Behind the scenes with the organising team #1
The first site meeting of the year took place on Wednesday 17th January to bring all the volunteers from the three organising clubs together at the Three Counties, Malvern to start mapping out the event.
On a bitterly cold winter’s day, the team ventured out into the sub-zero conditions and did our best to imagine what this magnificent venue would be like in mid-summer, with the sun shining of course. The busy throngs of people chatting and the sound of engines might have seemed a long way away, but the stunning Malvern hills provided the same, picturesque backdrop.
There has been a fantastic response from UK car clubs to the Inter-club Weekend and as a result, space has been made and measured up for each club to display its branded gazebos with parking for their members behind.
The first job was a walk up to the ‘Brown Gate’ area of the showground to measure up and assess the area for the California Cup AutoTest hosted by the MG Car Club at the event on Sunday and the ‘all-comers’ AutoSolo which will take place on Saturday at the Inter-club Weekend.
There is also a space which will be utilised for precision driving displays – but more news on that is still to come, we’ve said too much already!
These visits are essential to work out where grandstands need to be placed, where pedestrian walkways need to run, how safety barriers are positioned, what infrastructure is needed and where PA systems and speakers will be located.
Mapping out the trade areas, both indoor and outdoor including Autojumblers and cars for sale is a crucial step in this process as several exhibitors are chomping at the bit to join us!
The main arena is set within an intimate position as the backdrop to the catering and bar area, right in the heart of the show, opposite the trade halls. Here you will be able to sit a while, enjoy some food or a coffee and listen to our presenters interviewing owners and presenting the fascinating stories of the variety of cars that will be on display.
For those of you who have been to the Three Counties Showground near Malvern before, the first thing you’ll notice about this year’s event is the addition of a huge new building! This is situated where once there was a concrete expanse between two agricultural buildings. This new space will be used for special displays and our entertainment area where you’ll enjoy the bar, atmosphere and live music throughout the weekend and late into the evening.
This, alongside Severn Hall, will provide an exciting couple of spaces for anniversary vehicles and special displays – so we are looking forward to planning out how we are going to use these spaces to full effect. The will of course also be an indoor area to house Concours D’Elegance competitors, where visitors will be able to peruse the cream of the crop of restored club cars in the comfort of this vast indoor space.
The planning day was rounded up with a chat with the venue owners, finalising costs and generally getting super excited about what is already shaping up to be an incredible, innovative and memorable event.
Tickets are on sale NOW and club members can save £20 on every ticket by simply entering the early-bird discount code here – but be quick, this offer ends on 31st March 2024!