James May’s Meccano Bike On Display At The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu

James May Toy Stories

James May bike

Beaulieu is delighted to announce that James May’s Meccano Bike, created on BBC’s James May’s Toy Stories, is now on display in the National Motor Museum.

The bike, made from real Meccano, is a one-off design created during the filming of the BBC programme. The challenge was to produce a bike capable of completing the 37.8 mile Isle of Man TT circuit over three days during TT week. It had to be able to reach a speed of at least 15mph and survive the punishing long climbs and sharp descents that the historic course is famous for.

It took months of problem-solving and head-scratching to design the bike before the actual build could start. There are more than 600 nuts and bolts in each wheel alone and over 15,000 pieces of standard Meccano were used in the build, which took nine weeks to complete.

James May, who was accompanied by TV personality, Oz Clarke, on the run said: “There was a certain amount of flexibility and a couple of minor problems with bearings, steering, comfort, electricity - and the passenger - but apart from that it was a very smooth run and very heroic, I think.”

The arrival of the Meccano bike coincides with the opening of the museum’s brand new display, The Motorcycle Story, which takes visitors on a journey through motorcycling history. Machines are displayed in their historical and cultural context; tying technological developments to changing trends in fashion, style and sport. Memorabilia including clothing and trophies won by sporting greats can be seen in displays which cover a wide range of racing disciplines, road safety and British youth culture of the 1950s and 60s.

The Beaulieu attraction is also home to the World of Top Gear, which features many more unusual vehicles created by James and his fellow Top Gear presenters, Richard Hammond and Jeremy Clarkson, on the BBC TV motoring show. The newly updated and refreshed exhibition includes a scaled-down version of the Dunsfold Park track where fans can drive remote-control models of some of the most popular Top Gear challenge cars in the World of Top Gear Test Track Challenge and enjoy a ride in the Top Gear simulator.*

The Enormodrome recreates the feel of the Top Gear studio, with regular features from the programme, including the Cool Wall and the Celebrity ‘Lap Times’ board, kept up to date in line with the show. Visitors can watch behind-the-scenes footage from the Top Gear production area and clips from some of the best Top Gear moments.

Admission to Beaulieu gives you access to all areas of the attraction, including the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, Beaulieu Abbey and Palace House and gardens. For more information, please visit www.beaulieu.co.uk or telephone 01590 612345.

You can also join the conversation with @Beaulieu_Hants on Twitter using #meccanobike

*A good value extra charge applies to both these activities.

About Meccano

Invented in England by Frank Hornby in 1901, Meccano was conceived as a model toy construction system comprising re-usable metal strips, plates, angle girders, wheels, axles and gears, with nuts and bolts to connect the pieces. The toy has sold under the “Erector Set” brand in the U.S. since 1913. Meccano enables the building of working models and mechanical devices and has inspired countless engineers, designers, architects and creative minds of all ages. Modern versions include new technologies to accelerate construction for even the youngest children. Meccano/Erector set toy products are currently sold in more than 50 countries. A large part of the Meccano range is manufactured in France in the historic factory of Calais. www.meccano.com

About Spin Master Ltd.

A multi-category children’s entertainment company, Spin Master has been designing, developing, manufacturing and marketing consumer products for children around the world since 1994 and is recognized as a global growth leader within the toy industry. Spin Master is best known for such popular brands as boy’s action phenomena and 2009-2010 Boy’s Toy of the Year winner Bakugan Battle Brawlers™, and award-winning brands Air Hogs®, Aquadoodle™, Spin Master Games™ including the popular Hedbanz™, Tech Deck™, Zoobles™ and Spy Gear™. The company has also marked an entry into children’s media with the launch of Spin Master Entertainment, a subsidiary focusing on the design, development and production of television and other media properties. Spin Master employs over 900 people with offices in Toronto, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Hong Kong, Mexico City, Munich, and Milan. For additional information please visit: www.spinmaster.com

Meet Transformer Optimus Prime At Beaulieu’s Truckmania!

