107th Philatelic Congress of Great Britain
4th to 6th September 2026, Nottingham
The Philatelic Congress of Great Britain is delighted to announce that its 107th Annual Congress will be held at the elegant Jubilee Hotel, Nottingham, from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th September 2026. Full details to follow shortly.
The first Philatelic Congress of Great Britain was held in Manchester in 1909. Barring interruptions due to war, they have been held annually ever since. The venue moves each year.
Congress typically features a range of activities such as exhibitions of rare stamps and postal history, lectures and presentations by experts in the field. It provides a valuable forum for both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the hobby to learn, network, and deepen their understanding of philately.
The Philatelic Congress of Great Britain is an annual gathering of stamp collectors and philatelists from across the United Kingdom. It serves as a platform for enthusiasts to come together, exchange ideas, display their collections, and discuss various aspects of philately.
AUTUMN 2026 NATIONAL COMPETITIVE EXHIBITION
To be held at
The Philatelic Congress of Great Britain
For more details see the
ABPS Exhibition announcement
Congress 2026 – Grass Roots to Grand Prix
Friday, 4th September 2026
9.15 Welcome to Congress
9.30 Nottinghamshire Postal History – Mick Gill
10.15 Midland Philatelic Federation
11.30 History of Philatelic Congress of Great Britain Steven Harrison
2.00 Official opening of Congress – The Lord Mayor of Nottingham
2.15 The Kay Goodman Lecture by Richard Wheatley
3.00 Congress Medallist – Steven Harrison
4.15 Why Exhibit? Why Display? – Andy Donaldson, Chris Harman
5.30 End of formal programme for the day.
6.30 Drinks reception sponsored by Stanley Gibbons’ Baldwins
7.00 Dinner
8.30 Four sheets to tell a story
Saturday, 5th September 2026
9.15 Congress assembles
9.30 RDP Discussion Panel: Hosted by Chris King, with Birthe King and John Davies
11.15 Tea and Coffee
11.40 Junior Philatelists Present – Simon Moorcroft
1.00 pm Lunch
2.30 The Annual General Meeting of The Association of British Philatelic Societies
3.00 Philately as a Way of Life – Richard Morel, British Library
3.45 Tea/Coffee Break
4.15 Are you afraid of the Philatelic Trade? Simon Carson
5.15 Competition Results – Simon Richards
6.30 Reception sponsored by Cavendish Philatelic Auctions Ltd
7.00 Congress Banquet
Sunday, 6th September 2026
9.15 Congress assembles
9.30 Local Societies Entertain: Not Just Stamps
11.00 Tea/Coffee Break
11.30 ABPS Societies Panel Discussion
12.45 Closing Ceremony and Award of the Congress Certificate
The Philatelic Congress of Great Britain rotates its location to different cities or regions within the country, allowing collectors from various areas to attend and participate. It is organized by philatelic societies, clubs, or associations, with support from volunteers and sponsors passionate about promoting the hobby of stamp collecting.
Our main Hotel is now full, so please book with the Nottingham Wollaton Park Travelodge BOOK HERE
Catering numbers are required by 19th Aug, so please make sure you have told us of any dietary requirements.
Congress is the opportunity to meet with fellow collectors for a relaxing few days in pleasant surroundings. The events include discussions, displays and visits, plus the ever-enjoyable Congress Banquet.
Congress is part of ABPS – for more information see here
- 2026 Sponsors and Dealers
This year we are please to welcome a number of dealers who will be in Nottingham at Congress. Bill Barrell Ltd www.barrell.co.ukbill@barrell.co.uk A leading dealer in both stamps and postal history of Great Britain from earliest times to date, accent on unusual and quality items. Stock ranges from Corsini mail, all aspects of postal history…
Watch Steve Harrison’s presentation about the History of Congress.