by Joe Jeffrey
New video released as more details of what to see and do at the NEC emerge
The countdown has begun and, in just over a weeks’ time, the doors of Birmingham’s NEC will will burst open to offer caravanners, campers and motorhomers the very latest in the world of recreational leisure for families, couples and singles alike at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2016.
The show, taking place between 23 and 28 February, is an ideal opportunity for seasoned veterans of the great outdoors or newbies alike, and will enable those in attendance to find out more about holidaying in the UK abroad, upgrade your present leisure vehicle, update your latest camping kit, or even explore the exciting world of glamping. And, with over 350 exhibitors in attendance, you’re sure to find something that floats your boat – or caravan.
It will also be a game of spot the celebrity throughout the week, with an array of personalities including leading wildlife TV presenter and guest of Camping in the Forest Chris Packham; TV and radio star and guest of The Caravan Club Matt Baker, and TV presenter and President of the Camping & Caravan Club, Julia Bradbury, all appearing on the opening Tuesday. On the Friday of the show, ITV presenter Charlotte Hawkins will be swapping the Good Morning Britain sofa for ours, with two sessions in the Discovery Theatre.
Cooking up a storm on the Sunday will be TV personality and Italian-born chef, Aldo Zilli, who will be creating three delicious dishes including a ‘Sunday Roast on the BBQ’. Aldo has appeared on This Morning, The Alan Titchmarsh Show and Lorraine, to name a few. Appearing on the Saturday will be Michelin-starred Birmingham chef, Glynn Purnell who will whip up an array of culinary delights, including roasted curried monkfish tail with Indian lentils on the BBQ. Also joining the cooking displays will be Ed Baines, judge on ITV’s hugely successful Britain’s Best Dish alongside master chef of Great Britain, Paul Da Costa-Greaves.?
Elsewhere, the Discovery Theatre in Hall 3 will provide regular presentations from industry experts, outdoor adventurers and household names who will share their camping and caravanning knowledge, or culinary short cuts, so you can enjoy the great outdoors more. Leading brands such as Bailey, Elddis, Knaus, and Swift, plus many more will be displaying their latest products. If you are looking for that holiday with a difference, peruse the Glamping Village in conjunction with Visit Pembrokeshire or if you have a beloved canine friend, the Dog Agility Arena will return once again with even more doggy talent to enjoy with Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey. In Hall 1, the Woodland Trust will be hosting a woodland themed country park for families to get involved, and let your children become Nature Detectives for the day.
If you missed it the first time round, the Guinness World Record breaking life-sized LEGO brick caravan, featuring over 215,150 individual interlocking plastic LEGO bricks, will also be on display in Hall 2.?
Whether you are experienced or a newcomer, complimentary motorhome manoeuvring sessions are on offer to improve your skills and build your confidence, courtesy of The Caravan Club. For caravan owners or potential purchasers, Hyundai has joined together with the Camping and Caravanning Club to provide free towing lessons behind the wheel of the new Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe. Bring along a valid UK driving licence photo ID to participate and note for the towing experience you must be over the age of 25.?
A number of vast displays from Europe’s leading manufacturers of caravans and motorhomes will have the public contemplating their next purchase too. Bailey will be exhibiting its seven model Pegasus range including the spacious Ancona and the five-berth Palermo. Knaus is debuting the new generation Star Class range of caravans – with entry door on the left of the vehicle, perfect for UK roads. Coachman is back with the Vision 570, a luxury five-berth caravan and Swift will be promoting motorhome models, Rios and Boleros. In addition, Lunar will display the Landstar, an upmarket van conversion.
Furthermore, for the camper in you, Outdoor Revolution will be launching a new tent range including air framed products that inflate in just three minutes and deflate in less than five. Trigano Trailer Tents is launching three updated models; Alpha, Galleon and Odyssee and the Vango range of tents includes three new models. Quest Leisure will launch its new Performance Range, a collection of awnings with Advanced Air System (AAS); the world’s only system with single and multi-inflation all-in-one.
Thetford Locks will also be on hand to show off its latest development – a service door with a lock and magnetic knob to make emptying your vehicle waste easy and E+P Hydraulics return with the next generation Compact Levelsystem for stress-free levelling. Moto-Trek will also be in attendance, showing off their new Personal Access Lift (PAL) easy access to your motorhome.?
If that’s not enough, we’re not quite sure what is. To grab your tickets for one of the best events this year, click here. And while you’re at it, check out the video below to get yourself in the mood for exploring all the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show has to offer.
