IT WAS full steam ahead for the 2016 Ipswich Home Show at the weekend with exhibitors and visitors alike thrilled with the new venue.

Faye Flor, organiser of the Ipswich Home Show, said feedback from visitors and exhibitors was positive following the show's move this year to the Railway Workshops at North Ipswich.

"Everyone is enjoying the new venue here at the railway workshops, the crowds have been very receptive," Ms Flor said.

Despite some rain on Saturday afternoon, Ms Flor said the new space at the workshops had coped well.

"I don't think the wet weather on Saturday hampered anyone too much," she said.

"I think the exhibitors had a great time on Saturday morning."

The venue provided plenty of floorspace and Ms Flor said the exhibitors had made the most of the opportunity to present professional displays.

"Everyone is enjoying the variety of exhibitors," she said.

"We have had a lot of enquiries from new exhibitors because of the space.

"We literally start with a blank sheet of paper, then the exhibitors come in and dress up their sites."

Ms Flor said Saturday had attracted "plenty" of visitors through the door, with the visitor numbers boosted by a series of community innovations.

"We have given free floor space to Ipswich-based, non-profit organisations as well as introducing free pensioner entry on Saturday," Ms Flor said.

"The community groups have responded well to the opportunity."

As a mark of the show's success, Ms Flor said negotiations were already underway for the 2017 event.

"We have already been invited back to the workshops for the 2017 show," she said.