Cinderella stamp, UK, 1931.

The British Industries Fair was an exhibition centre in Birmingham, England.

The large complex of buildings was built in 1920 and was situated between Castle Bromwich Aerodrome and the railway line. For two weeks every year it was the most visited attraction in the country. In 1933, the first diesel locomotive arrived for display at the BIF. The final B.I.F was on 6 to 17 May 1957.[1] The associated aerodrome, which often showed air displays, closed with the final flight on 31 March 1958.

The exhibition hall and railway station, seen on a contemporary Ordnance Survey 1st edition 1:25 map

The nearby Castle Bromwich railway station received many important visitors for the BIF, including King George V and Queen Mary in 1928, the Duke of York, Princess Mary and Lord Lascelles. They were often entertained afterwards by the Bradfords at Castle Bromwich Hall.

The site was sold in 1960, along with that of the airfield. The buildings and the sites were cleared for the construction of the Castle Vale housing estate. The BIF was replaced by the National Exhibition Centre in 1976, 19 years after its demise.

References

  1. ↑ Birmingham Post 15/5/57
  • Bartholomew's Pocket Atlas and Guide to Birmingham. Edinburgh: John Bartholomew' & Son Ltd. 1949. p. 25. (for coordinates)

52°30′49″N 1°47′37″W / 52.513479°N 1.79354°W / 52.513479; -1.79354

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