Symposium26

 The 22nd International Handbell Symposium
4th – 8th August 2026

The UK will host the 2026 International Handbell Symposium at the P&J Live Conference C entre, Aberdeen, Scotland. This is one of the newest convention/conference centres in the UK having opened in 2019. It provides us with all the space we need for massed ringing and workshops, and has in-house caterers who are working with us create appropriate and interesting menus. 

There are two hotels on the site with 350 bedrooms between them and we have already agreed advantageous rates for 2026 with them and another 8 hotels within a 5-minute drive or bus ride including Premier Inn and Holiday Inn Express.

The centre and hotels are close to Aberdeen airport and about 20 minutes from Aberdeen railway station, giving a variety of travel options to get there! 

The 2026 Symposium will not only be a fantastic opportunity to meet ringers from around the world and make great music; but for many ringers Aberdeen will also be a great jumping off point to visit all that North East Scotland has to offer- Highland Games, Golf Courses, Castles and Whisky Distilleries to name but a few!

The Symposium will continue its journey around the country having been held in the far South West in Exeter 1988, the West Midlands Birmingham 2000, the North West Liverpool 2012 - and now off to Aberdeen Scotland 2026!

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible 4th-8th August 2026.

Martin Winter, Chair Symposium 2026 Organising Group

For more information:
On Scotland and Aberdeen
On the Symposium Venue
On Hotels
On transport