High-octane fun set for Mini in the Park

Fans of Britain’s favourite small car have a lot to look forward to at this year’s Mini in the Park.

The event, which takes place at Santa Pod, Bedfordshire, on Sunday, 13 August, includes live action from the Adrenaline Tour stunt show, live demonstrations from the famous ‘Turbonator’ Jet Mini and a Mini-only ‘Run what Ya Brung’ on the famous drag strip.

One of the highlights of this year’s show will be the Pride of Ownership display, which is accessible to all Mini owners - If your Mini is unusual, clean and well-presented, then it’s welcome. Email miniinthepark@kelsey.co.uk for more details.

The top 40 Pride of Ownership Minis will be asked to exhibit on the day, and of those the top 20 will be invited to take part in the Pride of Ownership parade in the Live Action Arena.

One of the more entertaining features of the day will be the ‘Club Mini Push’, with representatives of some of the country’s more competitive clubs competing against each other to push a classic Mini around an obstacle course in the fastest possible time.

Clubs that want to compete in a more sedate manner will also have the chance to compete in a Mini-themed ‘Bake Off’, with a tent full of Mini-themed cakes being entered for the chance to win up to £100 (participating club can bring their cakes along and enter on the day).

Visitors will also have the chance to enter a competition to win a classic Mini, sponsored by specialist insurers Carole Nash. The 1996 Mini Equinox is one of 750 made, and has a distinctive ‘Moon and Stars’ interior theme.

Each year, more than 1000 Mini fans choose to start their MITP experience early, with a festival feel family friendly campsite, plus live music and Santa Pod’s famous funfair. Gates open at 2pm on the Saturday, with entertainment from 7.30pm.

A weekend ticket, which includes camping on site, costs £20 and is available from the event website.