International Herpetology Society Breeders Meeting, 7th June 2026 - A Creeping Success?

On a mild and windy Blackpool beach front, the stage was set for the International Herpetology Society Breeders event.

The Norbreck Castle Hotel was the venue of choice for this yearly occasion of two (the next being on the 9th of August).

International Herpetological Society Banner In Ballroom

Queues started very early and the free hotel car park quickly filled up. A few stragglers had to circle the lot for a space, as settled onlookers cast smug gleefulness.

Hundreds of baying carers were there to quench their herpetile (reptile and amphibian) buying thirst over rare and wonderful species.

A helpful steward assisted the public on where to queue up and how to avoid a parking fine whilst stationed on the concrete conclave. Parking validation was set-up in the hotel reception.

Doors opened to members at 10.15am and non-members had the unfortunate wait of entering at 10.45am.

Membership could be bought on the same day to take advantage of the £5.00 entry fee. £10.00 for non-members.

Once in, we were met with friendly faces that moved us toward the exhibitors. Notable herpetile related bodies were stationed just outside the main atrium. Namely, Responsible Herpetile Keeping and UK Border Force.

Responsible Reptile Keeping Stall and Scott Lockhart (writer)

There were 43 stalls in the ballroom area and 192 in the main hall.

Passing into the main hall and, eventually the crowds grew, it became a jostling match to get a glimpse of each table.

The dense throng of baying carers, moved in circular patterns around each room.

At times, it became a confusing memory game of whether you had been to the same stall twice. Spying the familiar person(s) and wares helped jog the memory.

Each showcased herpetile-related matter: homemade trinkets, taxidermist animals, live-herpetile food, general herpetile supplies, live-animals and stuffed-toys.

Live-herpetiles were able to be pre-bought if a customer had contacted a supplier beforehand. They could make the exchange in specific rooms posted at the event.

Perished Beauty (cruelty-free taxidermist company) said

"It's nice seeing more of a variety of species this year too. As much as I love the staple reptiles, it was nice to see more of a variety this year with my favourite being the duck bill frogs and some incredible colubrid species too."

Customers were in variety also. Families with young children, teenagers, older generations and everything in-between, were in attendance.

Breeders were more than happy to let patrons handle their animals and would be a memorable experience for the younger generation.

I managed to snag a Madagascan Cat-Eyed Snake baby for £75.00 and contacted Roger Pewtress (the private breeder) after the event:

"The IHS show for me isn't so much about the animals themselves its about the wealth of experience coming through the doors and the sheer number of experienced keepers all in one space. It's like a whole library of knowledge that can be tapped into when you get together and talk and more importantly listen. "

Madagascan Cat-Eyed Male Snake Container

Perished Beauty added:

"The whole event was amazing, the people vending, the team that put the entire show together did an amazing job as always. I think my favourite part was seeing the passion and love people had for the animals really shining through when speaking with vendors and visitors. The love people have for this hobby really shines through in these events....I hope to see more in the future and people continue to have a passion for the animals and their husbandry."

North West Reptile Club Stall Sign

Heather Mccallum and her husband Carey were selling some interesting colubrids (snakes) and said:

"i think the whole day ran very smoothly and was well supported . Always great to see folks support their chosen hobby."

World Life Global Stall