Since the 2004 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run (LBVCR) the number of overseas participants taking part in the world’s longest running motoring event has increased by 50%, with international participants forming over 20% of the 500 pre-1905 vehicles that participate on the 60-mile Run from London’s Hyde Park to Brighton’s Madeira Drive on the first Sunday in each November.
The international entries come from all over the globe, with participants shipping their prized vehicles from; Australia, South Africa, Argentina, the United States of America, Canada, Mexico, China and most of Europe especially for the Event. In addition there is an increasing interest in the LBVCR from overseas enthusiasts to spectate the 3-day event via the organizers various tour programs.
The event website at www.lbvcr.com has a comprehensive spectators information section, which includes details of opportunities such as supporting hotels, special full-route Bus Tours, a Celebration Surprise offer, hospitality programs and other options which also include, for the first time, the opportunity to hire an eligible London to Brighton Veteran car, with experienced driver, and actually take part in the event.
There is also a five day LBVCR Memorabilia Tour run in association with Kuoni DMC, visitors can extend their 3-day LBVCR itinerary in the South of England experiencing some of the best of the English countryside and its motoring heritage. There is a private visit of Arundel Castle in Sussex, an exclusive track-day at Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit, with a private dinner at Goodwood House, a Champagne Balloon Flight, a guided tour of Hampton Court Palace and 4 nights accommodation in 5 Star hotels.
“We have been working hard since taking over the LBVCR organization and promotion in 2004 to increase the number of overseas participants and visitors for the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run” said Roger Etcell, LBVCR Event Director. “In the first year we had 74 entries from outside the UK, which in itself was a big increase on the previous year. This number has increased steadily and this year we will have in excess of 130 international entries, over 20% of the overall entry. To help drive this message we are celebrating a pre 1905 manufacturing nation at each year’s event. In 2007 it was the USA, last year it was France and this year we are celebrating Belgium and this feature has significantly increased the number of participants from these countries. It isn’t just the overseas participants and their friends and families, we are also providing services for the motoring enthusiasts as well and we work very closely with our event Travel Partner Kuoni DMC to tailor the activities and products to the needs of these visitors. There is certainly something for everyone and if you’ve never experienced the spectacle of over 500 pre 1905 veteran vehicles travelling 60-miles from London to Brighton on some of the UK’s most scenic roads, or the Saturday Concours in London’s Regent Street, then we have a product that will make the experience very special.”
The annual LBVCR provides a free attraction for visitors to London and the South East. Spectating along the 60-mile route is completely free and regularly attracts in excess of one million spectators, while the day before the Run (also free to view) the LBVCR International Concours provides spectators with the chance to get a close look at around 100 of the participating vehicles when they are displayed in London’s Regent Street from 11am to 3pm, with selected cars providing passenger rides around Berkeley Square for VIP guests and competition winners.
For more information visit www.lbvcr.com/spectate.
[Source: LBVCR]
I AM LOOKING FOR WHEN THE 1902 JAMIESON RAN IN THE LONDON-BRIGHTON EVENT. PICTURES?