GET YOUR KICKS ON ROUTE 66… VIA REGENT STREET!

GET YOUR KICKS ON ROUTE 66… VIA REGENT STREET!

Illinois Route 66 Regent Street Motor Show

Two of the world’s most famous thoroughfares will be reunited in central London come the first Saturday in November when the Illinois Office of Tourism returns as title partner to this year’s Regent Street Motor Show, now retitled as the Illinois Route 66 Regent Street Motor Show.

While Regent Street is renowned as the capital’s premier shopping destination, Illinois is the start of America’s iconic Route 66. Immortalised in both rock and roll history and global car culture, America’s epic ‘Mother Road’ in its original form stretched for almost 2,500 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica in California.

In comparison, Regent Street’s length of less than a mile may seem somewhat insignificant but with its curving John Nash design, it boasts incredible history and royal patronage being named after George, the Prince Regent, later King George IV. It was completed in 1825 almost exactly 100 years before Route 66 was established in 1926.

Over time, both highways have witnessed incredible changes in motoring history, so it is fitting that the two, once again, will be wedded together on Saturday, 3rd November when Regent Street is closed to through traffic and the road is filled with hundreds of cars of all ages for the free-to-view Illinois Route 66 Regent Street Motor Show, a Royal Automobile Club event.

Cory Jobe, Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism, said: “We are really excited to bring Illinois and Route 66 back to the Regent Street Motor Show in 2018, as title sponsor. Our partnership with this premier motoring event is a fantastic opportunity for our team to showcase both historic and new attractions along the Illinois section of Route 66 – a top destination for international visitors. From the iconic Route 66 ‘Begin’ sign in Chicago to the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac and the Original Historic Brick Road in Springfield through to The Mill on 66, a cherished restaurant which has recently reopened in Lincoln after more than a decade of renovation – Route 66 provides a chance to travel back in time.”

Illinois will be on Regent Street as the title partner, promoting holidays to the State and raising the profile of Route 66 by showcasing iconic and recently added attractions of the Route and giving away maps and destination guides. Visitors exploring the famous road in autumn 2018 will be able to discover the Old Joliet Prison in Joliet. Dating back to 1858, the former prison, featured in movies including The Blues Brothers, has recently reopened as a museum and now offers history tours.

And one lucky visitor will be able to go one better and really get their kicks on Route 66 as Illinois will be holding an on-stand competition to win a holiday to the state, including return flights for two with Norwegian.

Much of the Illinois leg of the Mother Road is frozen in time, a 300-mile neon-lit drive through a past filled with motor inns, quirky restaurants and diners such as the new Motorheads restaurant and museum complex which features incredible Route 66 memorabilia. For starters, check out the 30-foot tall smiling spaceman called the Gemini Giant next to the newly renovated and soon to re-open iconic Launching Pad diner in Wilmington, the large Route 66 Shield Mural on the back wall of the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac, and the curious attraction of Henry’s Rabbit Ranch for equal parts entertainment, visitor centre and rabbit ranch.

Nick Wigley, CEO of organisers, Goose Live Events, said: “We are delighted to welcome Illinois back to Regent Street. Route 66 is mythical among all those with even the slightest interest in motoring, but few know that the legend is not only still alive but offers visitors a must-see historical road trip. That’s a great message we’ll be promoting to all those lucky enough to be on Regent Street on 3 November.”

More than half a million spectators enjoyed the spectacle in 2017 and among this year’s displays will be more than 100 horseless carriages from the turn of the 20th century taking part in the annual Veteran Car Concours, the day before they set off on their annual trip from London to Brighton. Adding to the pageant, many of the drivers and passengers appear in period dress

Adding further to the attractions, displays of vintage, classic, racing and even futuristic cars as well as live street entertainment will ensure there is much to savour for all ages and interests.

The Illinois Route 66 Regent Street Motor Show is a key event in the week-long London Motor Week run by the Royal Automobile Club.

CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE, THE UK’S LEADING CONCOURS EVENT, ANNOUNCES DATES FOR 2019 

• Concours of Elegance 2019 will take place at Hampton Court Palace from Friday 6^th September to Sunday 8^th September, the weekend prior to Goodwood Revival
• Attracting the world’s greatest car collectors, and displaying the finest cars ever built, the Concours of Elegance is widely regarded as the UK’s top concours event
• Presented by A. Lange & Söhne, fine German watchmakers, the Concours of Elegance 2019 will build on this year’s truly international success with even more partners and features
• The Concours of Elegance 2018 was supported by a number of major manufacturers, including Aston Martin, Ferrari, McLaren and Geely

Thursday, 27 September: The Concours of Elegance 2019 will take place at Hampton Court Palace from Friday 6^th September to Sunday 8^th September. Running the weekend prior to the Goodwood Revival, the Concours of Elegance will build on the truly international success of its most recent running in early September.

