The UK has long been home to some fantastic car and vehicle shows and 2016 is no different. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of classic cars or a family mad about motors, there’s an event for every Petrolhead around the UK this year. At AA Cars we love a good car show, so we’ve compiled this collection of some of the best set to happen in 2016.
The International Ford Show
When: 30 April – 1 May
Where: Sandown Park, Surrey
A brand new car show celebrating the UK’s most popular car brand, the International Ford Show takes place just outside London at Sandown Park over the first May bank holiday weekend. Visitors can expect to see the brand new Ford Focus RS and V8 Mustang, as well as listen to Fifth Gear presenter and former Formula One/Le Mans driver Tiff Needell talk on stage. Plus there’ll be many more Ford models on display for you to get up close to.
The London Motor Show
When: 6-8 May
Where: Battersea Evolution, London
The first major car show in the capital for eight years, the London Motor Show is designed to appeal to a large demographic. It will feature an eclectic range, from concept cars for futuristic fans like the Bloodhound jet-powered car designed to break 1,000mph, to an appearance by the Bluebird for those in love with vintage vehicles. There are numerous celebrity guests and speakers booked in, with activities including virtual reality machines on offer.
Bristol Volksfest
When: 17-19 June
Where: Washingpool Farm, Bristol
Bristol Volksfest is a traditional VW car show held in the south west, the area of the UK with the highest density of Volkswagen vehicles. Experience hundreds of classic and modern cars, from VW Beetles to the latest Golf GTI. Plus for the fourth year in a row, plenty of Lowriders will be bouncing around the Bristol farm on the Saturday too. Three stages of music, urban street art and a wide range of international food and drink will complete the festival experience.
Goodwood Festival of Speed
When: 23-26 June
Where: Goodwood Motor Circuit, Chichester
‘Full Throttle’ is the theme for 2016’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. This year it is also set to celebrate BMW’s centenary with the honoured marque and collaboration in the creation of the central feature by artist and designer Gerry Judah. The famous Goodwood circuit will see world-class drivers showing off their skills, including Jenson Button, Sir Stirling Moss and Mark Webber. There will be numerous old and new cars on show, plus plenty of BMW vehicles from the brand’s history and motorbikes for two-wheel fans.
JapShow
When: 9-10 July
Where: Santa Pod Raceway, Bedfordshire
Those with a passion for Japanese cars and bikes will find something to love at the UK’s very own car show dedicated to Japan’s vehicles. JapShow 2016 features the Show Paddock, club displays and a trade area for those appreciative of such cars. Others after a rowdier time will enjoy the drag races, drifting, stunt displays and ‘Run What Ya Brung’ competition on the Saturday, where drivers can enter their own Japanese cars to race down the famous track.
Silverstone Classic
When: 29-31 July
Where: Silverstone, Northamptonshire
The UK’s most famous racetrack plays host to one of the country’s biggest car shows and race events. Plenty of classic cars will be on display from numerous manufacturers including Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and many more. Auctions, aerial displays, live music, a shopping village and further attractions make this a fantastic event for the car obsessive and those just after a fun weekend out.
Ultimate Street Car
When: 5-7 August
Where: Santa Pod Raceway, Bedfordshire
Dubbing itself as the ‘largest, loudest, hottest and fastest modified car festival in Europe’, Ultimate Street Car festival celebrates all of those things. More of a festival than a car show, with club camping, live music and DJs including Wretch 32, Chipmunk and more, it’s sure to be a lively time. The ‘Run What Ya Brung’ feature allows visitors to get their own modified cars on the track and blitz down a quarter mile stretch with prizes for fastest in class.
Image courtesy of iStock
