More than 36,000 visitors packed Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre over the weekend for three days of new car debuts, live action and show-stopping displays.
Hampshire became the centre of the UK motoring world over the weekend as The British Motor Show 2026 brought together the latest new cars, electric vehicle technology, supercars, classics, modified motors, live arena entertainment and hands-on experiences under one roof. Across the weekend, visitors had the chance to explore more than 1,000 cars on site, with manufacturers, clubs and specialist exhibitors showcasing the breadth of the automotive world. More than 1,000 test drives took place across the weekend for Ford, Tesla and BYD.
New car debuts and headline displays at The British Motor Show
A major highlight was the arrival of three UK car debuts: the LINKTOUR Alumi, BYD Ti-7 and AION UT. Their appearance reflected the show’s position as a platform for consumer launches and automotive innovation.
Halo cars on display featured Zach’s Garage’s Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut and Lamborghini Miura, in addition to a Formula 1 display of Michael Schumacher’s first Ferrari, the 1996 Ferrari F310, the Jordan EJ12 once driven by acclaimed Formula 1 driver Takuma Sato, and the Alpine A526 F1 car. Universal Pictures celebrated 25 years of its legendary Fast & Furious franchise with a special display featuring exclusive replicas of two iconic vehicles from the blockbuster film series, the Dodge Charger from Furious 7 and the stunning gold Lamborghini Gallardo featured in Fast X.
Celeb hosts and live arena action
The show’s host line-up brought together familiar faces from across motoring, television and live entertainment, including Grace Webb, Helen Stanley, Tim Shaw and Sam Hard, alongside stunt-driving favourite Paul Swift, young racing talent Oscar Stockley-King and grassroots drifter Taylor Clark of RFLX.
Paul Swift, RFLX, Team Maximum Lock and Jonny Davies wowed crows with their daily stunt shows and drifting showcases in the Live Arena, sponsored by Bridgestone, in partnership with KwikFit, while Grace Webb and Helen Stanley captained this year’s car football teams, hosted by Kevin Harris.
Car culture, clubs and hands-on experiences
Car culture was also out in force, with 40 car clubs displaying vehicles throughout the venue. From cherished classics to custom builds and enthusiast-owned favourites, the club displays helped create a festival atmosphere and gave visitors plenty to discover between the headline attractions.
Ride & Drive experiences included Drift Limit passenger rides, a Monster Truck experience, Young Drivers lessons and Mini Rovers, while The Grid offered visitors a chance to go head-to-head with Alpine Sim Racing.
Family entertainment and discovery zones
The Lego Group & Smyths Toys Live Stage offered a chance for families to immerse themselves in the world of LEGO® and take part in a variety of challenges and live demos that sparked the imagination. The next generation was invited to the Discovery Garage, sponsored by Draper, for interactive exhibits, hands-on STEM activities, and creative workshops that make engineering and technology exciting.
Festival Fields added a relaxed, family-friendly break from the high-octane show action, with live music stage and tribute performances celebrating Status Quo, Robbie Williams, Taylor Swift and Harry Styles, as well as original music from JAMROKI, joined by singer Ophelia, Rascal Raves and singer-songwriter Jemima. The area also featured fairground fun and the British Army Village, where visitors could try interactive games, see military vehicles and take on challenges while learning more about future careers.
Wrap Championships returned
The weekend also saw the return of the Wrap Championships, sponsored by Avery Dennison. Reigning champions Prestige Graphics successfully defended their title, taking the win for a second consecutive year and adding another crowd-pleasing moment to the packed programme.
A successful show for visitors and exhibitors
With strong attendance, high-profile debuts and hundreds of vehicles for fans of every age to enjoy, The British Motor Show once again underlined its position as one of the UK’s standout automotive events.
Andy Entwistle, CEO of The British Motor Show, said: “This year’s show proved once again that the UK has an incredible appetite for accessible, family-friendly motoring events. From major new car debuts and packed test drives to live arena action, car clubs, music and hands-on attractions, the weekend brought together everything people love about cars in one place. We’re hugely grateful to our exhibitors, partners, hosts and visitors for making it such a memorable success, and we’re already looking forward to building on that momentum in 2027.”
Save the date for 2027! The British Motor Show will return 20-22 August 2027.
