Description
LOCKFEST NORTH
LOCKFEST NORTH brings the Lockfest atmosphere to the North of England, giving locksmiths the chance to learn, connect, unwind and enjoy a relaxed weekend with others from across the trade.
This is not a typical trade show where people collect brochures and head home. LOCKFEST is about practical learning, real conversations, supplier engagement, shared experience and proper trade community spirit.
Learn. Connect. Relax.
Training by day. Community all weekend.
Supporting the UK Locksmith Community
One of the things that makes LOCKFEST different is the fantastic support we receive from trusted CLS Partners. Their sponsorship helps create the welcoming atmosphere that makes the weekend so enjoyable, while giving locksmiths the opportunity to build genuine relationships with the companies behind many of the products they use every day.
The Key Safe Company
CLS Partner
Official sponsor of Friday evening’s Welcome Pizza Night.
APECS
CLS Partner
Official sponsor of Saturday evening’s BBQ & Social.
Blusafe Solutions
CLS Partner
Official sponsor of breakfasts throughout the LOCKFEST weekend.
Our Official Event Partners don’t simply sponsor LOCKFEST. They invest in the UK locksmith community by helping create opportunities for training, knowledge sharing, networking and professional collaboration. We’d like to thank every Partner for helping make LOCKFEST NORTH possible.
Quick Links
A Weekend Built Around Learning
Confirmed Training Sessions
From essential bench skills and lock fitting to specialist auto, safe, glazing and commercial knowledge, there is something for locksmiths from across the trade. Each session offers an opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, develop practical skills and gain knowledge that can be applied in day-to-day locksmith work.
Glazing
Dan Storey
Dan Storey will deliver practical glazing training for locksmiths who want to improve their knowledge and confidence in this area. Attendees will benefit from Dan’s experience while gaining useful advice and techniques that can be applied when completing glazing-related work.
Roller Shutters
Steve Wright
Steve Wright will share practical knowledge about roller shutters and the different challenges they can present to locksmiths. This session will be particularly valuable for those working on commercial premises or looking to expand the range of commercial locksmith services they provide.
Bench Locksmithing & Key Cutting
Jon Horsley
Jon Horsley’s session will focus on the fundamental bench skills required for accurate and reliable key cutting. It will help attendees strengthen their understanding, refine their existing techniques and improve the consistency and quality of their everyday key-cutting work.
Safe Picking
Gavin Jeffries
Gavin Jeffries will provide specialist training in the patient, precise and methodical approach required for professional safe picking. This session offers locksmiths and safe engineers an opportunity to develop their understanding of this specialist area and broaden their professional skill set.
Auto Lock Picking
Jake Theison
Jake Theison will deliver practical auto lock-picking training for professional locksmiths. The session will help attendees develop their vehicle-entry knowledge, improve their approach and gain greater confidence when undertaking authorised auto locksmith work.
Fresh Fitting Lock Cases into Aluminium Doors
Steve Underwood
Steve Underwood will deliver practical training on fresh fitting lock cases into aluminium doors. The session will explore the importance of careful preparation, accurate measurement and achieving a clean, professional finish, helping attendees approach this type of installation with greater confidence.
250+ Years of Combined Locksmith Experience
LOCKFEST brings together experienced locksmiths, safe engineers, auto locksmiths, trainers, manufacturers and technical specialists from across the trade. With at least 30 locksmiths expected during the weekend, attendees will have access to more than 250 years of combined real-world industry experience – not only through the formal training sessions, but through the conversations, demonstrations and knowledge sharing that happen throughout the event.
What to Expect
Training is at the heart of LOCKFEST, but much of the value comes from spending the weekend alongside professional locksmiths, safe engineers, auto locksmiths, security specialists, suppliers and CLS Partners who genuinely care about the trade.
Hands-on sessions and useful real-world knowledge.
Learn not only from trainers, but from other experienced locksmiths throughout the weekend.
See products, tools and demonstrations while speaking directly with industry suppliers.
Food, camping, socialising and time with others who understand the trade.
Whether attending alone or with friends from the trade, LOCKFEST has a way of making everyone feel part of the locksmith community. It is the kind of weekend people are still talking about months later.
