GSF Car Parts draws thousands to Newcastle TechFest North

GSF Car Parts says more than 70 suppliers and thousands of garage professionals packed Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on 28 May for TechFest North, its biggest event yet. The turnout signals strong demand for free training, networking and product access across the UK’s independent garage sector.

Why it matters: - TechFest North is emerging as a major meeting point for the independent garage sector. - The free event gave workshops, technicians and apprentices access to training, supplier contacts and product launches without entry, parking or catering costs. - Strong attendance suggests demand for a trade format built around practical technical help, not just sales.

What happened: - GSF Car Parts hosted TechFest North on 28 May at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena. - More than 70 leading automotive aftermarket suppliers exhibited at the event. - Thousands of garage owners, technicians, apprentices and aftermarket professionals attended. - GSF Car Parts organized the event with Petrolheadonism.

The details: - Visitors saw live demonstrations, technical discussions, product launches and hands-on sessions. - The event covered diagnostics, tooling, replacement parts, workshop equipment and emerging vehicle technologies. - TechFest North offered free entry, free parking and complimentary food and refreshments. - Steve Horne, CEO of GSF Car Parts, said the company built the event to create a platform where garages can access tools and knowledge to future-proof their businesses. - Horne also said the team wanted to create a place where “real deals get done.” - The event added festival-style entertainment, competitions, exhibitor activations and vehicle displays. - Petrolheadonism said the partnership supports a shared goal of bringing fresh energy and new audiences into the automotive industry.

Between the lines: - The scale and format point to a shift in how aftermarket events are being packaged for independent garages. - Free access lowers barriers for smaller businesses that may skip traditional trade shows because of cost. - The entertainment-led approach may help attract both professionals and enthusiasts, broadening the event’s reach beyond a standard industry audience. - GSF Car Parts is using TechFest to strengthen its role not just as a distributor, but as a technical and commercial hub for workshops.

What’s next: - GSF Car Parts will continue the 2026 TechFest programme with TechFest Midlands on Thursday 16 July at CBS Arena in Coventry. - The schedule also includes TechFest London on Thursday 17 September at Wembley Park in London. - Free tickets are available at GSFTechFest.com. - GSF Car Parts and Petrolheadonism say the Newcastle turnout reinforces TechFest’s importance in the independent garage calendar.