Nominated for the seventh consecutive year for ‘Motoring Event of the Year’ at the Historic Motoring Awards, this year’s Concours of Elegance was the largest and most incredible yet. Supported by presenting partner A. Lange & Söhne and a number of major car manufacturers, including Ferrari, McLaren, Aston Martin and Geely, the Concours of Elegance attracted more guests, more exhibitors and more astonishing cars than ever before.

The 2019 event will cement Concours of Elegance’s global reputation for gathering the finest cars in the world in one of the UK’s most stunning settings; the Fountain Gardens of Hampton Court Palace. With the gracious support of Concours of Elegance patron, His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent, no other UK motoring event offers the same prestige.

Once again, 60 of the finest cars ever built will be the event’s focal point, with 2018’s Royal Automobile Club Trophy winner, the Alvis Speed 25 SC Drophead Coupe by Charlesworth forming part of the line-up. A number of features will be returning for 2019, including the ‘Future Classics’ class, which was won this year by the Rolls-Royce Sweptail.

Andrew Evans, Concours of Elegance Director, said:“In just seven short years, the Concours of Elegance has grown into a truly global event that the UK can be proud of, spoken about in the same breath as the likes of Pebble Beach and Villa d’Este. When you consider those events have been running for nearly seventy years and ninety years, respectively, you can see what a success story our event is. But with the support of our partners, and the owners of the cars that choose to display at Concours of Elegance,we willcontinue to grow and improve, to ensure we’re always the UK’s number one concours d’elegance.”

ALL-NEW LONDON SUPERCAR SHOW ‘LIVE’ TO LAUNCH IN MAY 2019!

ALL-NEW LONDON SUPERCAR SHOW ‘LIVE’ TO LAUNCH IN MAY 2019!

• Fantastic new supercar event to launch on 11 & 12 May 2019
• A two-day celebration of supercar culture
• Featuring The Strip - the classic standing ¼-mile challenge for supercar owners and dealer demonstrations
• A unique combination of live action, high-quality exhibitors, displays from world-renowned marques and presentations from industry specialists

25 September 2018: We are proud to announce the launch of The London Supercar Show ‘Live', an all-new event scheduled for Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May 2019 at the historic Blackbushe aerodrome.

With a dealer exhibition, test drive opportunities, car displays, Best in Show competition and live-action on The Strip, this new event aims to bring a unique, high-octane dynamic to the traditional supercar show format.

Due to attract an outstanding portfolio of exhibitors, the event features the ‘Supercar Showroom’ – a space for dealers, distributors and the aftermarket industry to display their cars, engage with new customers and entertain existing clients in a relaxed yet exciting environment.

Uniquely, supercar owners will be given the opportunity to enter their cars for demonstration runs on The Strip over the weekend, displaying to fellow enthusiasts what the world’s most powerful modern supercars are capable of when they blast up the classic quarter-mile strip from a standing start.

Exceptional supercar displays are also planned, with owners invited to enter their cars into the Best in Show event. This is not a Concours, more a celebration of the supercar culture, with emphasis on styling, colour scheme, detail, specification and drama – the hallmarks of great supercars.

“The concept for The London Supercar Show ‘Live’ is to provide the perfect platform for supercar owners, dealers, the aftermarket industry and enthusiasts to share their passion and combine the excitement of live, high-performance demonstrations together with a business environment where people can seek out their next upgrade, accessory or car purchase”, says Tony Robinson, the show’s founder. “This will be the dream destination for the trade, owners, enthusiasts and spectators alike.”

Blackbushe has a rich history of hosting automotive events and, being only a few minutes from the M25, is easily accessible to anyone living in the south of England. The runway is exceptionally wide at 45 metres and particularly smooth, making it the perfect venue for The Strip element of the event.

