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Dynamic Duo to Open the Caravan and Camping Show

Special Guests Lined up to Entertain Show Visitors over Six Days

This year’s Caravan & Camping Show (18th – 23rd February, NEC Birmingham) will be officially opened on Tuesday 18th February by World Land Speed Record Breaker and Caravan Club member, Wing Commander Andy Green OBE alongside ‘Countryfile’ presenter and new President of The Camping and Caravanning Club, Julia Bradbury.

The official Show opening will take place at the Dog Agility Area in Hall 4 at 10.20am.

Andy and Julia will be joined by Show host, Andrew Dickens, and will be chatting about their current projects as well as sharing details of the entertainment on offer from both Clubs to visitors on the first day of the Show.

Tuesday is Caravan Club Day and Andy, the first person to ever break the sound barrier, will be appearing on The Caravan Club stand at 10.50am (Hall 2, stand 2000) alongside BLOODHOUND, his supersonic 1,000mph land speed car. He’ll be kick starting a whole day of fun and entertainment planned by The Caravan Club for Club members and show visitors.

Julia, the first female President of The Camping and Caravanning Club, will be launching an exciting new Club initiative on The Camping and Caravanning Club stand at 11.30am (Hall 4, stand 4220) and will also be meeting visitors and taking part in cooking demonstrations with local produce expert Ali Ray.

Andy and Julia are just two of a long list of special guests lined up to attend the six day Show. Each day will welcome a different celebrity who’ll entertain visitors with expert demonstrations, tales of their outdoor adventures and offer inspiration and advice to those setting off on their caravan, motorhome, camping or holiday home travels this year.

Ashleigh & Pudsey – Wednesday 19th & Thursday 20th February

Thrown into the limelight following their success on ITV's popular show Britain's Got Talent in 2012, the dog trick duo have millions of adoring fans nationwide.

Pudsey, a Border Collie, Bichon Frise and Chinese Crested powder-puff cross, won the hearts of the nation two years ago after a performance with owner 18-year-old Ashleigh Butler to Mission Impossible's theme tune.

Visitors will be able to lap up a star performance and witness first-hand the expert skills and entertaining antics the pair have become famous for, with a number of visitors getting the chance to meet the stars personally.

Helen Skelton – Thursday 20th February

TV Presenter, double world record holder and ‘dare devil’ Helen Skelton will be attending the Show on Thursday 20th February to share tales and answer visitors’ questions about her extreme outdoor adventures.

The TV golden girl is best known for her role as co-presenter of the iconic children’s show ‘Blue Peter’ and for completing amazing challenges to raise funds for Comic Relief and Sport Relief.  Her accomplishments include being the first person to kayak solo the entire length of the Amazon River and to cycle to the South Pole. Other endeavours include running the 78-mile Namibian Ultra Marathon and tightrope walking between chimneys at Battersea Power Station.

Andy Torbet – Friday 21st February

TV action man, author, underwater explorer and zoologist Andy Torbet will be inspiring Show visitors with tales of dramatic outdoor encounters both on and off the camera.

The 36-year-old Scot is a paratrooper, diver and bomb disposal officer turned TV presenter, and has become the BBC’s resident ‘extreme adventurer’, performing both daring and dangerous tasks on shows including ‘Operation Iceberg’ and ‘Coast’. He has most recently been filmed free diving with Beluga Whales in Russia for a BBC documentary out later this year.

Andy has travelled the world over for both work and pleasure and attributes his love of the outdoors to years spent camping, walking and diving as a child. He’ll be sharing that passion at the Show on Friday 21st February with live talks and visitor Q & A sessions as well as getting stuck into the Show’s free have-a-go features, including a giant 10 metre high climbing wall with drop zone, kids’ assault course and mountain bike track.

Lisa Faulkner – Friday 21st February

Actress, chef and author, Lisa Faulkner will be at the Show on Friday 21st February sharing ideas for delicious meals that can be cooked quickly and easily on a barbecue or camping stove.

Since winning Celebrity MasterChef in 2010, Lisa has established herself as a bona fide chef and has written two recipe books as well as co-presenting Channel 4’s ‘What’s Cooking’.

Her recipes are perfect for large family gatherings and include dishes that you can cook with children so they share the enjoyment of putting the meal together. Join Lisa in the Campsite Cookery area in Hall 5.

Josh ‘Guyrope Gourmet’ Sutton – Saturday 22nd February

Author of camping cookbook 'Guyrope Gourmet' Josh Sutton, will be taking to the stove on Saturday to inspire visitors with new ideas for mouth-watering meals.

Food and travel writer Sutton is leading a food revolution on campsites across the country. The field to fork champion aims to inspire UK campers to seek out fresh local produce over processed convenience foods.

Forget burgers and beans, the camping culinary king will entertain and inspire crowds with delicious on the go recipes using local produce.

Mark Lloyd – Sunday 23rd February

Chef, presenter and wild food expert, Mark Lloyd will inspire visitors to the Show on Sunday with recipes that use ingredients from the Great British countryside.

