Spider men set to get the Ricoh crawlin’
MORE than 50,000 spiders, scorpions and other insects are to go on display at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena for an event likened to the Crufts of the spider world.
The British Tarantula Society (BTS) is staging its 29th annual exhibition at the venue on May 18. In the past the event has attracted visitors from as far away as America and Europe.
Ray Hale, vice chairman of the BTS, said around 2,000 visitors were expected to attend the show in the E.ON Lounge.
He said: “We are expecting around 100 exhibitors selling spider-related items ranging from tarantulas and equipment to books, jewellery and T-shirts.
“To be honest, it would be impossible to count how many spiders are on display but I think 50,000 is a conservative estimate.
“Visitors will be able buy a variety of arachnids, scorpions, stick insects, beetles and other insects throughout the day, meet other enthusiasts and seek advice from experts on the best way to look after their new pets.”
Society members will be able to submit their prized spiders for a series of awards including ‘Best Brachypelma Species’, ‘Best New World Terrestrial’ and ‘Best Scorpion’.
Chris Owen, senior events manager at the Ricoh Arena, said this was the first time the British Tarantula Society had held its annual exhibition at the venue.
“It will be interesting to see all the spiders in their glass cases and this is certainly something a little different.
“Hosting the British Tarantula Society Exhibition underlines our versatility because it is not every day that we host 50,000 exotic pets.”
