by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Kent has long lacked a major expo centre - now two come along at almost the same time.

Bluewater Events Venue will open for business on November 30, less than six months after Kent County Agricultural Society unveiled the Clive Emson Conference Centre at the Detling showground. It has further plans to refurbish other facilities for major functions in a £1.6m scheme.

But Bluewater's £65m complex is on an altogether grander scale.

It will focus on consumer shows, and has already announced that the BBC Good Food Show will be held there next April. But it has also announced its intention to host product launches and business award gala ceremonies.

It opens with a Spirit of Christmas show - to December 4 - followed by Christmas in New York (until January 8), complete with ice rink “surrounded by an amazing New York skyline and backdrop.†There will also be a Festive Food Fair and Last Minute Gift Fair.

Venue director Rebecca Cardozo said: "With just weeks to go, momentum is really building, as is anticipation of the range of events, shows and experiences that the Events Venue will be hosting pre-Christmas.

Bluewater's unique day-out experience has never been more varied and exciting."

The first four events are created and managed by Clarion, a leading UK events organiser. Matt Miller of Clarion Events said the venue represented a new way of thinking in the industry and would become an example that others would follow.

George Jessel, KCAS chairman, said he was not worried about competition from Bluewater. They operated in different markets and the Clive Emson complex was already proving a winner.