“It is important to note that this is not a competitive motorsport event. Rather, it is intended to be an entertaining activity where drivers can indulge in the supercar experience in complete safety”, says Ian Berry, the event director. “Unlike a track day, running on The Strip will not be hard on the cars, but will allow supercar owners and dealers to experience and demonstrate the pure unbridled performance of their cars in a safe environment.”

www.thelondonsupercarshowlive.com

BIG SMALL CAR GATHERING FOR BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY SMART - NOVEMBER 11TH

BIG SMALL CAR GATHERING FOR BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY SMART - NOVEMBER 11TH

Tiny, cheeky and colourful, the much-loved Smart car will be the star of Beaulieu’s eighth Simply Smart on Remembrance Sunday, November 11th, with a cheerful line-up that will delight every fan of these cult modern classics.

Owners will be making the smart choice and driving across the New Forest for an enjoyable day out, which will see every variety of Smart park up in the grounds of the National Motor Museum.

Beaulieu Events co-ordinator Dan Vaughan said: “Simply Smart is always a great social occasion, giving owners and enthusiasts the chance to catch up and talk about all things Smart. With so many custom paint finishes and eye-catching graphics to admire, the rally is an ideal opportunity for them to compare each others’ cars.”

Look out for the iconic Smart ForTwo, which is sure to be well represented, while likely to be just as popular with fans are the sporty Smart Roadster and the roomy ForFour. From factory-fresh examples to personalised versions, the varied display is sure to raise plenty of smiles.

Simply Smart is traditionally held on Remembrance Sunday, which this year marks the Armistice Centenary. A two-minute silence will be held during the event at 11am, which visitors are invited to take part in.

Throughout the day, visitors and rally participants will be voting for their favourite Smart of the show in the People’s Choice Awards. The owner of the Smart with the greatest number of votes will be presented with a commemorative Beaulieu trophy and special Autoglym prize, before leading a cavalcade of the most popular cars throughout the attraction.

For those driving Smart cars into Beaulieu to take part in the show, participant tickets are £10 an adult, £5 a child (aged 5-16) if bought in advance online, or £12 an adult and £6 a child if bought on arrival. All other visitors can buy a general admission ticket to Beaulieu at the standard attraction admission. For advance tickets or more information see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/simply-smart.

Rally participants can also explore all of the features of the Beaulieu attraction, including the National Motor Museum and its collection of more than 250 vehicles, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey, the Montagu ancestral home of Palace House and its stunning grounds and gardens.

Entry is from 9am for rally participants, when the Brabazon Restaurant will be serving hot drinks and breakfast snacks. All other visitors should enter Beaulieu though the Visitor Reception building with a standard attraction admission ticket from 10am.

If you are taking part in the show and want to park up with your friends, please ensure that you all arrive together. Club stands are also available up to a fortnight before the event. To book or for more information contact the Events team on 01590 614614 or at events@beaulieu.co.uk.

Find us on Twitter @Beaulieu_Hants, on Facebook at /nationalmotormuseum or on Instagram @national_motor_museum and join the conversation.

Source: Buelieu

LBVCR - PREMIER TO MAKE ITS PREMIERE!

PREMIER TO MAKE ITS PREMIERE!

1904 Premier making its Veteran Car Run debut

Pioneering Indianapolis motor manufacturer makes its first-ever appearance on Veteran Car Run

Roll out the red carpet: this year’s Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run supported by Hiscox will feature another premiere… and, appropriately, this time the magical marque making its debut on the world’s longest motoring event is a Premier!

Founded in Indianapolis in 1903, the Premier Motor Manufacturing Company quickly earned itself a reputation for producing technically advanced cars. The company’s early claim to fame was the use of an oak leaf on its radiator badge, which it said was the first use of an emblem as an automotive trademark. The badge also emphasised Premier’s engineering philosophy by proudly bearing the words ‘Quality Car’.

The company initially built automobiles with air-cooled engines and, like many other pioneering motoring firms of the era, used motorsport to promote and improve the brand including starts in the local Indianapolis 500.

Despite producing more than 10,000 cars before being taken over in 1926, very few Premiers have survived the rigours of time. Indeed, just a couple of early pre-1905 models eligible for the famous Veteran Car Run are known to be in existence.

One of these – a twin-cylinder 16hp example – fittingly resides in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum; the other has recently been restored and is coming to London for this year’s Regent Street Motor Show Concours d’Elegance (3 Nov) and the following day’s legendary trip to Brighton.

Now looking resplendent in Brewster Green with canary running gear, this four-cylinder Model F was found in tired but substantially complete order during the late 1980s. It then underwent an exacting restoration based on the information available, and a new rear-entrance body was constructed in keeping with period images. 