With over 230 fantastic trucks now confirmed to attend, Beaulieu’s popular Truckmania event, on Sunday 25th and Bank Holiday Monday 26th May, is shaping up to be even bigger and better than last year.

Every type of truck imaginable will be on display, from film branded vehicles and brand new modern eco-friendly lorries to commercial heavyweights and more traditional models, plus some unique, one-off designs.

Do you love Transformers? To celebrate the launch of the new movie and toy line, the most iconic Transformer of all time – Optimus Prime – will be rolling into Truckmania to meet all his fans. Come and have your photo taken with Optimus – both in his truck and robot form – ready to defend the earth from evil!

Optimus Prime

The British Army will be trooping in with a large display of modern Army trucks, ranging from a Challenger 2 tank carrier to a ‘roller-coaster’ troop deployment carrier and will be taking part in special activities and action displays throughout the weekend. They will also be encouraging visitors to have a go on their inflatable assault course.

World-famous monster truck, BIGFOOT, will be performing two action-packed displays each day in the Beaulieu parkland, featuring power demonstrations, gravity-defying stunts and car-crushing.

In the Grand Marquee, see Mini Truck World with a wide range of remote-control model trucks driving around highly detailed mini construction sites and road networks, recreating everything that full-size trucks do on a daily basis.

Meet TV trucking personality, Mark Dixon, who will be joining the action on both days and talking with event commentator, Kevin Harris.

Optimus Prime Truck

Each day in the Beaulieu Arena, watch as truck drivers take on the Truckagility challenge. The professionals will attempt to score ‘nil points’ whilst driving around the tricky obstacle course with a bath full of water and plastic ducks on the back of their truck. The aim is to avoid gaining faults and keep as many of the ducks in the bath as possible!

Enjoy free rides on traditional fairground dodgems and test your strength in the Beaulieu Truck Pull. Both individual and team participants of all ages are welcome, with all those taking part receiving a very special ‘I Pulled at Beaulieu’ badge of honour.

Don’t forget to vote for your favourite truck in the People’s Choice Award, with the owner of the most popular truck winning a Beaulieu Trophy in an afternoon presentation ceremony each day.

Admission to the event also includes entry to the whole Beaulieu attraction, featuring the National Motor Museum and two brand new displays for 2014 – For Britain & For The Hell Of It and The Motorcycle Story, the newly updated World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, Beaulieu Abbey and Palace House and gardens.

Big Foot Car Crushing!

Budding drivers can get in the driving seat on Dipstick’s Driving Circuit, whilst younger visitors can get physical onthe Mini Motor PlayTrail with its Veteran Bus climbing frame, swings and Little Tykes ride-on-cars.

Families can enjoy some extra special school holiday activities, not just for the two days of Truckmania, but throughout the May Half Term, 24th May – 1st June. Play Giant Games in the gardens, including Draughts, Chess and Connect Four, and in Beaulieu Abbey, join the costumed monk in a fun game to discover how medieval arches were built.

Specially discounted advance visitor Truckmania event tickets are available to purchase online at www.beaulieushop.co.uk until 5pm on Saturday 24th May, or you can buy tickets at standard attraction admission rates on arrival at Beaulieu.

Free parking for visitors is available onsite, with the event opening from 10am – 6pm each day.

For more information about Truckmania, visit www.beaulieuevents.co.uk or join the conversation with @Beaulieu_Hants on Twitter using #truckmania.

Spring into summer at Beaulieu this May Half Term (24th May – 1st June 2014)

During the May Half Term, 24th May - 1st June, spring into summer at Beaulieu and enjoy all the fantastic features of one of the south’s leading visitor attractions, as well as special activities for all the family.

Giant Chess

Giant Connect 4

Giant Drafts

In the grounds, have a go on some Giant Games! Get tactical with giant sized Noughts and Crosses, checkmate the king on the super-size Chess board and test out your logic skills with larger than life Connect Four. Budding drivers can get in the driving seat on Dipstick’s Driving Circuit, whilst younger visitors can get physical on the Mini Motor PlayTrail with its Veteran Bus climbing frame, swings and Little Tykes ride-on-cars.

