Philatelic Congress of Great Britain

9th – 11th June 2023

This year’s Philatelic Congress of Great Britain is being held in Torquay on Friday 9th, Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th June. The event was last held in Torquay in 1959. After 64 years it returns! Congress is reverting to its traditional slot earlier in the year to avoid the “philatelic congestion” that happens so frequently in September of each year.

The theme of the Congress is going to be “Why we collect what we do” – why do we collect just stamps, just postal history, a thematic area? Why do some collectors fixate on Postal Stationery or Revenue Philately? What is Astrophilately, Maximaphily? What does collecting Ephemera really mean? During Congress there will be input from individuals and specialist societies to try to illustrate what these different categories are within the field of collecting and what makes them so attractive to collect.

For more information contact Steven Harrison, Chairman of ABPS, by emailing him at sharrison500@btinternet.com or calling him on 0121 313 0671.

For a copy of the booking form and the draft Congress programme please go to:

Booking Form 2023
Congress Programme 2023

The History of Congress

Maintaining a long tradition, each year the ABPS organises the Philatelic Congress of Great Britain.

The first Philatelic Congress of Great Britain was held in Manchester in 1909. Barring interruptions due to war and pandemics, they have been held annually ever since. The venue moves each year. Congress is the opportunity to meet with fellow collectors for a relaxing few days in pleasant surroundings. The events include discussions, displays and visits, plus the ever-enjoyable Congress Banquet.

The highlight for many is the occasion at which the Congress Medal is presented.

Other organisations, particularly the major stamp auction houses, also often host special events during the Congress.

Congress provides an ideal way of enjoying oneself in the company of fellow collectors.

For those with a special interest in the history and the collection of memorabilia connected with the PCGB, there is a Study Group that you can join to find out much more about the events.

Follow the Philatelic Congress of GB Study Group on Facebook.

You can also find information about Congress on a dedicated website gbcongress.uk