Aim
The aim of LOCKFEST NORTH is to continue creating opportunities for locksmiths to learn, develop and connect with others in the industry.
Our goal is to provide high-quality practical training, valuable knowledge sharing and a supportive environment that helps locksmiths build confidence, expand their skills and prepare for increasingly specialised work.
LOCKFEST also provides opportunities to learn skills that may be difficult to access through conventional training, while allowing attendees to speak directly with experienced professionals who use those skills in real-world situations.
Objectives
CLS aims to provide a balance of practical training, professional development and social experience that benefits locksmiths, suppliers and business owners alike.
At its heart, LOCKFEST is about creating an environment where people can learn together, support one another and enjoy spending time with others in the trade.
- Help locksmiths develop useful practical skills and explore new areas of work.
- Give attendees the knowledge and confidence to approach a broader range of locksmith jobs.
- Provide opportunities to learn directly from experienced locksmiths and specialists.
- Encourage stronger relationships between locksmiths, CLS Partners and suppliers.
- Create a relaxed environment where suppliers can engage meaningfully with the trade.
- Support professionalism, peer-to-peer learning and long-term business growth.
Participation & Training Access
Trading Locksmiths
Due to the specialist nature of some training sessions, attendance requirements will apply to ensure training is delivered safely and responsibly.
CLS will carry out appropriate due diligence for attendees, which may include reviewing trading duration, company websites, online reviews, industry reputation and other relevant information.
All attendees will be appropriately vetted by CLS to ensure specialist training remains secure, professional and beneficial for everyone involved.
Apprentices and Untrained Individuals
Apprentices, untrained individuals and minors may be unable to participate in certain specialist training sessions due to safety and security considerations.
They are still very welcome to attend the event, meet suppliers, take part in social activities and enjoy many of the other opportunities available throughout the weekend.
Instructors
Training will be delivered by experienced locksmiths, safe engineers and industry specialists who are sharing practical knowledge developed through real-world work. The emphasis is on useful, applicable learning rather than purely theoretical instruction.
Food, Socialising & Event Partner Support
Food is an important part of the LOCKFEST experience because it brings everyone together between training sessions and evening activities.
Friday Welcome Pizza Night
Sponsored by The Key Safe Company
Start the weekend together with pizza and relaxed socialising on Friday evening.
Weekend Breakfasts
Sponsored by Blusafe Solutions
Start the day together with breakfast before the weekend’s training and activities begin.
Saturday BBQ & Social
Sponsored by APECS
Relax after Saturday’s training with the BBQ and an evening spent with fellow attendees, trainers and suppliers.
- Friday evening Welcome Pizza Night.
- Breakfasts during the weekend.
- Cold lunches provided on Saturday and Sunday.
- Saturday evening BBQ and social gathering.
- Dietary requirements will be requested from attendees before the event.
Accommodation
For LOCKFEST NORTH, the entire campsite has been booked exclusively for attendees, creating a relaxed environment where everyone can learn, socialise and enjoy the weekend together.
Oakwood Marina
offers a range of on-site accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets.
Camping
Bring your own tent and stay on-site for the full LOCKFEST experience.
Campervans & Motorhomes
Dedicated pitches with electric hook-up are available close to the facilities.
Glamping
On-site accommodation options provide extra comfort while keeping you right at the heart of the weekend.
The site is well equipped with modern facilities including toilets, hot showers, laundry facilities and a hot-water washing-up station.
Guests can also enjoy the marina’s tea room overlooking the canal – a perfect place to catch up with fellow attendees over a coffee.
Nearby Accommodation
For anyone who prefers not to camp, several hotel options are available within a short drive of Oakwood Marina.
- Premier Inn Northwich South – approximately 10–15 minutes from the venue.
- Premier Inn Northwich (Sandiway) – another convenient nearby option.
- Travelodge Northwich Lostock Gralam – a convenient option close to the marina.
Hotel availability, pricing and journey times should be checked directly with the accommodation provider before booking.
Six Confirmed Training Sessions – More to Come
Don’t be the one hearing
how good it was afterwards.
Places and selected accommodation options are limited. Choose your ticket and join locksmiths from across the UK for a weekend of practical training, shared experience, supplier insight, great food and genuine locksmith community.