In Beaulieu Abbey, join the costumed monk in a fun game to find out how medieval arches were built and discover how herbs were used in medicines in monastic times.
Visit the National Motor Museum and see over 250 vehicles on display, including Land Speed Record Breakers, F1 racers, classic family cars of the 30s and 40s, plus rare motoring oddities such as a giant orange on wheels. Walk through Jack Tucker’s, a 1930s country garage, and take a ride on Wheels, a fascinating journey through 100 years of motoring.
Don’t miss the first opportunity to see the brand new Motorcycle Story, which takes you on a journey through motorcycling history, showing the developments in technology and the changing trends in fashion, style and sport. The displays cover road safety, British youth culture of the 1950s and 60s and a wide range of racing disciplines.
Also new for 2014, For Britain & For The Hell Of It is a fascinating display featuring the museum’s iconic Land Speed Record cars; Bluebird CN7, Golden Arrow and the Sunbeams 350hp and 1000hp. These stunning vehicles are showcased alongside a stirring audio-visual presentation and a temporary exhibition of alternative Land Speed Record vehicles.

Visit World of Top Gear to see actual vehicles created by presenters Jeremy, Richard and James during some of their most memorable challenges. The ‘Enormodrome’ recreates the feel of the Top Gear studio with regular features from the programme, including the Cool Wall and the Celebrity ‘Lap Times’ board, kept up to date in line with the show. Visitors can also watch behind-the-scenes footage of the Top Gear production zone and clips of some of the best Top Gear moments.

Visit Palace House, home of the Montagu family since 1538 and meet costumed staff who will tell you what life was like in the house during Victorian times. Take a ride on the high-level Monorail or hop onboard the open-topped veteran London bus for a different way to explore the grounds.

Visitors to Beaulieu on the 25th and 26th May can also enjoy Truckmania, an event taking place in the parkland which celebrates all things truck-related. See displays of trucks spanning 100 years, from horse-drawn carriages through to modern, environmentally-friendly lorries, watch the amazing BIGFOOT monster truck crushing cars and watch as truck drivers’ skills are put to the test in Truck Agility.

All-inclusive attraction admission tickets can be bought on the day of your visit, or take advantage of the 10% discount offered on tickets bought in advance online at www.beaulieushop.co.uk

Beaulieu is open daily, 10am – 5pm. For more information, visit www.beaulieu.co.uk

Beaulieu Gears Up For Another Weekend Of Truckmania

Big Foot

Tug a truck!

Dalton's Rocky, Hangover and Avengers Trucks

On Sunday 25th and Bank Holiday Monday 26th May, Beaulieu will be super-sizing its offering to visitors with its popular, family-friendly event, Truckmania. This exciting show, which burst onto the scene last year and proved to be a resounding success, is now back for 2014 with even bigger displays and more trucking action.

Custom Trucks

In the picturesque surroundings of the Beaulieu parkland, trucks and lorries of all shapes, sizes and ages will be on display for visitors to get up close to. Vehicles on display will include eco-friendly lorries, themed and specially decorated trucks, plus many commercial and traditional models.

Visitors can vote for their favourite truck in the People’s Choice Award, with the owner of the winning truck receiving a Beaulieu trophy.

World-famous monster truck, BIGFOOT, will be leaving visitors open-mouthed during two mesmerising, action-packed displays each day, featuring power demonstrations, gravity-defying stunts and car-crushing.

A special feature for 2014, the Transformer truck, Optimus Prime, will be appearing at the event. Do not miss seeing this superhero of the truck and film world in all his full-scale, real-life glory.

In the Grand Marquee, an even larger Mini Truck World will be whirring into action with a wide range of remote controlled model trucks. From a construction site to a road network, these RC trucks will recreate everything that full-size trucks do on a daily basis.

