NEC SHOW’S VIRUS REVAMP WHAT CLUBS THINK,
Fans remain concerned about mass indoor classic gatherings
Clarion Events, which organises the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show with Discovery may have announced plans to run a 2020 show (13-15 November), subject to government guidelines – but not everyone is keen.
A Level 2 infection rate is needed for the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show with Discovery to go ahead; Conservative MP for Daventry and Minister of State for Transport, Chris Heaton-Harris, was quoted in reports earlier this month as suggesting that the ‘r’ must fall to such a level before mass indoor events could resume. Outdoor events can now be staged in larger numbers thanks to updated government guidelines.
The show’s return drew cautious praise from the likes of the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC), MG Car Club and TVR Car Club, but enthusiast reaction online was cautious – and other clubs wanted confirmation that the ‘r’ was sufficiently low before making a decision for the NEC (or any other 2020 show).
Fiat Motor Club GB press officer, Gavin Bushby, said: We are still concerned about the NEC going ahead. At the current time it doesn’t seem likely, feel safe, or indeed legal. We appreciate this may change rapidly though, so we are keeping an eye on developments. We fully support the NEC shows, but member and public safety will be our eventual deciding factor.’
The FBHVC said that it was still keen to support the event, despite the ‘significant differences’ in the format. Its communications director, Wayne Scott, said: ‘We are still awaiting government restrictions to be eased sufficiently to allow events to go ahead again, but, when they do, the FBHVC will be present putting on a great display at the NEC Classic Motor Show to support this great event.’
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