Visitor Testimonials

Here is your chance to look back at the 2019 show…

The 2019 event attracted more than 260 exhibiting companies, ranging from large renowned brands to smaller start-up companies, all looking to showcase their innovations across the toys, games and hobby sector.

Look back at 2019 exhibitors and floor plans here

The Toy Fair is a strictly trade-only event and regulations prohibit children between the ages of 5 and 16 entering the fair. Exceptions are made for child performers under the age of 16, but they must hold a child performance licence or have an education exemption notice from their local authority.

For a child to attend, you must provide by January 6 the following to The Toy Fair press team:

• Completed Toy Fair registration form found HERE
• Written permission from the child’s school
• Child performance licence or notice of education exemption issued by local authority
• Child chaperone licence if person responsible for the child at Toy Fair is not their legal guardian

Once all information has been provided, a press badge can be applied for HERE. The Toy Fair press team will only give final approval of a press badge once all of the above documents have been provided. 

Attending The Toy Fair

If you wish to bring a child on-site, you have a legal responsibility to ensure that the child is properly licenced. Licences are required for child performers to:

• Demonstrate products on exhibiting stand
• Film content for social media channels
• Pose for photography
• Any involvement in blogging

If your local authority does not issue a child licence, please request an education exemption notice. This should be an email/letter from your local council detailing:

• Child’s name
• Child’s school
• Permission to be out of school for the Toy Fair 2020 dates (21-23 January)

Once approved by the press team, each child will be issued a badge to be worn at all times.

The Toy Fair is the UK’s largest dedicated trade show. Toys displayed on stands are examples of future product, with many still in the prototype stage, and can only be handled with the permission of exhibitors. Please make sure children are always kept under close supervision while on-site.

Obtaining a Child Licence

All children need written permission from their school and the correct child licence, which must be shared with organisers (the BTHA) prior to gaining entry. Child licences are authorised by the child’s local council. If a local council does not issue a child licence, written permission from the child’s local authority will be required. Please note that licences can take 30 days to be issued.

Please note

The Toy Fair and Toy Fair press team cannot apply for or issue licences, this must be done by the parents and local council of the child.

Obtaining a Chaperone Licence

All children attending The Toy Fair must be accompanied by a chaperone. If the chaperone is the legal guardian of the child, no additional licence is required. If the chaperone is not the child’s legal guardian, the chaperone will require a chaperone’s licence. Chaperones need to apply for a licence from the local council at least 3 months before the start of Toy Fair on January 21.

Children Under Five

All children below the age of five can attend The Toy Fair without a licence under the supervision of a guardian or chaperone, but please note a chaperone will still require a licence. If a child under five is attending in a performing capacity, a completed Toy Fair registration form must be provided to the press team before applying for a press badge.