TV trucking personality, Mark Dixon, will again be joining the action on both days, talking with event commentator, Kevin Harris, sharing his knowledge of trucks and saying hello to visitors.

Always fun for both participants and spectators alike, the Truck Agility Test sees truck drivers manoeuvring their cab around a number of awkward obstacles, with a Beaulieu Trophy awarded each day to the most skilled driver.

Enjoy free rides on the traditional fairground dodgems and test your strength in the ‘Beaulieu Truck Pull’. Both individual and team participants are welcome, with all those taking part receiving a very special medal.

Truckmania can be enjoyed as part of a visit to the whole Beaulieu attraction. See the National Motor Museum and its two brand new displays for 2014. For Britain & For The Hell Of It features iconic Land Speed Record cars and celebrates the history of British Land Speed Record breaking with a stirring audio-visual presentation. The Motorcycle Story takes you on a journey through motorcycling history, featuring motorcycles and memorabilia covering a wide range of racing disciplines, road safety and British youth culture of the 1950s and 60s.

Visit World of Top Gear, displaying actual vehicles used in the popular BBC television motoring show, On Screen Cars with genuine vehicles from TV and film, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House and the gardens.

Beaulieu attraction admission tickets are available to buy on arrival on the day of your visit, or in advance online from www.beaulieushop.co.uk at a special web discount rate.

Free parking is available to visitors in the attraction car parks with the event opening each day from 10am – 6pm.

If you have a truck which you would like to bring along to Truckmania, or if you would like to have a trade stand at the event, please download an entry form from http://www.beaulieu.co.uk/beaulieu-events/truckmania or contact the Events Team, by email at events@beaulieu.co.uk or by telephone on 01590 614614.

For more information about Truckmania, please visit www.beaulieuevents.co.uk or join @Beaulieu_Hants on Twitter, using #truckmania.

Blenheim Palace Jousting Tournament – May Bank Holiday

Enjoy an exciting historical jousting tournament at Blenheim Palace from 3rd – 5th May. Recreating the glorious jousting matches of Britain’s 13th Century, knights will take to their noble steeds in a daring display of bravery, bravado and skill. 

Jousting Tournament

The spectacular battle is taking place on May bank holiday weekend situated on the South Lawn and featuring the noble ‘Knights of Royal England’. Gutsy, fearless and bold, the knights engage in a courageous jousting knockout. Each jousting tournament will be staged twice daily over the weekend starting at 12-noon and 3pm. Families can pick their colours and cheer on their chosen knights all hoping for victory.

As well as the gallant knights and their mighty steeds battling for glory the weekend will be packed with historic action and family friendly entertainment.

Watch a thrilling falconry display and see the birds of prey in action. As well as falcons, families will also have a chance to meet a Harris Hawk, Eagle Owl and American Kestrel with two shows daily starting at 11.30am and 2.30pm.

Jousting Tournament

Furthermore families can get stuck in and have a go at archery on Blenheim Palace’s South Lawn as well as exploring the extensive grounds and parkland and taking a ride on the miniature train to the Pleasure Gardens. Once there families can enjoy the permanent features like the Marlborough Maze, Adventure Play Area and Butterfly House.

For smaller children there will be two rather exciting Dragon Puppet Shows. Watch Alefreck the Brave, a dragon who wants to be a knight in shining armour, and The Smallest Dragon who has a special mission to rescue the Princess. There will also be an Interactive Show where children get to be the puppeteers, putting on their very own joust with 35 puppets and Yumi the 12ft long dragon.

After working up quite the appetite watching the battles and displays families can enjoy food, refreshments and tournament treats on the South Lawn or in The Oxford Pantry and explore the gift shop.

For an unforgettable day out, there is no better destination than Blenheim Palace as the thrilling battle takes place, perfect for entertaining all of the family.

www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events

What’s On in May at Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle

During May, Leeds Castle in Kent has a rich variety of daily events and attractions with activities to suit visitors of all ages. There are plenty of tours and trails to discover, many of which are included with your entrance ticket.  Annual tickets are valid for 12 months, so you can pay once and visit all year round or upgrade a day ticket before departing.

