The first automotive exhibition in the United Kingdom was the British International Motor Show, founded by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders in 1903. It was held annually until 1976 and biennially from 1978 to 2008.
Following the relocation of the British International Motor Show from London to Birmingham after its 1976 edition, a new motor show was launched in London. The London Motorfair, renamed the London Motor Show in 1993, ran from 1977 to 1999, then went on hiatus due to difficult trading conditions and lack of support, and was relaunched in 2016.
The 2020 edition of the London Motor Show was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The next event was supposed to take place in July 2021, but it never happened. Instead, a new motor show was launched by Automotion Events. The British Motor Show was announced in 2020 and was held for the first time in 2021, effectively replacing the now defunct London Motor Show.
The British Motor Show takes place at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre in Hampshire, best known as the venue of the world-famous Farnborough International Airshow. The venue has plenty of both indoor and outdoor space, and many exhibits are displayed outside.
The British Motor Show is an exciting event that has something to offer for everyone: car enthusiasts, casual car fans, families with kids, and everyone in between. It is designed as a family-friendly event, so there are attractions and activities for visitors of all ages that will provide a memorable experience and help to create lasting memories with your loved ones.
The show has several exhibition areas displaying the latest new cars, rare supercars, beautifully restored classic cars, modified vehicles, electric vehicles, and motorbikes. It also features test drives, stunt shows, supecar parades, the Live Stage with celebrity guests, games and quizzes, panel sessions, special events and activities for kids (including under 17 driving experiences), interactive exhibits that allow to get hans-on with the latest technology, VR driving experiences, Guinness World Record attempts, the Music Stage with live performances, BMX, motorbike and motosport displays, and more.
As of 2023, the British Motor Show was the UK’s fastest-growing automotive event, as well as one of the largest consumer events in the country. The 2023 edition displayed 1132 cars and featured 250 exhibitors and 100 live shows, displays and stage sessions over four days, drawing nearly 60,000 visitors.
In addition to the British Motor Show, Automotion Events runs other motoring events such as the Salisbury Motor Show, The Ellis Journey (a re-enactment of the first documented car journey in the UK), the Bangers4Ben charity event, the Westbourne Motor Show, and pop-up dealership events.
Photo: thebritishmotorshow.live