Although at the time an application was made to the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain for an official dating certificate, the handsome Premier never actually crossed the Atlantic to take part in the Run.

The car, though, was offered for sale at last autumn’s Bonhams auction at Quail Lodge and its new owner, Elkhart-based businessman Steven Haines, is now bringing it to these shores.

“It’s always been on my bucket list to have a car that’s eligible for the Run,” explained Haines, who collects brass era cars from his own Indiana state. “I came once before as a passenger, but this will be my first time driving my own car.”

“I remember Hyde Park was beautiful and sunny but, by the time we got to Brighton, it was pouring down with rain and I don’t think I’ve ever been colder in my life! But it was still fun and that’s why I’m now really looking forward to coming back.”

The Premier should give Haines a good run to the Sussex coast, too. Dating back to an era of single-cylinder planetary-transmission cars, the forward-thinking Model F featured an overhead valve four-cylinder engine and a sliding gear transmission.

Contemporary advertisements described it as offering a speed range of five to 40mph and promoted its sizeable 10-gallon tank, offering a 182-mile range – ample capacity for the 60-mile trip from the capital to the coast.

“It’s fun to drive and really gets up and goes!” reported Haines. “It accelerates surprisingly quick and boasts some good torque.”

The Premier isn’t the only venerable motor manufacturer making its premiere in November. It will be joined on the ‘rookie roster’ by an equally significant Vabis – a Swedish rarity and the seed that spawned globally-renowned Scania.

The Premier and Vabis will be just two of more than 400 pre-1905 cars following the celebrated route from London to Brighton. Full information can be found on the official website: www.veterancarrun.com

As in recent years, the Bonhams Veteran Car Run supported by Hiscox provides a fitting grand finale to the Royal Automobile Club’s busy London Motor Week – during which the Club presents an array of functions and events, a highlight being the free-to-view Regent Street Motor Show, now held annually on Saturday immediately before the Run.

The renowned auctioneer Bonhams will host a special Veteran Car Run sale on the preceding Friday afternoon with an exciting selection of veteran cars and related memorabilia coming under the hammer.

2019 GOODWOOD MOTORSPORT DATES ANNOUNCED!

2019 GOODWOOD MOTORSPORT DATES ANNOUNCED!

After weeks of speculation, we are delighted to reveal the dates of the 2019 Goodwood Revival and Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard:

Festival of Speed: 4 – 7 July 2019

Revival: 13 – 15 September 2019

Tickets for the general public go on sale 5 November.

ALAN TITCHMARSH TO PRESENT PRIZES ON REGENT STREET

ALAN TITCHMARSH TO PRESENT PRIZES ON REGENT STREET

Alan Titchmarsh presenting Concours prizes at the 2017 Regent Street Motor Show

• TV personality to host Concours d’Elegance awards ceremony at the UK’s largest free-to-view motor show
• More than 100 pioneering machines on display in the special Bonhams Veteran Car Zone
• Period costumes add to the sense of occasion on the capital’s premier shopping destination
• 500,000+ visitors attended last year’s car-themed showcase

Alan Titchmarsh MBE – the well-known gardener, novelist and television broadcaster – will present the coveted prizes for this year’s International Concours d’Elegance at the Regent Street Motor Show (Saturday 3 November).

While best-known for presenting hugely popular TV programmes such as Gardeners’ World, Ground Force and Love Your Garden, Titchmarsh is also a renowned classic car enthusiast. His first such acquisition was a 1928 Morris Cowley and today he owns a 1929 Bentley Le Mans 4.5-litre and a fully restored 1963 Jaguar E-type.

Fuelling this love of old cars, the 69-year-old Yorkshireman joined the International Concours d’Elegance judging panel in 2017 and this year will be presenting the seven category winners – and overall winner – with their esteemed prizes.

“It’s a magical occasion,” says Titchmarsh. “Seeing all these wonderful machines dating back to the dawn of motoring and learning about their amazing life stories from highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic owners is just a fantastic experience. Selecting just a handful for the awards is by no means an easy task but it will be an honour to present the awards ceremony to those selected by the judging panel, many of whom are widely recognised as the leading authorities on all things veteran car-related.”

As a curtain-raiser to the following day’s staging of the famous Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run supported by Hiscox, more than 100 extraordinary veteran cars from pre-1905 have entered this year’s International Concours d’Elegance and will be displayed within the Regent Street Motor Show, a glittering free-to-attend car-themed event which last November attracted more than 520,000 visitors.

