Not particularly, but it can't hurt. At least you'll see all the many different types of rods and poles on show and you can ask questions of the demonstrators.
There's also "Evesham '05" coming up on August 27th - 29th. That has demonstrations going all day on the river, I believe. Might be worth keeping an eye on that.
Other than that, join a local club and ask if they do any introductory lessons. Ask at your local tackle shop also.