Celebrating 70 years of Solihull

OVER a sunny weekend in June (22 to 24) Land Rover’s home town of Solihull celebrated the 70th birthday of its most famous product.

Land Rover Fest started in style as thousands of people flocked to streets to witness 15 classic Land Rovers drive in convoy from the factory in Lode Lane to the main event in Mell Square.

The cavalcade was led by Huey driven by legend Roger Crathorne, with Land Rover CEO Ralf Speth riding shotgun. LRM was given the second spot in the cavalcade, with Advertising Manager Steve Miller proudly driving another historic Series I, registration 437 DEL.

They were met with a very warm reception in Mell Square from car enthusiasts and employees alike, as Jaguar Land Rover’s Michael Bishop introduced each model and driver, followed by a welcome speech from Solihull’s Mayor, Flo Nash. Fred Bostock who worked on the Series I in 1948 was also present.

There were, of course, Land Rovers of all ages and models present, from a new Discovery adapted by the Red Cross to the Wasps’ Community Defender and a Classic Range Rover police car.

Further activities included an open-air cinema, an enthusiasts area, street food stalls, and family entertainment including a children’s mini Land Rover driving experience while an off-road course set up by Land Rover Experience entertained the adults. Another unexpected but welcome highlight was a Red Arrows flypast.

All in all, Land Rover Fest was a great success, and hopefully the first of many.