Industry Giants Gear Up Hillhead 2026
With the dust barely settled on 2024’s industry events, eyes are already turning to the rugged limestone landscape of Derbyshire. Hillhead 2026, the UK’s most prominent exhibition for quarrying, construction, and recycling, is set to return to Tarmac’s iconic Hillhead Quarry near Buxton from 23 to 25 June 2026. And it seems the big names aren’t waiting around.
According to the event organisers, 77% of the available outdoor exhibition space has already been snapped up – a staggering figure given the show is still a year away. From powerhouse OEMs to specialised equipment innovators, the industry’s elite have locked in their spots, setting the stage for what looks to be the most impressive Hillhead to date.
Event Manager Harvey Sugden was candid about the momentum: “The level of re-booking this year has been phenomenal and we are delighted to welcome back all the major players in the industry.”
Who’s On the Ground?
The exhibitor line-up reads like a who’s who of heavy machinery and technology. Confirmed attendees include:
- Volvo (SMT)
- Dynapac
- Komatsu
- JCB
- Terex Group (Powerscreen, Finlay, EvoQuip, MDS, Terex Washing Systems)
- Liebherr
- Case Construction
- Sandvik
- Hyundai Construction Equipment
- Develon
- Bomag
- LiuGong
- Sany
- Wirtgen Group
- McCloskey International
- Astec Industries
- Telestack
- Hitachi Construction Machinery
- CDE Group
- Kubota
- Takeuchi
- Merlo
- Metso (McHale Plant Sales and Duo)
- Wacker Neuson
- McLanahan Corporation
- Anaconda Equipment
- Superior Industries
- Weir Minerals
- Ammann
- Isuzu
- XCMG
- Hidromek
- Volvo Trucks
- Rubblemaster
Many of these companies are expected to bring not just static displays, but working demonstrations of their latest and most powerful kit. That’s part of what makes Hillhead unique: the grit, the noise, and the sheer scale of live machinery roaring into action.
Why Hillhead Remains the Crown Jewel
Since its launch in 1982, Hillhead has become the definitive showcase for the quarrying, recycling, and construction industries in the UK and beyond. What sets it apart isn’t just its size or international appeal, but its location. Held in a live quarry, the show offers exhibitors an unrivalled opportunity to demonstrate their machines in a real-world setting.
For attendees, that means they get to see equipment in its natural habitat, tackling rock faces, loading tonnes of aggregate, or processing materials with power and precision.
It’s not just about hardware either. Increasingly, Hillhead has also become a forum for innovations in automation, sustainability, and digital technology – areas that are reshaping the industry from the ground up.
What’s New for 2026?
While full programme details are under wraps for now, organisers have hinted at expanded zones for sustainability solutions and digital transformation tools. With the rise of electric and hybrid machines, as well as increasing focus on smart monitoring and AI-driven maintenance, Hillhead 2026 is shaping up to reflect the industry’s fast-evolving priorities.
There’s also expected to be a sharper focus on circular economy practices within construction and quarrying, echoing growing pressure from policymakers and clients to reduce environmental impact.
Visitor registration will go live in November 2025, giving professionals across the sector time to plan travel and secure accommodation – a wise move, considering how fast Buxton and the surrounding Peak District tends to fill up.
A Showcase of Innovation and Opportunity
For companies seeking visibility, Hillhead isn’t just about showing off machines. It’s a magnet for business. With over 20,000 attendees expected, including buyers, engineers, contractors, local authorities, and international delegations, the event offers a unique mix of networking, deal-making, and learning opportunities.
Past editions have seen major product launches timed to coincide with the show, along with live demonstrations that pull in crowds and social media attention. For brands, it’s a platform to tell their story and showcase the technology that sets them apart.
How to Exhibit or Get Involved
While outdoor space is disappearing fast, those still keen to exhibit can express their interest via the official site: hillhead.com/exhibit/exhibitor-enquiry. Updates on space and layout availability will be shared throughout summer by the events team.
For general updates, news and exhibitor announcements, visitors can bookmark hillhead.com and follow the event on social media.
Why It Matters
In an era where online interactions often replace physical ones, Hillhead remains one of the rare events where you can literally kick the tyres. The roar of diesel engines, the crunch of stone, the face-to-face conversations—they all make for a business environment like no other.
The industry is at a crossroads, with decarbonisation, digitisation and skills shortages all pressing hard on companies across the sector. Events like Hillhead don’t just offer a marketplace—they offer insight, education, and inspiration.
Mark Your Calendar
The 2026 edition looks set to top all previous records in scale and significance. For any business involved in construction, mining, materials handling, or environmental technology, Hillhead should be a fixture in the calendar.
Put simply, if you’re in the business of moving earth, crushing rock, or building the future, Hillhead 2026 is where you need to be.
Hillhead 2026
Dates: 23–25 June 2026
Location: Tarmac’s Hillhead Quarry, Buxton, Derbyshire, UK
The Industry Comes Together
With a year to go, anticipation is already building. Exhibitors are lining up, schedules are tightening, and the buzz is only just beginning. Hillhead 2026 isn’t just another trade show – it’s where the industry meets, competes, and collaborates.
“We’re expecting Hillhead 2026 to be our biggest yet,” added Harvey Sugden. “We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the quarry.”
