LIWSF - it's show time

Such a long-winded name for what everyone knows as the wine trade fair'. As Harpers' deputy editor David Williams says in our Showguide (6 May), it was 25 years ago that the trade first geared up for this event, and Harpers was a prime mover behind its opening at the Kensington Exhibition Centre in July 1981.

Just as in 2001 we unveiled a new-look Harpers to take us into the 21st century, we are now having a minor mid-course correction' as we continue to boldly go. We unveil not only a fresher, brighter look, but also a completely new, and better, website that will allow our subscribers to read about, research and access the trade, news and issues that affect us all, better than ever before.

The Harpers stand (K10) is in its usual spot close to one of the entrances at ExCel, so feel free to pop over - we'd be delighted to hear your thoughts on the magazine's new look and on harperswinespirit.com. To raise the volume levels, Sir Cliff Richard returns to the Harpers stand to offer his very own congratulations' and show off the 2004 vintage of his own Vida Nova wine - yet another reason to join us.

So, with the General Election over, let's hope the LIWSF does its job in showcasing all that's best and positive in the industry and let's all go on and have a great summer, irrespective of the weather, followed by a solid run-up to Christmas.

Christian Davis

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