Many of our readers may have been surprised by the sheer number of Minis congregating on Crystal Palace on the penultimate weekend of May. Sunday 20th May was a hallowed day for Mini owners as it was the date of the 22nd London to Brighton Mini Run, the largest one make car show in the world. An event the London and Surrey Mini owners club spend months organising.
The event saw around 2,500 Minis of all shapes and sizes; from all over the world descend on Crystal Palace Park, the starting venue for the rally. The event has become the premier event in the Mini show calendar and it now attracts thousands of people not only for the rally but to spend the evening camping on the historic terraces enjoying free entertainment which this year included dodgems (quite appropriate).
Despite the threat of rain the weather was fantastic and local residents didn’t seem to give a hoot (sorry for the pun) about the extra traffic and everyone seemed delighted to see so many Minis. Cameras and headlights flashed, flags were waved and horns tooted as the run got underway at around 8am. Following the traditional A23 route the cars start to arrive in Brighton at around 10am and they park on every square inch of the seafront from the Marina all the way to the Pier.
Once at Brighton there were thousands of Mini fans, smiling, enjoying the sun and taking in all the entertainment. It is difficult to put the scale of this event into words, enormous and gigantic just do not do it justice. Hundreds watched the various clubs compete in the auto test and soapbox challenges, 200 cars competed in the concourse competition and everyone had a great day!
With the 50th Anniversary of the Mini coming up in 2009, I can only imagine what this event will be like then! For further information visit www.london-to-brighton.co.uk
(From Palace Mag Jun 2007)
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