'Outrageous Fortune: Growing Up at Leeds Castle' Book Signing: Step back in time on Saturday 10 May with The Honourable Anthony Russell, Grandson of Lady Baillie, the last private owner of Leeds Castle, for a book signing of his memoir ‘Outrageous Fortune: Growing Up at Leeds Castle'.  Join in free talks at 11am or 3pm in the Maiden’s Tower Garden.

Museums at Night: Leeds Castle will be joining other heritage properties for the Museums at Night festival on Friday 16 May with an exclusive evening at The Gatehouse showcasing the new exhibition of the history of the Castle. The event takes place from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and includes a private talk with the Head Gardener in the beautiful Culpeper Garden.  Tickets are £7 bookable in advance on the Leeds Castle website.

Supercar Seige: Get up close to hundreds of iconic supercars on the Castle lawns on Sunday 18 May. The event, run in aid of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Children’s Fund, will include a military marching band and ‘British Motorsport’ section. A Merlin helicopter will be on static display with a chance to explore inside the cockpit (subject to aircraft availability). For a donation to charity, visitors can take a ‘dream ride’ in one of the supercars, driven by the owners.

The Chelsea Fringe: On Thursday 22 May Leeds Castle will celebrate The Chelsea Fringe.  See a ‘flower bedecked punt’ drifting gracefully on the moat featuring a colourful arrangement of seasonal flowers from the Castle grounds created by the gifted Castle Florist Louise Roots. Local school Invicta Grammar will be singing and reciting poetry in The Culpeper Garden where there will also be a special flower trail set up for children.  For garden enthusiasts, the Head Gardener will be giving specialist talks.

May Bank Holiday Fun – Saturday 24 to Monday 26 May

Circus Skills Workshops will be running on the Pavillion Lawn from Saturday 24 to Monday 26 May for children and adults of all ages. Test your balance and co-ordination with stilts and spinning plates, juggling, hula-hoops, diabolos and have-a-go on the juggling machines. On Sunday 25 May and Monday 26 May children can re-enact the legends of ‘Heroes, Heroines and Hoods’ in Hilarious History, a fun and interactive outdoor theatre event. The stories of Robin Hood and the Silver Arrow, What-ho Henry and Horatio’s Last Hurrah will keep children entertained as they take the lead roles in these hilarious short plays.

Jousting with The Knights of Royal England - 27 May 2014 to 1 June 2014

The Knights of Royal England will return on horseback ready to entertain children and adults during half term week with action packed medieval activities and entertainment. Watch displays of spectacular daredevil stunts, medieval weaponry, falls, fights and galloping horses. Meanwhile, the Knights school includes hobby horse jousting, mini battles and try‑on‑armour for younger children. There will also be a mini medieval market to explore.

Flowers, Food and Family Fun

The spring sunshine provides the ideal opportunity to enjoy a gentle stroll through the beautiful English cottage-style Culpeper Garden full of colour and variety at this time of year.  Meanwhile, newly-planted pine trees and cactus plants add variety to the exotic Lady Baillie Mediterranean Garden overlooking the Great Lake.

Float gently through the ancient arches in an elegant wooden punt for a leisurely 20 minute glide on the moat of the Castle. Suitable for all ages, available weekends and school holidays, punting at Leeds Castle is excellent value for money at £5 for adults and £3 for children. A discounted family ticket is available and there is no need to pre-book.

The whole family can enjoy the falconry demonstration, taking place daily at 2pm in the Falconry Arena, while the new-look toddlers’ playground ‘Squires’ Courtyard’ provides entertainment for children aged two to six.  For older children the Knight’s Realm adventure playground, maze and grotto are perfect for burning up some energy in Half Term.