The former River Cottage head chef has cemented a reputation as one of the leading foraging experts, creating delicious food using ingredients from what he describes as the 'wild larder'.

A TV regular, Lloyd has appeared alongside The Hairy Bikers and took part in BBC America's Chef Race UK v US, made by Jamie Oliver’s Fresh One. A contagious passion for foraging for nature's wild edibles combined with extensive knowledge of how best to prepare the ingredients makes Lloyd an inspirational presenter.

Great Value Family Day Out

The Caravan & Camping Show is the UK’s biggest start of season showcase. Occupying 70,000m2 of the Birmingham NEC (the equivalent of 1750 average size campsite pitches) the Show unites all the leading manufacturers, dealers, importers, accessory specialists and destination experts under one roof.

It’s an essential first port of call for anyone considering a caravan, motorhome, campervan, holiday home adventure with the opportunity to browse and buy all the latest models, pick up useful tips and advice from hundreds of industry experts, discover and book exciting new destinations and days out attractions and stock up on essential outdoor leisure accessories – many at ‘show only’ prices.

With half term dates and an affordable ticket price - advance tickets are just £7 for seniors, £8 for adults and kids under 16 years go free* - the Show is a fun-filled day out for all the family with free ‘have-a-go’ attractions for visitors of all ages. Show-goers can have a go at rock climbing, mountain biking and a specially designed children's assault course, all under expert tuition.  

If you fancy giving motorhome manoeuvring a try, The Caravan Club will be offering free 20 minute taster sessions for those who’d like to improve their skills or take to the wheel for the first time. If you’d like to have a go at towing, The Camping and Caravanning Club will be offering free in-car instruction on ‘how to tow safely’.

Advanced Booking Discounts, Save £2.00 per Ticket

Tickets are only £7.00 in advance with our ticket offer (on-the-door £9.00). The Caravan & Camping Show is the best place to buy, book or browse everything you need for great value holidays in the great outdoors. Book tickets early and benefit from a discounted advance ticket price of just £7.00 for seniors (60 + years) and £8.00 for adults*. Children age 15 years and under are admitted free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult/senior. Tickets include parking and a show guide (subject to availability). * Advance tickets must be purchased before 23:59 on the 17th February 2014, and are subject to a £1 transaction fee. On-the-door tickets are priced at £9 for seniors (60+) and £10 for adults.

To book tickets, please visit the show website .

Win one of 20 pairs of Show Tickets

We have teamed up with the show and are offering you the chance to win one of 20 pairs of tickets to the show. To find out more and for your chance to win click here - Competition closes on 2nd February 2014

ALL STAR LINE-UP AT THE BIGGEST SHOW OF THE SEASON

A number of brand new products and special editions will be unveiled exclusively by the industry’s leading manufacturers, dealers and importers alongside the very latest 2014 model ranges making the Show an essential first port-of-call for anyone considering a caravan, motorhome, holiday home or camping adventure. (note: see editors’ notes for a list of new launches planned)

The 300-strong exhibitor line-up also includes a huge choice of UK and European campsites, days out attractions, service providers and accessory specialists providing both newcomers and experienced hands with the opportunity to benefit first hand from expert guidance, book pitches and stock up on hundreds of essential and innovative outdoor holiday accessories, many at ‘show-only’ prices.

New for 2014
The new Show footprint allows a bigger display of tents and camping equipment – a 70% increase on the volume shown last year. From easy-erect pop ups to large and luxurious family tents, double the number of brands will be on display alongside essential camping equipment from specialists, PJ Camping including Coleman, Gelert, Isabella, Kampa, OlPro, Outwell, Quest, Sprayway, Vango and Zempire.

The introduction of ‘The Holiday Village’, a new feature for 2014 run, offers visitors the chance to chat face-to-face with representatives from recommended sites across France, Spain and Germany. In total there are 60 campsites exhibiting at the Show, twice as many as in 2013, so as well as making bookings there and then, visitors can learn more about the locality and attractions in the areas they hope to visit.

A Great Value Day Out
With half term dates, The Caravan & Camping Show is a fun-filled day out for all the family with FREE ‘have-a-go’ attractions and special celebrity guests sharing tales of amazing outdoor adventures – all included within a great advance ticket price of £8 for adults, £7 for Seniors (60+ years) and with children 15 years and under admitted for free*.

Under expert instruction, visitors of all ages can try rock climbing, a cliff drop and mountain biking. There’s also a kid’s assault course plus campsite cookery demonstrations and dog agility displays, with a special guest appearance from dog trick duo Ashleigh & Pudsey, winners of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent (Weds 19th & Thurs 20th).

On Tuesday 18th, World Land-Speed Record Breaker and Caravan Club member, Wing Commander Andy Green will be at the Show alongside ‘Countryfile’ presenter and new President of The Camping and Caravanning Club, Julia Bradbury. They’ll be officially opening the Show from the Dog Agility Area (Hall 4, 10.20am). You can also get up close to BLOODHOUND SSC, an amazing 1,000mph land speed car which will be on display on The Caravan Club stand.

