Brooklands Motoring Festival postponed for 2009

Reflecting the actions of other major event organisers in light of the wider economic climate, The Double Twelve: Brooklands Motoring Festival will not be held in 2009 but other events at Brooklands remain in the calendar and are not affected.

Allan Winn, the director of Brooklands Museum, said: “The costs of the weekend are significant, for the participants and exhibitors. Many entrants would have to transport cars from all over the world and exhibitors pay substantial staff and other set-up costs.

“The Double Twelve is not immune from the global economic downturn, and due to the significant requirement needed from our organising team and exhibitors, we took the tough decision to postpone the Double Twelve for this year.

“It’s a real shame that the Festival – which was such a popular success in 2008 – is not being held in 2009, but in the current economic climate the correct and responsible thing to do is to postpone it. We’d like to sincerely thank all those who had already committed to attend the Festival, and assure them that the Double Twelve will return.

Peter O’Halloran, managing director Mercedes-Benz World added: “Whilst the decision to postpone our flagship weekend has been a difficult one –it was the right one. The content of the event will be affected by the economic downturn and we would rather postpone this year’s Festival than offer something with a diminished list of attractions, which would reduce the diverse appeal of The Double Twelve and consequently narrow our potential visitor numbers. We certainly don’t want to offer anything below the impeccable standards for which Brooklands has been known for over a century.

“However, there is still plenty to see and do at Brooklands throughout 2009, and the on-site hotel is still on schedule to open in 2010. Both Brooklands Museum and Mercedes-Benz World have wide-ranging calendars of events all year, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to Brooklands throughout 2009.”

Customers who have purchased tickets or other packages for the 2009 event and have enquiries about refunds can contact the Double Twelve Hotline on 0845 602 4855. Postage, packing and any handling fees charged will be refunded.

Events being organised by Brooklands Museum in 2009: The Centenary of Test Hill (22 March); Mini Day (29 March); Auto Italia (2 May); Emergency Services Day
(4 May); Aero/Auto Jumble (19 July); and Brooklands Motorcycle Festival
(13 September).

Mercedes-Benz World’s 2009 calendar includes a wide variety of free events: Easter treasure trail (4-19 April); Grands Prix weekends – throughout the season; Super Car Club Rally (7 June); Mercedes-Benz Club Classic Car Day (19 July); and smart festival (12 September).

Both sites have extensive activities during schools half terms and the Summer Holidays (23 July – 1 September) and over the Christmas/New Year Holidays
(19 December – 3 January).

Brooklands Museum is open every day (except a few days at Christmas) from 10am to 4pm (GMT) and 10am – 5pm over the summer; full details are available from brooklandsmuseum.com

To find out more information about any of the events at Mercedes-Benz World, visit mercedes-benzworld.co.uk. Mercedes-Benz World is open daily from 10am to 6pm, seven days a week (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day), and admission is free.