Walk, Talk, Run and Discover

Throughout May a series of walks, talks and activities will be running including Meet the Falconer, Wildlife, Woodland and Parkland Walks, Garden Tours and the new Leeds Castle Run Club meeting every Wednesday evening at 7pm.

Behind the scenes tours give an opportunity to glimpse life at the Castle through the ages from life below stairs as a servant in the 1930s back to the colourful tales of life during the Middle Ages. Learn about the Royal and private owners of the Castle through the stories behind the paintings and tales told through the architecture of the buildings. For full details of the activities in May and to book visit www.leeds-castle.com/events

Annual tickets cost £24 for adults; £21 for seniors and visitors with disabilities (carer goes free); £16 for children (under 4’s free). Annual tickets are valid for 12 months so you can pay once and visit all year round. Day tickets are also available to purchase on the day of your visit or in advance online. Adults cost £19, concessions £16 and children £11.

Leeds Castle is located near Maidstone in Kent just off Junction 8 of the M20 within easy reach of London. Grounds open at 10am daily and the Castle is open from 10.30am. Last admission is 4.30pm and gates close at 6pm.

Step Back in Time at Bucklers Hard

River Cruise Boat

On the Bank Holiday weekend of 3rd- 5th May, visitors to the normally peaceful village of Buckler’s Hard, on the banks of the Beaulieu River, will hear the musical sounds of axes and saws on wood, just how the village would have sounded 200 years ago when it was a thriving centre for shipbuilding where ships for Nelson’s Trafalgar fleet were built.

Visitors can watch as archaeology students from the University of Southampton get hands-on experience of using tools and shipbuilding techniques from the 18th and 19th centuries, converting oak timbers from the Beaulieu Estate, into the main components of the framework of a ship, discovering the challenges faced by shipbuilders of the time, and how they overcame them.

Living History Guides will be on hand to tell visitors what life was like, living and working in the village during its shipbuilding years.  See how the humble labourer’s cottage and the shipwright’s cottage across the road would have looked in the early 1800s and in the New Inn, hear residents from the time, gossiping about local matters.

Learning Shipwright skills

The Maritime Museum reveals the story of this unique village and the ships that were built here for more than a hundred years. In its more recent history, Buckler’s Hard and the Beaulieu River played an important role during WWII. Sections of the ‘Mulberry Harbour’ were made here, and hundreds of craft sailed from the Beaulieu River in the D-Day landings.

The Beaulieu River was believed to be a major landing point for smuggled goods from the late 18th century, with the cottage that is now a chapel, a centre of operations.  A viewing window in the floor beside the altar reveals the cellar below, probably used as a store for smuggled

Following the Woodland Walk, children can learn how the local timber at Buckler’s Hard was used to construct ships in the 18th & 19th centuries and the whole family can enjoy a tranquil River Cruise*, which transports you on a journey along the river with a commentary revealing the history of the Beaulieu River and the abundant wildlife that inhabits its riverbanks.

Follow the fun family quiz trail around the village, with a daily prize to be won.

Buckler’s Hard is a place for relaxation, as well as exploration. The Captain’s Cabin Tea Rooms serves a range of light refreshments and drinks throughout the day, including a delicious Towey cream tea, which celebrates the 200th anniversary of the Towey, the last Naval Ship to be built at Buckler’s Hard, in 1814.

Buckler’s Hard is open every day from 10am. For more information visit www.bucklershard.co.uk

* Separate charges apply

Buy Your Event Tickets Before The 16th May For Fast Track Entry - Autojumble - Beaulieu

Autojumble

The days are motoring by to Beaulieu’s popular Spring Autojumble next month on the 17th and 18th May, so make sure you purchase your tickets before the 16th May to get Fast Track Entry to this fantastic event.

Over 1,000 Autojumble spaces will be taking over the picturesque Beaulieu parkland with traders selling all manner of motoring-related items, from parts and accessories to automobilia and literature.

