Mini Fortnight - Maximum Fun!
Mini's 50th Birthday celebrations continue at The Heritage Motor Centre. After the successful opening of the Mini Exhibition in May and Mini Festival in July, we now eagerly await August for the start of "Mini Fortnight" - two weeks of Mini Madness with events, lectures and activities for all ages.
Taking place between 2-15 August the fortnight will explore the Minis design, production and development with events based around some of the themes in the Centre's new "50 Years of the Mini" exhibition: Mighty Mini, Mini Mastermind, Mini for the New Millennium, Making the Mini, My Mini Story.
Kicking off the fortnight is author John Pressnell whose lecture, on the 4 August will track the incredible tale of the Mini's history. If you thought you knew the Mini Story...think again, as John will provide information that is sure to surprise even the most die hard Mini fan! He will also be signing copies of his brand new book "Mini: the Definitive History", so why not come down and meet the man who will put your Mini knowledge to the test.
Racing legends, Paddy Hopkirk, Wilf Ashman and Bryan Moylan, will come together for the first time to tell their "Mini Stories" on 10 August. This unique day is fantastic for all Mini/racing lovers and will focus primarily on the Mini's great racing history. Bryan Moylan will tell the story of the BMC Racing Team, whilst Wilf Ashman will recount his experiences racing the MiniSprint in the 1970's. Finally Rallying legend Paddy Hopkirk will talk about his exploits driving and winning the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964. A further bonus for Mini fans will be the chance to see Mini enthusiast Mark Feetham's MiniSprint in action during the day and also a demonstration of the Lightweight Special, an unique racing car built by Alec Issigonis
If the Mastermind of the Mini, Alec Issogonis, interests you then join HMC Archivist, Author and the No. 1 Issigonis fan, Gillian Bardsley, on 11 August as she sheds light on the man himself. This illustrated talk features treasures from the museum's archive including original documents and personal reminiscences from Issogonis himself. Members of the 1959 Register will also be displaying some of the earliest Minis whilst being on hand to talk about them.
On 12 August The Managing Director of British Motor Heritage Limited, John Yea will display the parts available for the Classic Mini in a talk that will uncover the issues surrounding some of the non genuine parts that are available and give guidance so that consumers can make an informed choice. John will also outline future plans for BMIHT to support the iconic Mini for the next 50 years of its life. Peter Tothill will also be available for informal talks about the early days on the production lines at Cowley where he used to work.
Modern Mini Magazine, Lohen and Sign My Ride UK join forces on 14 & 15 August for two 'hands on' days that will provide expect tuning clinics - focusing on specific areas such as brakes, suspension, engine and demos of how to strip a car to inspire personalized design. Modern MINI's editorial team is available to chat about the entire back catalogue of magazines that they will bring along with them. These two days are perfect for any one who owns or is thinking of owning a new MINI; and they are on the same weekend as the BMW Car Club's event Sunday 16 August which means it will also feature a load of new MINIs!
Family Activity days with MINIature themed craft activities take place on 6 & 13 August between 11am-3pm. Local artist Ian Cook and replica Italian Job Minis will also be at the centre throughout the day.
Talks on the 10 & 11 August also coincide with the International Mini Meet in Cofton Park in Birmingham, so if you are attending the IMM why not have make a Mini weekend!
Tickets can only be purchased on the day of the event at the Heritage Motor Centre and standard museum entry fees apply to all the activities over the two weeks (£9 per adult, £7 per child) however if you Gift Aid your entrance ticket on the day of your visit, HMC will give you a season ticket entitling visitors to return to any of the events during Mini Fortnight and any other event at the museum free for a whole year! (terms and conditions apply). Camping with full washing and toilet facilities is also available throughout the two weeks.
Visit www.minifestival.co.uk for more information.