Adding to the spectacle, the pioneering machines are driven to and from the dedicated Bonhams Veteran Car Zone at the start and finish of the show with many of the owners wearing period dress. This year’s list of contenders dates back to an 1893 Peugeot Vis-à-Vis, movie star Genevieve as well as several significant never-seen-before new entries. These debutants include the innovative c1903 Vabis from Sweden and the handsome 1904 Premier from Indianapolis in the US.

All the vehicles will be judged by a panel of experts including Titchmarsh and fellow TV personality Edd China with prizes awarded for a number of categories including Best Period Motoring Attire, the Best Original/Unrestored Veteran Car, the Judges’ Overseas Award and, of course, the International Concours d’Elegance Overall winner. There’s also a public vote for the Spectators’ Choice Award.

Giving the prize giving more prominence, a special Winners’ Enclosure is being introduced for the very first time. This will be located adjacent to the New Burlington Street junction with Regent Street and is where Titchmarsh will be handing out the prized awards between 14:45 and 15:15 on the afternoon of Saturday 3 November.

The dazzling Concours d’Elegance is just one of the many crowd-pleasing highlights at Britain’s most popular motor show – an event which showcases the future as well as celebrating the past at London’s premier shopping destination, pedestrianised for the day between Piccadilly and Oxford Circuses.

Once again the hundreds of thousands of visitors will be treated to cars from all eras. Memorable passenger rides on a number of remarkable veteran cars will be available on the day to those following the event’s social media channels in advance.

Other stand-out attractions already confirmed are gatherings of iconic classics from invited motor clubs, interactive displays, plus live music ensuring there is something for all ages and interests between the opening hours of 10:30 to 16:00. 

The Regent Street Motor Show and the Veteran Car Run are major events in the week-long annual London Motor Week held by the Royal Automobile Club.

CLASSIC CHATTER EVENT PHOTO GALLERY UPDATE

GALLERY UPDATE

2018 MERTHYR  TRANSPORT FESTIVAL

Sunday 9th September

By Classic Chatter

https://www.flickr.com/photos/classiccarimages/albums/72157673238266458

2018 OULTON PARK GOLD CUP

Saturday 25th - Monday 27th August 2018

Little Budworth, Tarporley CW6 9BW

Photo Credit: Paul Wright

https://www.flickr.com/photos/classiccarimages/albums/72157699484972421

2018 Eccleshall Classic Car Show

Saturday 1st September 2018

The Parks, Sugnall, Nr. Eccleshall, ST21 6NF.

Photo Credit: Paul Wright

https://www.flickr.com/photos/classiccarimages/albums/72157699419809041

2018 Cheshire Classic Car & Motorcycle Show

Sunday 26th August 2018

Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 9JY

Photo Credit: Paul Wright

https://www.flickr.com/photos/classiccarimages/albums/72157699419611121

2018 All American Day

Sunday 2nd September 2018

Brooklands Motor Museum, Weybridge

Photo Credit: Classic Chatter

https://www.flickr.com/photos/classiccarimages/albums/72157670836897027

2018 Cholmondeley Classic Car Show

Sunday 2nd September 2018

Cholmondeley Castle Bickerton Road, Cholmondeley SY14 8AH

Photo Credit: Paul Wright

https://www.flickr.com/photos/classiccarimages/albums/72157699367266061

2018 Concours of Elegance

Saturday 1st September 2018

Hampton Court Palace, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU

Photo Credit: Classic Chatter

https://www.flickr.com/photos/classiccarimages/albums/72157672995773408

2018 Buses Festival

The British Motor Museum, Gaydon

Sunday 19th August 2018

Photo Credit: Dave Bickley

https://www.flickr.com/photos/classiccarimages/albums/72157698881219621

2018 MGCC (Lincolnshire) Concours Event

Doddington Hall, Doddington, Lincolnshire, LN6 4RU 

Sunday 19th August  2018

Photo Credit: John Simpson

https://www.flickr.com/photos/classiccarimages/albums/72157672592037328

2018 Astle Park Traction Engine Rally

Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th August 

Astle Park, Chelford, Cheshire, SK11 9AD

Photo Credit: Phil Tugwell Photography

https://www.flickr.com/photos/classiccarimages/albums/72157697259383052

2018 Kington Vintage and Steam Show,

Kington Vintage  - 25th Anniversary Show

Kington Recreation Ground, Kington, HR5 3AL  Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th 

