there hotels in the area? - London boasts countless hotels to suit all pockets. Some are close to the venue, but with London’s excellent transport system, no hotel is that far away.

Will there be anything else happening of interest to the stamp collector? - The international stamp exhibition is part of London 2010: Festival of Stamps. This is a year-long event, spread throughout the United Kingdom and not just in London. However, while in London for the exhibition, you will want to know that there is more to savour at Guildhall Art Gallery with a special exhibition ‘Empire Mail: George V and the GPO’, the British Library, British Museum, Museum of London Docklands and at The Royal Philatelic Society London (on May 6 only by ticket).

How can I find out more? - Visit www.london2010.org.uk.

- Ends -

Media contacts:

Richard West, Press Officer, The International Stamp Exhibition

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Jenny Karlsson, PR & Communications Officer

The British Postal Museum & Archive, www.postalheritage.org.uk

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; phone: 020 7239 2574

Notes to Editors:

• If this will be published before April 19, please draw the attention of your readers to the fact that tickets for the opening day can be ordered in advance, details on the website, but must be ordered by April 19.
• London 2010: Festival of Stamps is a year-long programme of exhibitions, events and activities, which aim to showcase, celebrate and raise public awareness of stamps, stamp design and postal heritage.
• The festival includes a major international stamp exhibition in May at the Business Design Centre, Islington for stamp collectors.  This is supported by Royal Mail, who will also be issuing special stamps.
• The British Postal Museum & Archive is co-ordinating wider festival events and activities at venues across London and beyond, including a major exhibition, ‘Empire Mail: George V and the GPO’ at Guildhall Art Gallery, City of London, showcasing material from both the BPMA and the Royal Philatelic Collection.
• London 2010: Festival of Stamps partner venues include the British Library, the British Museum, Bath Postal Museum, Bletchley Park, Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum The Royal Philatelic Society, Twickenham World Rugby Museum and many others.