The British Motor Show is delighted to announce that Chris and Julie Ramsey (Pole-to-Pole EV explorers) from Plug In Adventure will be joining this year’s event, bringing with them one of the most remarkable stories in modern motoring.
Known worldwide for pushing the limits of electric vehicle travel, Chris and Julie Ramsey made history in 2023 when they successfully completed the world’s first Pole-to-Pole electric vehicle expedition. Their epic journey covered more than 29,000 kilometres across 14 countries and three continents, travelling from the 1823 Magnetic North Pole all the way to the Geographic South Pole in Antarctica, earning two Guinness World Records in the process.
Visitors to The British Motor Show will have the opportunity to hear first-hand from the adventurous duo on the Lego Group Live Stage in partnership with Smyths Toys every day as part of the Tim’s Shaw & Guests at 13:10.
Through engaging talks and appearances, Chris and Julie will offer unique insights into electric vehicle technology, sustainable mobility and the spirit of adventure that continues to inspire audiences around the world.
Chris Ramsey, founder of Plug In Adventure, has spent more than a decade championing electric mobility through ambitious expeditions and record-breaking achievements. Together with Julie, the pair have become recognised ambassadors for electric vehicle adoption, demonstrating that EVs are capable of tackling some of the most demanding journeys on the planet.
Andy Entwistle, Show Director of The British Motor Show, said: “Chris and Julie’s achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. Their passion, determination and pioneering spirit perfectly embody what The British Motor Show is all about. As we continue to showcase the future of motoring alongside its rich heritage, their story demonstrates just how far automotive technology has come and what’s possible when innovation meets adventure. We’re thrilled to welcome them to Farnborough this summer.”
Whether you’re an EV enthusiast, an adventurer at heart or simply curious about the future of mobility, Chris and Julie Ramsey’s appearances promise to be among the most inspiring experiences at this year’s show.
The British Motor Show takes place at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre between 21 – 23 August and features an action-packed programme of live entertainment, test drives, celebrity guests, family attractions and hundreds of vehicles from across the automotive world.
Limited final release tickets remain available and kids 17 and under go free with a paying adult.
Surrey-based Hogs Back Brewery has announced The British Motor Show and Farnborough International as named partners for its 2026 Revival Weekend, a vibrant three-day festival raising funds for the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) charity.
Taking place from 15–17 May 2026, the retro-themed weekend celebrates music, craft beer, artisan produce and classic motorcycles, bringing together local communities for a shared cause.
Farnborough International, based in Hampshire, is an award-winning exhibition and conference centre, globally recognised event organiser and film studio. With a strong commitment to community engagement, it joins forces with The British Motor Show, returning 21–23 August 2026, widely regarded as one of the UK’s most exciting automotive events, featuring spectacular cars, live action displays and family-friendly experiences. Together, these partnerships unite leading regional giants to support the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, which raises funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health through its association with Movember and other charities.
A Weekend of Entertainment and Community
The Revival Weekend opens on Friday evening with a Tribute Band Night, headlined by a classic rock double bill. Fleetwood Collective will deliver an authentic recreation of Fleetwood Mac’s iconic 1970s–80s sound, while the KT Bush Band, featuring members of Kate Bush’s original touring band, promises a nostalgic live experience.
On Saturday 16 May, the Surrey Hills Artisan Market will showcase a diverse mix of local talent, featuring handcrafted food, drink, and arts and crafts that celebrate both traditional and contemporary skills.
Sunday 17 May marks the grand finale, as riders from the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride arrive at the brewery following scenic tours through the Surrey Hills. The global event brings together classic and vintage-style motorcyclists to raise funds and awareness for men’s health causes. Visitors can expect live courtyard music, auctions, competitions supported by The British Motor Show, and the potential appearance of celebrity riders.
Driving Fundraising Success
The Revival Weekend aims to propel the local DGR chapter to the top of the global fundraising leaderboard through ticket sales, donations and supporting events, including the brewery’s monthly charity quiz.
In 2025, the Surrey Hills DGR attracted 1,405 riders and raised an impressive £98,216, ranking sixth worldwide. Hogs Back Brewery played a standout role, leading the ride with its custom-built Beer Engine, complete with a beer barrel sidecar.
