The rebooted Motor Show has moved to 2021, but a spin-off event is announced for Christmas. Plus Salon Privé is back on in September!
Back in November I covered – with some excitement I must admit – the launch of an all-new British Motor Show that was set to happen this August (see at this link) and as I said at the time, would include pretty much all the elements I would like to see in a modern-era motor show.
Of course as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, like almost all major motoring events this year, the British Motor Show has been cancelled and rescheduled for the same time in 2021 (19-22 August), and at the same venue: Farnborough International Expo Centre.
Hopefully you won’t have to wait all that long for a car show though, as there is some good news. The organisers, have announced an all new event that will take place this year at two venues in the UK in November and December, dubbed Cars & Christmas!
The British Motor Show CEO, Andy Entwistle, said: “The show will go on, and we will be there to help put the wheels back on our amazing industry as we emerge from the most challenging year we have ever faced.”
The Cars & Christmas event was originally planned for the end of 2021, but has been brought forward to 28-29 November 2020 based at the Farnborough International Expo Centre, with an additional event for the northern region to be held 5-6 December 2020 at a venue yet to be confirmed.
Tickets will be going on sale, but will initially be limited to just 5000 per day in anticipation of social distancing rules that may still be in effect for the rest of the year. Those interested are able to reserve tickets online for free, and will have an opportunity to confirm attendance and pay for the tickets at a later stage. If you already bought tickets to the Motor Show originally scheduled for this year, they remain valid for 2021 but you are also entitled to complimentary tickets for Cars & Christmas.
The winter event is expected to be a smaller version of the motor show, but with an obvious festive theme and the promise of fun and entertainment for all the family. A live arena will feature the Paul Swift stunt driving show, celebrity guests and interviews, car parades, fun quizzes and interactive sessions with audiences, mountain bike displays, motorsports demonstrations and a supercar parade.
There will be a precision driving experience where you will get to drift a car – like I did (see video below), plus under 17 driving lessons.
In the Christmas-themed market place you’ll find new car stands, classic car displays (included electric-powered versions) and of course a Christmas market with food and drink, gifts, toys, and Santa emerging from his grotto to go for a drive – ho, ho, ho!
As for the British Motor Show 2021 – with more time to plan, they’re already promising an even bigger and more spectacular event. As part of this, an additional supplementary event has been announced that will run alongside the main show. Retro Electric Live will be dedicated to older, cherished and classic cars retro-fitted with electric powertrains. Visitors to the British Motor Show will get free access to Retro Electric Live.
More details and tickets at https://thebritishmotorshow.live/
Meanwhile, and perhaps quite remarkably, the Salon Privé classic car event has resumed ticket sales and confirmed that it will go ahead at Blenheim Palace from Wednesday 23rd to Saturday 26th September this year.
“Attracting the right crowd without crowding has always been the endeavour of Salon Privé, one of the world’s most prestigious automotive events. This year, the 15th edition, will be no different, with the most valuable classic cars, supercars and hypercars once again being presented on the Blenheim Palace lawns,” reads the somewhat snooty press release!
‘Safety comes first…’ commented Chairman Andrew Bagley ‘….and we have the well-being of our guests, exhibitors and sponsors to consider first and foremost. The beauty of Salon Privé lies in its size and intimacy and in that respect, the show can go on. Our event will remain relaxing, with plenty of space for guests to enjoy themselves, of course while practising social distancing. We have a raft of safety measures to announce over time, to ensure we will be COVID-19 Secure and I am confident that guests will enjoy Salon Privé as they do each and every year.”
Aston Martin, Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Morgan, Polestar, Rimac and Rolls-Royce will be there alongside specialist brands such as Ares Design, Aspark, Brabham, Engler, MAT, Pal-V and Puritalia.
“We have a number of ongoing enquiries and so I’m sure we are nowhere near the final line-up of brands” said Sales Director, David Bagley. “The outbreak of COVID-19 initially brought everything to a crashing halt but now, as manufacturing slowly recommences, brands need to identify ways of effectively getting back in front of their customers and there is no more targeted an opportunity than Salon Privé.”
Brown Car Guy 