Photo Credit: John Porter

https://www.flickr.com/photos/classiccarimages/albums/72157700455193775

2018 Lincolnshire Steam and Vintage Rally

Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th August 2018

County Showground A15 Lincoln LN2 2NA

Photo Credit: John Porter

https://www.flickr.com/photos/classiccarimages/albums/72157700112256174

2018 Cumbria Classic & Motorsport Show

Sunday 19th August 2018

Dalemain House nr Ullswater on the A592 

Photo Credit: Paul Wright

https://www.flickr.com/photos/classiccarimages/albums/72157694607279950

2018 Tewkesbury Classic Vehicle Festival

Sunday 19th August 2018

Tewkesbury School Playing Fields, Ashchurch Road GL20 8DF

Photos by: Classic Chatter Photography

https://www.flickr.com/photos/classiccarimages/albums/72157700046960064

2018 The Chale Show

Saturday 4thy - Sunday 5th August 2018

Chale Recreation Ground, Chale, Ventnor PO38 2JF

Photo Credit: Kevin Quick

https://www.flickr.com/photos/classiccarimages/albums/72157696897141802

2018 Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza

Friday 3rd -Sunday 5th August 2018

South Cerney Airfield, Cirencester 

Photo Credit: John Porter

https://www.flickr.com/photos/classiccarimages/albums/72157672055076168

2018 Festival of Classic & Sports Cars

Helmingham Hall, Stowmarket Suffolk IP14 6EF

Sunday 5th August 2018

Photo Credit: Jake Jacobs

https://www.flickr.com/photos/classiccarimages/albums/72157669897830707

2018 Jguar Driversa Club National Day

Woburn Abbey, Milton Keynes Bedfordshire MK17 9WA

Sunday 5th August 2018

Photo Credit: Roger Kemp

https://www.flickr.com/photos/classiccarimages/albums/72157696760186792

2018 Cheshire Steam Fair

Saturday 14th - Sunday 15th July 2018

Daresbury Warrington Cheshire WA4 4AG

Photo Credit: Paul Wright

https://www.flickr.com/photos/classiccarimages/albums/72157696535115522

PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY FOR FIRST CHRISTMAS AT BEAULIEU

PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY FOR FIRST CHRISTMAS AT BEAULIEU

An illuminated Christmas trail for all the family

Preparations are underway for the new magical illuminated Christmas trail at Beaulieu as the medieval grounds of the abbey and Palace House is transformed from 23 November – 30 December 2018 at the New Forest attraction.

Specially designed for all the family to enjoy, Christmas at Beaulieu features a mile-long illuminated path with festive installations along the way. Created with Beaulieu’s unique historic past as its inspiration, visitors can expect to be immersed in the sights and sounds of Christmas.

Spend an unmissable evening experience walking through the Tunnel of Light, a canopy festooned with over 100,000 twinkling pea-lights as the tree-tops glisten and the gardens and buildings shimmer with seasonal sparkle.

The ancestral Montagu home of Palace House will be aglow with beams of light which dance in time to much-loved Christmas classics. From the roof of Beaulieu’s veteran bus, you may catch a glimpse of Father Christmas and his elves who will be greeting visitors.

Along the Icicle Walk, larger-than-life gleaming shards will guide visitors towards the Meadow of Light where thousands of fibre optic lights sway in unison. There are hidden surprises too – watch out for frosty snowflakes, shimmering stars and gigantic baubles where least expected.

A fabulous finale is waiting at the end of the trail – mesmerising voices of giant Singing Trees can be heard in the distance. Rising high into the night sky, visitors will finish the breathtaking trail with a cheerful Christmas blast of colour and light.

Visitors can complete their stroll under the stars with spiced cider*, mulled wine* or hot chocolate* while the aroma of roasting chestnuts fills the air. Toast marshmallows* at one of the fire pits, ride the vintage Carousel* or Ferris Wheel* and enjoy other traditional fare before picking up a Christmas gift or two at Beaulieu’s shop*.

What: Christmas at Beaulieu, the magical, after-dark illuminated trail

When: From 23 November - 30 December 2018

Why Visit: Discover a new Christmas light trail set within the beautiful landscape of Beaulieu, New Forest created for all the family to enjoy

Admission: Advanced from Adult £14.50, Child £8.00, Family £40.00 Under 5’s & carers free website

: beaulieu.co.uk/christmas

Beaulieu, New Forest, Hampshire SO42 7ZN

#christmasatbeaulieu