Miles Chesterman, Managing Director of Hogs Back Brewery, said: We are delighted that we have The British Motor Show and Farnborough International on board. The DGR is an amazing local spectacle, and it is always a privilege to host its finish. To have a whole weekend of events makes it extra special.”
Sarah Marshall, Venue Director at Farnborough International, added: “Hogs Back Brewery and the Revival Weekend are hugely popular institutions in the region, and we’re thrilled to be involved in the 2026 event. We are proud champions of local communities in Hampshire and Surrey, so we’re delighted to play a part in such a meaningful and celebratory occasion.”
Avery Dennison is returning to the British Motor Show as the Official Sponsor of the UK Wrap Championships 2026, marking the second consecutive year of partnership for the globally recognised materials science and graphics solutions leader.
This year the Wrap Championships will take centre stage in Hall 1, the event’s main indoor exhibition alongside Cardusio, reinforcing the competition’s status as one of the show’s premier live attractions.
Avery Dennison will use the championship platform to showcase its industry-leading automotive graphics solutions on a national stage. The partnership highlights a strong focus on aftermarket automotive materials, including paint protection film (PPF) and vehicle wrapping, whether full colour change or bespoke, one-off designs.
Across three action-packed days, four of the UK’s top vehicle wrapping teams will go head-to-head in a live competitive environment, battling for the UK Wrap Champion title. Each day of the competition will feature a different creative theme, testing skill, speed, precision, and design innovation in front of a live audience. The reigning champions, Prestige Graphics, return to defend their title.
“We’re proud to return to the British Motor Show as Official Sponsor of the UK Wrap Championships for a second consecutive year,” said Darnell Hahn, UK & Scandinavia Area Senior Sales Manager at Avery Dennison. “This competition reflects what Avery Dennison stands for—innovation, craftsmanship, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with automotive graphics. With the championships taking place at the heart of the show, it gives vehicle owners a front-row seat to the skill behind wrapping and paint protection, while also allowing us to engage directly with the community, share expertise, and showcase how our materials can help personalise, protect, and transform vehicles.”
In addition to the main championship action, visitors can expect live demonstrations throughout the show, hands-on opportunities to try wrapping techniques themselves, and access to industry experts who will be on hand to offer advice, guidance, and insights into materials, tools, and best practices.
With Avery Dennison’s continued support and an expanded presence on the show floor, the UK Wrap Championships 2026 promises to be bigger, bolder, and more immersive than ever, cementing its position as a must-see feature for automotive enthusiasts, professionals, and aspiring wrappers alike.
The British Motor Show 2026 takes place from 21 to 23 August and is expected to welcome tens of thousands of visitors, offering manufacturers, partners, and sponsors an unrivalled opportunity to connect directly with UK consumers and the wider automotive community.
Bridgestone, in partnership with Kwik Fit, has announced its return to The British Motor Show and has become the official sponsor of the Live Arena and Supercar Paddock for the 2026 edition. This marks the fifth consecutive year that the two automotive leaders have supported the show’s most popular and high-energy attractions.
Renowned for delivering adrenaline-fuelled demonstrations, thrilling live performances, and an up-close showcase of the world’s most desirable supercars, the Live Arena and Supercar Paddock have become centrepieces of The British Motor Show experience. Bridgestone and Kwik Fit’s continued partnership underlines their long-standing joint commitment to performance, safety, innovation, and engaging automotive fans of all ages.
Drew Chapman, Consumer Sales Director for Bridgestone UK, commented: “We’re thrilled to return to the British Motor Show with Kwik Fit for our fifth consecutive year. Spanning three exciting days, the event offers a fantastic day out for families and passionate car fans alike. Performance is at the core of everything we do at Bridgestone, so we’re proud to be at the centre of the action as sponsors of the Bridgestone in partnership with Kwik Fit Live Arena and the Supercar Paddock.”
Andy Lane, Marketing Director at Kwik Fit, added: “We’re proud to be partnering with Bridgestone once again at the British Motor Show. The thrilling stunts and extreme performance in the Live Arena and Supercar Paddock may seem a world away from everyday motoring, but there is a common thread. All drivers need to have confidence in their car – whether up on two wheels in the arena or popping to the shops. This event is the perfect place to connect with motorists of all ages and share how our expertise, combined with the quality and performance of Bridgestone tyres, helps keep the nation’s drivers safe on the road.”
