9 replies to this topic

[IronmanG]

https://www.mini-festival.co.uk/

Is anyone going to brands in August. I've just had an email asking me to go. I've never been to this meet. What's it like?

[stuart bowes]

there's some races of various series which are reasonably entertaining but when I went last no-one was really 'going for it' like you would see on proper championship series days, I thought of it more of an exhibition

 

rows upon rows of nearly identical minis everywhere as is the way these days. too many BMW's for my personal preferences but in their defence you do at least see more modifications there

 

on a nice day it's a decent day out, can get a bit busy though queuing for the food vans etc, so take your own lunches

 

that's just my personal take on it other opinions will of course vary

[mab01uk]

Mini 7, Mini Miglia and Mighty Mini qualifying and races are normally very close racing and exciting to watch unlike most F1 races these days!

Paddock Bend and the Druids hairpin are good places for spectators to watch for close up action of Minis on the cornering limit.

 

The Fastest Mini in the World race has impressively engineered cars but are often well spaced out on the track due to large differences in power and performance.

 

Make sure you walk around the race paddock to see the race Minis close up being worked on and prepared or repaired for the track action, also a great place for getting photos.

 

As said the show Mini areas are similar to most shows these days with lots of nicely restored classic Minis and as said above there are usually more modifications to be seen in the BMW MINI areas of the show cars.

Normally a few trade stands but not many compared to some shows so bear that in mind if buying parts is your main reason for going.

 

If its a sunny day make sure you put on some sun protection or wear a hat, as unless you pay extra for sitting in a covered stand there is not much shade for spectators around the circuit!

Edited by mab01uk, 05 August 2024 - 09:29 AM.

[RichMPiBlue]

https://www.mini-festival.co.uk/

Is anyone going to brands in August. I've just had an email asking me to go. I've never been to this meet. What's it like?

 

My review from when I was on stand at the 2022 event;

 

"Great weather, excellent races and taking my mini on the circuit was something else! 

 

However, my mini was on display (with my cousins mini) in section P1. I felt that section was out the way, or maybe because I got display last minute, and it had the odd modern car in it.

 

Eitherway next year i'd like to be nearer the entrance, believe that being B1." 

[RichMPiBlue]

*Update to that review is I haven't attended since due to work.

[IronmanG]

Ok so b1 is best. I might be a bit old and slow. I applied online to go. Received an email to invite me with a link. Now I have to go online and buy a ticket. But reading the email suggests there is some sort of 65 year event or stand?

[RichMPiBlue]

Ok so b1 is best. I might be a bit old and slow. I applied online to go. Received an email to invite me with a link. Now I have to go online and buy a ticket. But reading the email suggests there is some sort of 65 year event or stand?

 

You send a picture in of your car and you get on the show for free. Or, at least that is what I did. Unless it has changed? 

[petey81]

A busy turn out. Again no trade stands but not a big deal. Here to see the racing!!

[mab01uk]

Mini Festival Live - Brands Hatch Sunday 4th August 2024

 

 

[IronmanG]

I managed to get in the 65th anniversary stand and got 15 minutes hooning round the track just before lunch. I've never done anything other than karts. That drop on the first bend is something else. After 10 minutes with a bit more confidence and warmer tyres I was hitting the limiter in third coming onto the main straight.
Besides that the Binis were out in force, the were plenty of classic minis, a couple of trade stands with no parts just promoting stuff and some very interesting engine conversions and different cylinder head. I had a decent day