Celebrities add to expanded Optrafair show

The Ophthalmic Exhibitors Association (OEA) confirmed that 203 exhibitors will attend the three-day event, which takes place at Birmingham's NEC. Confirmed celebrities attending the event for optical firms include pint-sized comedian Ronnie Corbett, who will be at the Essilor stand at 3.30pm on Sunday, and fashion and 'lifestyle' designer Jeff Banks who will launch a new eyewear collection at the Metzler stand, again on Sunday afternoon. In addition pop singer and former model Samantha Fox will be at the Marchon stand from 1pm to 2.30pm on Sunday, and fashion designer Paul Costelloe will unveil his new range at the Cambridge Optical stand - on the opening afternoon of the event. As optician went to press, Pennine Optical confirmed that it would launch the Manchester United Football Club official eyewear range at the show. There will be 10 frames in two colours, aimed at children and adults, and an as yet unnamed celebrity from the club will attend the launch on Sunday. Opening times of the exhibition are 10am-6pm (April 17), 9am-6pm (April 18) and 9am-5pm (April 19).