by Joe Jeffrey
Star-studded line-up opens NEC show, set to prove more popular with fans of the great outdoors than ever before
The Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show opened its doors at the Birmingham NEC yesterday with a whole host of celebrities, including Chris Packham, Matt Baker and Julia Bradbury, on hand to start things off with a bang. The trio were joined by thousands of outdoor enthusiasts for the first day of the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show, which takes place until 28 February 2016.
A guest of Camping in the Forest, leading wildlife TV presenter Chris Packham introduced the show to visitors in the Discovery Theatre alongside TV star and Caravan Club guest Matt Baker, who together gave an inspiring talk about their love for the great outdoors. Julia Bradbury, TV presenter and president of the Camping and Caravanning Club, also joined them and spoke of her passion for the British countryside and the camping and caravanning industry.
“The Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show really encapsulates the love we all have for the great outdoors, and it’s brilliant to be at a show like this,” said Bradbury. “It’s great to be chatting to people about what they love and their favourite camping and caravanning experiences. When we are all in it together like this, it’s great!”
Exhibitors from all corners of the industry presented their latest products and services to eager campers, caravanners and motorhomers, including ABI, Bailey, Coachman, Elddis, Lunar, Swift and Trigano, to name but a few.
Yesterday’s highlights included the unveiling of the anticipated new Knaus Sun i on display at the Lowdhams Stand. Adria showed its new Compact SLS motorhome, Coachman displayed the latest addition to its caravan range, the Pastiche 470, while Vango pitched up its new Rivendale and Rhapsody tent models.
Andy Vaughan, managing director at NCC Events, said: “It has been a great opening day. It was buzzing in the halls and the stands looked amazing, so we are very, very pleased. The show represents the leisure vehicle industry with all the latest caravans, motorhomes and campervans under one roof. There are around 350 exhibitors, spanning five halls, so if you can get in here, look around and spend the time, you’ll come away with a really good understanding of the industry, starting from great value to ultimate luxury.”
Tickets for the show, which runs until 28 February 2016 at the Birmingham NEC, are still on sale here now, with the rest of the week offering lots to see and do. Celebrity guests at the show include Good Morning Britain’s Charlotte Hawkins, gardener David Domoney, adventurers Sean Conway and Andy Torbet, and celebrity chefs Aldo Zilli, Glynn Purnell, and Ed Baines.
And there is fun for all the family in the Dog Agility Arena with Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey, a Guinness World Record LEGO brick caravan and new this year, the Glamping Village, brought to you by ‘Visit Pembrokeshire’, where you can plan that next luxury camping weekend away. There is also a themed country park supported by the Woodland Trust, with an opportunity for children to become Nature Detectives, along with free caravan towing and motorhome manoeuvring lessons.