Thursday (20th) brings former Blue Peter presenter, double world record holder and ‘dare devil’ Helen Skelton to the Show. She’ll be sharing tales of her extreme outdoor adventures and taking questions from Show visitors.

Getting stuck in to the Show attractions on Friday (21st) will be real-life action man and TV presenter Andy Torbet, fresh from free-diving with Beluga Whales for a new BBC series. Also joining the Show on Friday will be actress and cook Lisa Faulkner who’ll be preparing mouthwatering dishes in the Campsite Cookery area (Hall 5).

Taking to the stove on Saturday (22nd) will be Josh Sutton, aka The Guyrope Gourmet, and cook and forager Mark Lloyd, of Saturday Kitchen and 5 Live, will be at the Show on Sunday (23rd).

For those new to touring, or just looking to perfect their skills and gain confidence, The Camping and Caravanning Club will be offering free professional instruction on ‘how to tow safely’ from behind the wheel of a new Volvo tow car. If you fancy giving motorhome manoeuvring a try, The Caravan Club will be offering free 20 minute taster sessions with an expert instructor.

The Caravan & Camping Show is the best place to buy, book or browse everything you need for great value holidays in the great outdoors. Book tickets early and benefit from a discounted advance ticket price of just £7.00 for seniors (60 + years) and £8.00 for adults*. Children age 15 years and under are admitted free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult/senior. Tickets include parking and a show guide (subject to availability).

Advanced Booking Discounts, Save £2.00 per Ticket

Tickets are only £7.00 in advance with our ticket offer (on-the-door £9.00). The Caravan & Camping Show is the best place to buy, book or browse everything you need for great value holidays in the great outdoors. Book tickets early and benefit from a discounted advance ticket price of just £7.00 for seniors (60 + years) and £8.00 for adults*. Children age 15 years and under are admitted free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult/senior. Tickets include parking and a show guide (subject to availability). * Advance tickets must be purchased before 23:59 on the 17th February 2014, and are subject to a £1 transaction fee. On-the-door tickets are priced at £9 for seniors (60+) and £10 for adults.

To book tickets, please visit the show website .

Win one of 20 pairs of Show Tickets

We have teamed up with the show and are offering you the chance to win one of 20 pairs of tickets to the show. To find out more and for your chance to win click here - Competition closes on 2nd February 2014

Quote: Originally posted by murphybrown on 05/2/2014

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Just booked my 2 tickets.  Can anyone suggest a ( don't shout ) hotel for one night, please. ?

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Quote: Originally posted by murphybrown on 05/2/2014Just booked my 2 tickets.  Can anyone suggest a ( don't shout ) hotel for one night, please. ?

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very clever, smart arse !!. There's a time for camping and a time for hotels, surely even you can see that.

 

Quote: Originally posted by Mucker1884 on 05/2/2014I stopped in a hotel once, without thinking how it would affect my sleep. Would I stop in one again? NO!!

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It was all walls and double glazed windows. No fresh air, no road noise, no smells of the countryside!
You have to go upstairs to bed... and back downstairs for a breakfast... if you can call it that! Far too much hassle... And those neon signs look like at best, a gypsy's boudoir, and at worst, that place next door to the Banana Club in 'Dam!

Get yersen in a field somewhere, where you can appreciate the great outdoors, and feel the fresh air (wind).
Camping shows are for campers, so if you can't camp near the NEC, then don't go!

Barricading yourself in a bloody hotel? Whatever next!!

Rant over.

   

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I believe the saying goes,  "everyone is entitled to there opinion", but you obviously seem to take pleasure in regurgitating someones post from another forum and rying to use it against them in another forum, just to "get at them" for some unknown reason.

"well for the future" you, never sir.

Quote: Originally posted by Mucker1884 on 05/2/2014

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Everyone certainly is entitled to "there opinion"... (Bugger, you've got me spelling it wrong, now!!) which was, of course, the whole point of my retort. Do you not agree, therefore, that they are also entitled to camp in a way that suits them, even if that entails "barracading themselves in" behind a wind break? (Bloody hell, another one... I really must stop quoting you!)
Maybe you would consider returning to said thread, and at the very least, retracting the very harshness of your own opinion, so as it to come across as just that... simply your opinion, rather than the apparent belittlement and chastisement of those that prefer their privacy, whilst camping. I see there is at least one other camper that has taken leave to feel the need to explain his own preference for privacy, as if feeling the need to defend his preferred camping methods, in light of your comments.
I'm sure you'd agree, there really should be no need for him to have had the urge to do so... but alas, he has!

Now, I really must bid you well for the future sir, and vow to leave any potential retort unanswered, for fear of further boring our fellow forum members. The floor, as they say, is yours.
No doubt we shall "meet" again, in some other thread... by which time, I've no doubt this little episode will be forgotten... or at the very least, put aside, for the good of the forum.

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