On the Beaulieu Arena, up to 200 vehicles will be on sale in the Motormart, ranging from concours classics to restorable relics and in the Dealermart, a selection of quality classic cars will be on sale.

Beaulieu is offering free entry to vehicle owners who sign up to take part in a special display of cars which have won the European Car of the Year award - 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of this prestigious title. To see if your vehicle is a European Car of the Year award winner, check out the full list at www.springautojumble.co.uk. To join the display and receive free entry to the event, please complete an entry form and email it, along with a photo of your car, to events@beaulieu.co.uk. You will be informed if your entry has been successful.

Stop by the Practical Classics stand to see the show sponsor’s practical demonstration – the restoration, in one weekend, of the world’s first production Hillman Imp – along with a collection of magazine cars and previous restorations, including Lord Montagu’s MGB GT, restored to working order by the team during last year’s Spring and International Autojumbles.

Autojumble

The Morris Minor Owners’ Club display in the Grand Marquee is also a must-see, with a selection of their members’ stunning cars displayed in a workshop scene.

On Sunday, Old Sodbury’s Land Rover Sortout will be open for business, with traders selling Land Rover and 4x4 parts and accessories. Priority parking for the Sortout is available for £5 if purchased with a Spring Autojumble ticket - spaces are limited so book early to avoid disappointment. If you want to have a Sortout stand yourself, take advantage of the half price stand offer, ending on 18th April.

Trunk Traders will also be a hive of activity on Sunday, with amateur autojumblers selling their surplus motoring bits from their car boots. Arrive early, as trading is brisk!

On Sunday afternoon, Practical Classics Editor, Danny Hopkins, will be entertaining visitors as guest auctioneer at the Walkabout Auction. For just £1, exhibitors can buy a box to fill with bits (larger items can go alongside), to be auctioned off. It’s a simple and easy way of buying or selling those last bits from the show and there are no auction fees to pay.

A free delivery service to the Beaulieu visitor car parks is available for items bought at the autojumble. Bureau de Change and cash facilities are available on-site.

The on-the-day, inclusive admission price is £9.70 for adults and £7.50 for children, even less if booked in advance on the ticket hotline 01590 612888 or online at www.beaulieushop.co.uk. Two day tickets are also available.

Autojumble

Admission to the event includes entry to all the Beaulieu attractions, including the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey.

Entry to the National Motor Museum is from 9am each morning, with the event opening to visitors 10am – 5pm on Saturday and 10am – 4.30pm on Sunday.

Don’t miss the museum’s exciting new Land Speed Record breakers display, For Britain & For The Hell Of It, featuring Beaulieu’s iconic Land Speed Record cars and a fascinating audio-visual presentation.

There is still time to book Autojumble stand spaces, with prices starting at £65 and £30 for Motormart spaces. The cost of a Sunday Trunk Trader space is just £20. For all stand bookings, please contact the Events Department, by email at events@beaulieu.co.uk or by telephone on 01590 614614.

For more information, visit www.beaulieuevents.co.uk or join the conversation with @Beaulieu_Hants on Twitter, using #autojumble.

Simply Ford at Beaulieu - Sunday 4th May

Beaulieu’s 2014 calendar of Simply rallies begins on 4th May with Simply Ford, held in the grounds of the National Motor Museum. If you own a Ford, whether it is an early, custom, classic or current model, bring it to Beaulieu on the day, join the display in the parkland and enjoy a fantastic day out. The event which began four years ago with a display of around 100 cars has quickly grown in popularity and this year, up to 1,000 Fords are expected.

Simply Ford Arena 2013

This year the event is celebrating 50 years of the Ford Mustang, one of the marques most iconic cars. The Mustang which first went into production in 1964, created the ‘pony car’ class of American automobiles - sports car-like coupés with long hoods and short rear decks, with its name taken from the World War II P-51 Mustang fighter plane. Mustangs of all ages and models are invited to join a special display on the Beaulieu Arena.

