Go Diving Show
Type: Consumer dive show Frequency: Annual (February/March) Location: UK (Ricoh Arena/Coventry, later Stoneleigh Showgrounds/Midlands) Founded: ~2019 Organizer: Go Diving / Rork Media
Overview
The Go Diving Show is a UK consumer dive show that serves as a venue for the British underwater photography community. It hosts the annual announcement of the Underwater Photographer of the Year (UPY) contest results and exhibitions of winning images. Adam Hanlon covered the show for Wetpixel.
History on Wetpixel
Go Diving Show 2019 (Coventry)
The 2019 show was held at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry. The Underwater Photographer of the Year 2019 results were announced live on stage on February 24 at 3:30pm, with all 48 finalist images on display. Alex Mustard, the contest’s judge and organizer, shared thoughts about the competition with Wetpixel. Industry figures present included Aquatica’s Blake Stoughton and Petra Morten of Lembeh Resort. ([1])
Go Diving Show 2022 (Stoneleigh Showgrounds)
The show was held at Stoneleigh Showgrounds in the UK’s Midlands from March 4–6, 2022 — the first post-pandemic dive show in the UK. Visitor numbers were strong despite reduced trade support after COVID-19. Alex Mustard acted as compere for the formal presentation of all UPY winners, introducing placed images and presenting video clips from the winners. Peter Rowlands of UwP Magazine and Peter Symes of X-Ray International were present. Other activities included talks by Steve Backshall and an underwater photography talk series. Fourth Element launched a new mask called the Scout, including a “Clarity” version specifically recommended for photographers. ([2])
Significance
The Go Diving Show functions as the primary UK venue for the underwater photography community, particularly through its hosting of the Underwater Photographer of the Year awards ceremony. While smaller than Boot Düsseldorf or the DEMA Show, it provides a dedicated gathering point for British and European underwater photographers.