Hillhead - UK’s Largest Quarrying, Construction, and Recycling Equipment Exhibition

From 23 to 25 June 2026, the global quarrying, construction, and recycling industries will gather at Hillhead Quarry in Buxton, Derbyshire, UK, for Hillhead 2026. Recognized as the most important quarrying and mining trade fair in the British Isles, this event is for professionals looking to experience live machinery demonstrations, discover the latest innovations, and connect with global industry leaders.

Set in a real working quarry, Hillhead offers a unique, hands-on environment where heavy equipment is displayed and actively operating, allowing visitors to evaluate performance in real conditions and stay ahead of industry developments.

Situated in the heart of the UK, Hillhead 2026 is hosted at a working limestone quarry, offering a unique environment for live equipment demonstrations.

     ●  Venue: Hillhead Quarry, Harpur Hill, Nr Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 9PR, United Kingdom

     ●  Opening Hours:

            ◦  June 23 & 24: 09:00 - 18:00

            ◦  June 25: 09:00 - 16:00

     ●  Focus: A premier showcase for quarrying, construction, and recycling machinery, with a primary emphasis on live-action demonstrations and heavy equipment operation.

     ●  Target Audience: Specifically designed for quarry operators, mining engineers, contractors, equipment dealers, and recycling professionals.

Hillhead takes place every two years and has built a strong position within the UK and international market as the key meeting point for the quarrying, construction, and recycling sectors. 

Each edition brings together hundreds of exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors who come to explore new equipment, follow market developments, and connect with partners across the industry. The exhibition is spread across a large outdoor site, where different areas are dedicated to specific parts of the production process. 

Visitors can move from extraction at the quarry face through to material processing and recycling, gaining a clear view of how equipment performs across the entire workflow. This layout makes it easier to compare solutions, understand practical applications, and discuss requirements directly with manufacturers and suppliers.

Over the years, Hillhead has grown steadily in scale and international reach. Recent editions have featured more than 600 exhibitors and attracted close to 20,000 visitors, with attendees coming from 70+ countries. 

This consistent growth highlights the importance of the event within the global heavy machinery industry and confirms its role as a key platform for showcasing equipment, building business relationships, and following major trends in quarrying, construction, and recycling.

Hillhead has built its reputation on one simple idea: “show machines at work, not standing still.” The 2024 edition once again brought the industry into a real quarry environment, where equipment was demonstrated under actual operating conditions. This practical format continues to make Hillhead the ultimate reference point for professionals who need to see how machines perform before making investment decisions.

Highlights from 2024:

     ● Live Action Demonstrations: The show featured hundreds of exhibitors across live demo areas, covering the full lifecycle of material handling, from extraction and hauling to crushing, screening, and recycling.

     ● Industry Innovation: Beyond the iron, the 2024 event reflected major shifts in the sector, with a significant focus on fuel efficiency, carbon reduction, and the digital technologies shaping the future of quarrying.

     ● Unrivaled Networking: As one of the largest exhibitions of its kind, it served as a vital hub for operators and OEMs to connect, negotiate, and share expertise in a high-energy, real-world setting.

The success of the 2024 edition set the stage for even greater advancements, proving that the best way to evaluate the future of the industry is to see it in motion.

Hillhead brings together the full spectrum of the mentioned above industries, with exhibitors grouped around core equipment and process areas. The layout reflects real workflows, making it easier to move from extraction through processing to final material handling.

     ● Quarrying and Extraction Equipment - Excavators, drilling rigs, and loading equipment operating at the quarry face, focused on primary material extraction

     ● Crushing and Screening Equipment - Mobile and stationary crushers, screeners, and complete processing systems demonstrated in the rock processing area

     ● Recycling and Waste Processing - Equipment for material recovery, waste handling, and recycling applications, including dedicated live demo zones

     ● Earthmoving and Construction Machinery - Dump trucks, wheel loaders, and support equipment used across quarrying and construction operations

     ● Asphalt, Concrete, and Infrastructure Solutions - Technologies and machinery supporting roadbuilding, concrete production, and civil engineering projects

     ● Components, Attachments, and Services - Wear parts, hydraulic systems, attachments, and technical services supporting machine performance and lifecycle

To make navigating the quarry easier, Hillhead provides a detailed floorplan of the entire showground, including exhibitor zones, demonstration areas, and key visitor facilities. The layout gives you a clear overview of how the site is structured, from the quarry face and processing areas to pavilions and service points such as food, rest areas, and first aid.

Reviewing the floorplan in advance helps you plan your route, prioritize key exhibitors, and move efficiently between live demo zones during your visit.

Don’t miss the opportunity to network with industry leaders, observe machinery in action, and future-proof your equipment fleet in the unique setting of a working quarry. Make sure to add Hillhead to your show agenda! Visit numerous exhibitor stands and speak with the teams about how their solutions can support your equipment decisions.

When and where does Hillhead 2026 take place?

Hillhead 2026 will be held from June 23 to June 25, 2026, at Hillhead Quarry, located in Harpur Hill near Buxton, Derbyshire. The event is uniquely situated within a real working limestone quarry in the heart of the United Kingdom.

What are the opening hours for the event?

The exhibition opens at 09:00 each day, with closing times set for 18:00 on Tuesday and Wednesday. On the final day, Thursday, June 25, the event will conclude slightly earlier at 16:00.

What makes Hillhead different from other trade fairs?

The event is defined by its core philosophy of showing machines at work rather than standing still. Because it is set in a live quarry environment, visitors can observe heavy machinery performing under actual operating conditions, which is a significant departure from traditional indoor exhibitions.

What types of machinery will be on display?

The showground features a full spectrum of equipment including machinery for extraction, crushing, screening, and recycling. Visitors can expect to see everything from large-scale excavators and drilling rigs to mobile processing systems and roadbuilding technologies in action.

Who should attend Hillhead 2026?

The exhibition is primarily intended for industry professionals such as quarry operators, mining engineers, and civil engineering contractors. It is also a key event for equipment dealers, rental companies, and professionals specializing in waste processing and recycling.

How can I find specific exhibitors or demo zones?

Navigating the large outdoor site is made easier by using the official Hillhead floorplan, which outlines specific zones for different parts of the production process. This layout allows you to move systematically from the quarry face through to the material processing and recycling areas.

Is there an entry fee for visitors?

Hillhead is traditionally a trade-only event that offers free registration for industry professionals. You should visit the official Hillhead website to register for your badge in advance and to check for any updated entry requirements as the show dates approach.