It's 348 days until Christmas and the quest for business has already begun

The annual Christmas and gift exhibition began in Harrogate yesterday and boasts the record for the longest unbroken run of any trade show in the UK.

The event, at the Harrogate International Centre, has been staged in Yorkshire for the past 61 years and gives thousands of visitors a sneak preview of festive gifts.

During the four-day exhibition which runs until Wednesday, new products – including gifts, toys, fireworks and party items from the UK's leading manufacturers and suppliers – are on show for the next Christmas and Halloween sales periods.

A huge selection of greetings cards, stationery, gift wrapping ideas and clearance lines is also being displayed by 100 exhibitors on stands covering six halls.

Mark Brett, the marketing director for the organisers, HITF, said: "The exhibition has adapted over the years – and survived where others have failed due to its ability to change with the times. The show is as popular as ever with visitors.

"It is a great achievement to have built and grown a highly successful industry event that showcases all the latest product launches and provides a vital networking and business platform at the start of each year."

Trade visitors will also benefit from free business seminars covering merchandising, Christmas displays, gift wrapping, public relations and increasing sales through the internet.

Mr Brett added: "With the sheer variety of brands, exhibitors, initiatives, competitions and a two-day business based seminar programme, there will be an awful lot for visitors to the show to see and participate in."