Events Page

CLUB EVENTS

Club events are one of the most fundamental aspects for its members, incorporating national and regional locations with the added edge of the competitive motoring scene. Members are encouraged to participate wherever they are, and with 34 regions throughout the world - be it in the United Kingdom, Europe or World-wide – there is a welcome at any venue in any country to all.

National Events:

Broughton Castle

The Annual Summer Rally and Concours d’Elegance held each year on the last Saturday in June, established in the prestigious setting of Kensington Gardens just after the war. The popularity of this event meant that after the early years the Club needed more ground space which resulted in moving to the spectacular settings of Blenheim Palace, Broughton Castle, Charlecote Park, Arbury Hall, Hatfield House and Rousham House.

Concours

In 2010, for the very first time Concours was held at the Home of the Bentley Drivers Club in Wroxton click here

Concours

2011 is the 75th Anniversary of the formation of the Club and this was commemorated in style at the Concours and Summer Rally – held once again at BDC Headquarters. A special weekend hotel event, in Stratford Upon Avon, with a Gala dinner and dance brought members together to celebrate 75 years of the BDC. To read the review please click here

Concours 2012 will be held on Saturday 30th June, and at a new venue – Boughton House, Kettering. A truly magnificent location with a House full of glorious paintings and furnishings; gardens that are a joy to behold and a stunning setting for this event.

Silverstone 2010

The Annual Race Meeting – held every year since 1949 at Silverstone; 2011 was a 2-day event on 13th/14th August, the Club’s 62nd race meeting at the circuit – an amazing feat for a single marque club. Members and their Bentleys are encouraged to keep the ‘spirit’ alive and the race meeting is the great highlight of the annual competition activities within the Club.

For more information on the competition scene click here

Sprint

Paul Forty, first time out on track

The Annual Sprint Meeting – the Club returned to MIRA Proving Ground, nr Nuneaton, Warwickshire on 7th May 2011 for the Sprint.’ New competitors wishing to test their skills find sprinting a good way to ‘test the water’ before launching into competitive racing.

For more information on the competition scene click here

For more information on the 2011 Sprint click here

The Annual International Driving Weekend – was held in Cheltenham and organised this year by the Mid West region; this is an event organised by a committee from each region in rotation every nine years. The remit is to provide an opportunity for members to get together for a weekend to enjoy good company, good countryside driving, and good food along with great entertainment and regional places of interest to visit. Members have the opportunity to meet old friends and make new friends in the most comfortable surroundings of a country hotel in a beautiful location. Overseas members are especially encouraged to join this event.

2012 – North-East region will be organising this event - Details now available, click here

Regional Events

The Club thrives at grass-roots level through the enthusiasm of its members.   In the UK alone members organise in excess of 30 events every month, and it is said that hardly a day goes by that doesn’t have a BDC Regional event somewhere in the world!

These events, whilst centred around the driving of our motor cars, vary from the simple ‘noggin & natter’ at a local hostelry to weekend stays, localised rallies and treasure hunts with talks, lectures and film shows on offer too.   There is something for everyone, and a great way to make like-minded and long lasting friendships.

The monthly PREVIEW publication carries full details of all the activities that members can participate in throughout the year.

Overseas Touring

Arras France Arras, France

Another great feature of the Club is the organisation of overseas tours; usually a group of members form a committee and then devise a great driving experience to offer to members wishing to be more adventurous with their cars.

2007 produced fantastic tour to New Zealand, a journey that covered both islands, took in some whale watching and visiting the various tourist spots on their way. The year also heralded a return trip to France, organised by two long standing members of the Club, a terrific driving experience visiting the various vineyards and chateaux who welcomed our members most warmly.

2008 highlighted many smaller tours organised by various regions to Europe and beyond.

2009 a superb Alaskan tour produced the furthest distance covered yet on a Bentley tour; further trips to France and a tour of America in September completed this year’s line up of activities.

2010   Grand tours back to back around Australia were held in June and July; another tour visited New Zealand; the fabulous trip to Monte Carlo was arranged to view the Monaco Historic Grand Prix from the Café de Paris!   Along with this there were tours to European and UK destinations.

2011 – The Britain by Bentley Tour was the highlight of the year, with visitors from far and wide joining a group of more than 70 Bentleys travelling the length and breadth of Britain throughout June and July; a fabulous Gala Ball at the Savoy hotel re-created those heady early days of the Bentley Boys and their exploits. With a tour of Ulster in June and further trips to Europe and beyond, the year has been another time of enjoyment and gatherings for many members.

The above provides just a small insight into the Events of The Club; a very varied mix with an option for everyone from the simple noggin to the grandest tours, and we hope this also highlights the tremendous examples of friendship and camaraderie experienced by our members.

Want to join us? To find out more click here