The Ford Probe Club UK is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Second Generation ‘Gen 2’ Ford Probe, which was manufactured between 1993 and 1997, with a display of members’ vehicles.  The First Generation Probe was based on a series of futuristic concept cars of the early 1980s, the likes of which have been seen in films including Judge Dredd, Back to the Future Part lll and Total Recall, based on a Mazda GD platform. The Second Generation used a Mazda GE platform which it shared with the Mazda MX-6 and Mazda 626.

Simply Ford Arena 2013

Show regulars, the Ford Heritage Collection, will be bringing along a selection of their stunning vehicles, including an Escort Mklll Ghia (1985), a Focus Mkl LX (1998), a Granada Scorpio 2.9 Auto Estate (1993), a Mondeo Mkl 1.8L LX (1995) and an S-Max Titanium MPV (2006).

Also attending is the Hendy Ford dealership, displaying a variety of vehicles from their new Ford range.

As well as being a great opportunity to view hundreds of Ford vehicles and meet up with other like-minded enthusiasts, you can also browse a number of trade stands selling Ford-related parts and accessories.

Rally participants and Beaulieu’s attraction visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite Ford with the lucky winner receiving the People’s Choice Award.

Simply Ford Arena 2013

For entrants arriving on the 4th May in their Ford and joining the event on the Beaulieu parkland, entry prices are adult £10 and child £5, bookable in advance by  telephone 01590 612888 or online at www.beaulieushop.co.uk, and also available on the day. For all Ford-related trade stand enquiries, telephone 01590 614614. All other visitors should enter Beaulieu via the main Reception at normal Beaulieu attraction admission prices.

Entry into the Beaulieu parkland with your Ford is from 9am and catering will be available.

Admission to the event includes entry to the whole Beaulieu attraction; the National Motor Museum and two exciting new displays, For Britain & For The Hell Of It and The Motorcycle Story, plus World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House and gardens.

Simply Ford is part of the growing calendar of Simply events, which this year includes Simply Porsche on 22nd June, Simply Alfa Romeo on 29th June, Simply Vauxhall on 27th July, Simply Japanese on the 3rd August, Simply Land Rover on 10th August and Simply Classics & Sports Cars on the 24th August.

For more information please visit www.beaulieuevents.co.uk

Musical May Bank Holiday Weekend at Chatsworth

Music lovers are in for a treat over the bank holiday weekend (25-27 May) as Chatsworth’s house and garden are filled with the sounds of Mozart and Mahler, Beethoven and Bach, performed by the musical maestro’s of tomorrow.

Students from the University of Sheffield Department of Music will be entertaining visitors to Chatsworth, including final-year students getting in some last-minute practice with only a week to go before they have to perform live as part of the final examinations for their Bachelor of Music Degree.

Up to 30 students from across the world (including Doncaster and Sheffield) will be going through their paces at locations around the house and garden, performing 45 minute sets throughout the afternoons (12noon – 5pm) either solo or in groups. The students will play mainly Classical music but also some Jazz and tunes from popular Musicals while the students studying World Music will play some perhaps less well-known Chinese works.

“We have some top talent amongst the students so I’m sure people will enjoy what they hear,” says University of Sheffield Concerts Director Stewart Campbell. “There will be something for everyone, representing the broad and diverse programme our students study. It’s an excellent opportunity for the musicians to perform in the beautiful surroundings of Chatsworth and I hope our students’ music-making enhances visitors’ experience of the house and gardens over the bank holiday weekend.”

Chatsworth House, Garden, Farmyard and Adventure Playground (www.chatsworth.org), are open every day during the bank holiday weekend and school half-term (27-31 May) including:

• Treasure Island, 31 May: Bring the family for a merry romp to the sunny Caribbean with Cambridge Touring Theatre's swashbuckling musical adaptation. Suitable for all ages, the performance is outdoors, ideal for a picnic on the grass with the whole family.

• Three major art exhibitions: William Turnbull large-scale sculptures, drawings and paintings; Emma Tennant watercolours; Rembrandt landscape drawings.