Visitors to the 2026 show can once again expect an action-packed programme in the Live Arena, alongside a spectacular display of cutting-edge supercars in the Supercar Paddock. Bridgestone and Kwik Fit experts will also be on hand throughout the event, sharing insight on tyre safety, vehicle maintenance, and the importance of keeping drivers road ready.
The British Motor Show 2026 takes place 21-23 August 2026 and is expected to welcome tens of thousands of visitors, offering manufacturers, partners, and sponsors an unrivalled opportunity to connect directly with UK consumers and the wider automotive community.
HALO, the automotive industry’s dedicated appointment and test drive booking platform, has been confirmed as the exclusive test drive booking partner for The British Motor Show 2026.
The partnership will see HALO power all test drive bookings at the 2026 show, delivering a fully integrated booking and scheduling solution designed to support manufacturers operating at scale while improving visitor experience and data quality.
Using HALO’s platform, attendees will be able to pre-book test drives ahead of the event, selecting preferred vehicles, manufacturers, and time slots in advance. This approach ensures visitors arrive on-site with confirmed appointments, significantly reducing queues, and on-the-day inefficiencies. At the British Motor Show 2025, 72% of attendees were considering the purchase of their next car, and 30% have already registered their interest in test drives at the 2026 event.
For manufacturers and exhibitors, HALO provides a centralised system to manage test drive activity across multiple brands and vehicle fleets. The platform enables real-time management of availability, capacity, and scheduling, while capturing accurate customer data both before and during the event. Live visibility of bookings and attendance allows teams to optimise resource allocation and maximise engagement throughout the show.
Andy Entwistle, CEO of The British Motor Show, commented: “Test drives are a critical part of the visitor experience at the show and a key commercial opportunity for manufacturers. Partnering with HALO allows us to deliver a more structured, data-driven, and scalable test drive experience for 2026. This collaboration ensures exhibitors can operate efficiently while visitors enjoy a smoother, more professional experience from booking through to driving.”
Harry Pennington, Strategy & Development Director at RGML, said: “We’re proud to be supporting one of the UK’s most important automotive showcases and helping to raise the standard for how test drive experiences are delivered at scale, giving manufacturers better control and visitors a smoother, more engaging experience.”
As part of the partnership, The British Motor Show is the exclusive event user of HALO for 2026, reinforcing The British Motor Show’s commitment to operational excellence and innovation, while positioning HALO at the centre of one of the UK’s most significant automotive retail and manufacturer showcases.
The British Motor Show 2026 takes place 21-23 August and is expected to welcome tens of thousands of visitors, offering manufacturers, partners, and sponsors an unrivalled opportunity to connect directly with UK consumers and the wider automotive community.
The British Motor Show has launched a new event layout, 9 new features, and free tickets for kids under 17 for its 2026 edition.
Taking place at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre from 21-23 August 2026, The British Motor Show is more than just a car show, it’s a four-day spectacle delivering live entertainment, interactive displays and driving experiences for the whole family.
New features for 2026 include:
The Showroom: The latest cars, leading brands & live reviews.
The Grid: Hand-on sim-racing, e-sports & iconic driving games.
Lowered and Loud: All things car culture, style & custom-builds.
The Yard: Get up close to high-octane motorsport & modified machines.
Pit Lane: Go behind-the-scenes of the world of competitive racing.
Festival Fields: Good vibes, great food, family fair rides & live music.
Discovery Garage: An interactive inspiration for the next generation of car lovers.
The Club Hub: Classic cars, modified rides, unique builds & passionate owners.
Marketplace: Shop ‘till you drop where there’s something for the whole family.
Fan favourites returning in 2026:
The Live Arena: Celebrity guests, adrenaline-fuelled action & jaw-dropping stunts.
Test Drives: Get behind the wheel of all the latest makes and models.
The Lego Group Live Stage in partnership with Smyths Toys: Special guests, family entertainment, The Lego Motor Show Shop plus make and take race cars.
Supercar Paddock: A showcase of the finest exotic & high-performance vehicles.
Ride & Drive: Feel the thrill with drift taxis, dream rides, under 17 driving & more.
