New traffic route will ease congestion at Middlewick House Open Garden
Supercars on display at last year’s event
NEW traffic arrangements are being put in place to cut the queues of visitors flocking to Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason and his wife Annette’s Middlewick House Open Garden event.
The popular event at the couple’s 18th century country home near Corsham, which features the musician’s priceless collection of Ferraris and hundreds of supercars and classic vehicles, attracts owners and enthusiasts from all over the UK and even further afield.
With more than 11,000 people at last year’s event and more than 4,000 tickets already sold for the two-day spectacular on June 7 and 8 this year, organisers from the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust and Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity have listened to feedback about the delays getting into the event.
“We’ve been working hard with Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Council and local landowners to come up with a solution to the difficulties caused by so many people wanting to come to the event,” said Bobby Van Director Jennie Shaw. “My sincere thanks to landowners Steve Jones and William Taylor for their help.
“Thanks to the co-operation we’ve had we are now able to open a separate entrance for cars heading on to the site from Chippenham. They can turn into a field before Middlewick Lane, which means far less congestion. There will also be AA signs on the network of roads near Middlewick to divert non-event traffic.
“We’ve listened to the feedback we’ve had from residents, visitors and exhibitors and we think this will make it much easier for everyone.”
The event will open an hour earlier at 10am and close later at 5pm and features more caterers this time around to offer extra choice and reduce queueing times. There will also be live music, children’s activities and play area, stalls and other entertainment.
The event has become a Mecca for car clubs and owners of Jaguars, Ferraris, Aston Martins, Lotus, Maclarens, Bugattis and Porsches who bring their gleaming machines to complement Mr Mason’s collection, which often includes his iconic 250 GTO.
Also among his collection is the 512S, which finished third in the 24 hour Daytona, first at the Sebring 12 hour and fourth at Monza. It was also used in the making of Steve McQueen’s Le Mans before being badly damaged by fire and then completely restored. Many car clubs organise runs to the event and last year more than 80 Lotus owners arrived in convoy.
Mr Mason tries to make sure the weekend doesn’t clash with touring or studio work so he and his wife can be there to sign copies of his books and memorabilia.
Last year’s event raised £124,000 for the Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance and the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust in the process. “We are very excited to welcome everyone to what has become an important weekend in the calendar for everyone who loves cars and one which helps us raise the vital funds that allow us to continue keeping our communities safe,” said Mrs Shaw.
“As ever we are indebted to Nick and Annette for opening up their home and to all the residents for their patience, as well as the exhibitors and stallholders – and the army of volunteers who work tirelessly to make it a success.”
Early bird tickets are on sale at £12 (or £15 on the gate) here.