The 2019 Motorhome and Caravan Show is now very much underway, and the halls have been bustling with people already, with lots going on across the 11 halls and lots of new and improved ‘vans to check out. Here’s a round-up of our highlights so far. 

After a rather unusual event kicked off the show on Tuesday morning – endurance athlete Mark Beaumont turned his cycling skills to caravanning in a world record attempt to set the record for the fastest speed to tow a caravan by bicycle – the halls quickly filled with eager visitors looking to see the latest ‘vans on offer. 

The first big launch of the week came from Bailey, where the public were welcomed into the newly redesigned Autograph range for the first time. The rest of the week will also see grand reveals from Morelo, Swift, Adria and Knaus.

The Freedom To Go Theatre, in Hall 9, is also going to be busy this week. It has already played host to the likes of Mark Beaumont and Helen Skelton, with plenty more talks to come, including an interview and Q&A with Monty Halls, and live cooking with Bake Off’s Karen Wright.

Don’t forget to drop by the Club stands; the Caravan and Motorhome Club will be holding regular talks and advice sessions while The Camping and Caravanning Club has live campsite cooking demonstrations, as well as inspiring stories from their Worldwide Motorhoming Holidays tours. 

Last but not least, don’t forget to head to the picnic area set up by the Woodland Trust, where they are handing out free trees! You can choose from Wild Cherry, Rowan and Field Maple trees as part of their mass participation tree planting scheme. 

Reviews Editor Peter Baber reveals his show highlights: 

The Ford Nugget made its debut at the NEC Show, bringing welcome competition to the big name camper van market. Built by Westfalia but due to be sold in the UK exclusively by Ford dealers, the van includes a bed that partly tucks under the kitchen, a two-way opening cupboard by the rear door, and a hot and cold shower that can clip on to the tailgate door when it’s raised.

But just across the aisle from it is a fine example of what independent van converters can achieve. Hillside’s new Birchover Executive model includes, among many extras, a slide-out fridge and a hugely innovative pop-up roof with a panoramic mesh window at the front and an easy to use handle. Whoever sleeps up here can also benefit from a sprung mattress. 

Those looking at the other end of the market might consider the Florium Wincester 75 LOFT model, developed with Wandahome (South Cave) and on show at the dealer’s stand. Dare we say that it’s similar to Bürstner’s 744 layout, but with some interesting alternative options. Le Voyageur’s new rear lounge model, the 7.8LU, with drop-down single beds over the cab, is also worth a look.

It’s not too late to head to Birmingham and see everything that’s on offer at the show; tickets are still available both online and at the door!