Thousands pitch up to NEC caravan show - with pictures
Thousands of people flooded through the doors of the Birmingham NEC to feast their eyes on luxury caravans.
Yesterday was the first day of the Motorhome and Caravan Show, which was opened by architect and TV presenter George Clarke.
Thousands of motorhome enthusiasts are set to attend the event over the next five days where visitors can be the first to see the new and exclusive leisure vehicle launches from major manufacturers.
There are more than 700 new-season tourers, motorhomes, campervans, holiday homes and trailer tents on display.
The star of the show is a £270,000 ‘palace on wheels’ which is a new for 2019 Morelo Palace motorhome.
It is complete with a bathroom, fitted kitchen and even its own integral garage that allows for cars to be parked inside.
The LIVE Theatre will host daily product launches from top leisure vehicle manufacturers including Swift, Morelo, Bailey, Hillside Leisure, and Lunar.
Celebrities will also take to the LIVE Theatre, including former GB swimmer and Olympic gold medallist Sharron Davies MBE plus GP and medical broadcaster Dr Hilary Jones.
Exhibitors offer information and advice on holiday destinations and tours throughout the UK, Europe and further afield.
Visitors can enjoy live cooking demonstrations, relax in the new Woodland Trust Wellbeing Rest Area, and enjoy free attractions such as the ever-popular Campervan Test Drive.
Visitors also have the chance to have a go at motorhome and campervan manoeuvring or enjoy a one-to-one towing experience with the official show tow car partner Jeep.
For tourer enthusiasts, Swift celebrates 100 years of its Eccles caravan brand, as well as launching its 8ft-wide, six-berth, twin-axle Elegance Grande 655 and the new Escape Compact motorhome.
Adria also launches a new motorhome for 2019, with Bailey unveiling a never-before seen motorhome range alongside a new range of Phoenix caravans.
For campervan fans, Hillside Leisure shows the iconic VW Birchover and other models. Lunar presents its premium Ford Terrier-based model, plus its 8ft-wide Quasar 686, the new Alaria range and enhancements to Venus models.
Other notable launches include Roller Team with its new 590 motorhome model as well as a new compact A-class Pegaso at just 6m long, and two new van conversions: the Toleno L and Toleno R.
Among the debuts from Rapido is a new flagship model, the Distinction i1090, whilst Freedom Caravans’ entire range has been redesigned for the 2019 season.
Autohaus will debut the Camelot Grandi X based on the new VW Crafter medium-wheel base and Rolling Homes showcases its special edition Columbus van for 2019. Greenline Leisure Vehicles debuts a rear-galley layout on the Ford Transit Custom van.
The latest in fold-out camping accommodation is on display, with launches including new trailer tents from Trigano and a special 50th anniversary edition Camp-let. Opus Camper reveals its UK Off-Road AIR OPUS Camper at the show.
The show is being held throughout the week until Sunday.
The six-day show caters for all the family with a weekend crèche available for children aged three to eight and a sign language interpreter joining the LIVE Theatre on Saturday and Sunday.
Visitors can also pitch their caravans and motorhomes at the on-site temporary campsite by pre-booking their places online.
