I found out over the weekend that Billing Aquadrome will not host any automotive events in 2017 (or maybe even again). From a personal perspective, that amounted to really bad news.
For the last twenty years, the Aquadrome has been the “go to” place for the Vauxhall Bedford Opel Association annual rally (all of which I have attended). And over the last ten months, I have been to more car events at the venue than ever before (all of which have been written about on this site - see below).
My father-in-law has a house boat on the marina and, on Saturday, amongst other significant revelations, shared the disappointing/shocking news. I didn’t believe him initially and then when I realised he wasn’t winding me up, felt somewhat depressed.
I have since checked some other sources; here’s what has been published by the VBOA:
"With information now in the public domain we can confirm the #VBOArally will not be held at Billing next year, we have a meeting with all #VBOA clubs this Sunday to discuss possible locations. Once we have agreed locations and performed site visits for suitability we will advise on next year’s plan but rest assured we will do everything in our power to run the rally next year. Please be patient while we find our new home, regards the VBOA Team”
Though (by way of a caveat) this insight is third hand, apparently the Northamptonshire site determined that the car shows weren’t family orientated enough and were losing the site’s (millionaire) owner money.
My view on both those points can be expressed in one word…
…BOLLOCKS!
In 2016, I saw hundreds and hundreds of people and vehicles at the events I attended. With each car/motorbike/truck entering the showground being charged a minimum of £10, the venue must have made some significant money (and for doing little more than providing some fields).
Lots of the exhibitors and traders would camp over the weekend and that would generate more income for Billing and drive more traffic to its onsite entertainment facilities (bars, eateries, fun fair etc.).
The VBOA/NSRA/AACI events were family orientated as well with parents and their kids having just as much fun as each other.
More likely, I suspect, is that one or two of the annual automotive events attracted the wrong sorts - maybe the Max-Power-boy-racer-types let the side down. But even if I am right (rather than just being right-grumpy), the decision to bin all the events is a draconian response.
But even more distressing is the possibility that I may have attended my last VBOA Rally. If for example the VBOA decides to hold the 2017 rally in Tatton Park, I can’t be certain I’d make it. Fingers crossed that Luton Hoo, Knebworth Park or Hatfield House are possibilities.
I think that Billing Aquadrome has made a bad call and will regret the decision to can the cars. The organisers of these events will find somewhere else to go and I will follow (or try anyway).
If my father-in-law wasn’t in residence, I’d never have any reason/desire to set foot in the Aquadrome again.
If Billing’s Mr Big (the fella with the flash black helicopter) reads this post – I beseech you to change your mind. A U-turn would be okay, it’s even motoring related.
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Recent Billing related posts
http://www.adrianbaldwin.net/blog/aaci-late-summer-open-nationals
http://www.adrianbaldwin.net/blog/vboa-national-rally-at-billing-aquadrome-july-2016
http://www.adrianbaldwin.net/blog/24424-the-aaci-summer-nationals-and-fathers-day
http://www.adrianbaldwin.net/blog/car-sunday-2-nsra-fun-run-top-gear
For the last twenty years, the Aquadrome has been the “go to” place for the Vauxhall Bedford Opel Association annual rally (all of which I have attended). And over the last ten months, I have been to more car events at the venue than ever before (all of which have been written about on this site - see below).
My father-in-law has a house boat on the marina and, on Saturday, amongst other significant revelations, shared the disappointing/shocking news. I didn’t believe him initially and then when I realised he wasn’t winding me up, felt somewhat depressed.
I have since checked some other sources; here’s what has been published by the VBOA:
"With information now in the public domain we can confirm the #VBOArally will not be held at Billing next year, we have a meeting with all #VBOA clubs this Sunday to discuss possible locations. Once we have agreed locations and performed site visits for suitability we will advise on next year’s plan but rest assured we will do everything in our power to run the rally next year. Please be patient while we find our new home, regards the VBOA Team”
Though (by way of a caveat) this insight is third hand, apparently the Northamptonshire site determined that the car shows weren’t family orientated enough and were losing the site’s (millionaire) owner money.
My view on both those points can be expressed in one word…
…BOLLOCKS!
In 2016, I saw hundreds and hundreds of people and vehicles at the events I attended. With each car/motorbike/truck entering the showground being charged a minimum of £10, the venue must have made some significant money (and for doing little more than providing some fields).
Lots of the exhibitors and traders would camp over the weekend and that would generate more income for Billing and drive more traffic to its onsite entertainment facilities (bars, eateries, fun fair etc.).
The VBOA/NSRA/AACI events were family orientated as well with parents and their kids having just as much fun as each other.
More likely, I suspect, is that one or two of the annual automotive events attracted the wrong sorts - maybe the Max-Power-boy-racer-types let the side down. But even if I am right (rather than just being right-grumpy), the decision to bin all the events is a draconian response.
But even more distressing is the possibility that I may have attended my last VBOA Rally. If for example the VBOA decides to hold the 2017 rally in Tatton Park, I can’t be certain I’d make it. Fingers crossed that Luton Hoo, Knebworth Park or Hatfield House are possibilities.
I think that Billing Aquadrome has made a bad call and will regret the decision to can the cars. The organisers of these events will find somewhere else to go and I will follow (or try anyway).
If my father-in-law wasn’t in residence, I’d never have any reason/desire to set foot in the Aquadrome again.
If Billing’s Mr Big (the fella with the flash black helicopter) reads this post – I beseech you to change your mind. A U-turn would be okay, it’s even motoring related.
Blog Home
Blog Library
Home
Recent Billing related posts
http://www.adrianbaldwin.net/blog/aaci-late-summer-open-nationals
http://www.adrianbaldwin.net/blog/vboa-national-rally-at-billing-aquadrome-july-2016
http://www.adrianbaldwin.net/blog/24424-the-aaci-summer-nationals-and-fathers-day
http://www.adrianbaldwin.net/blog/car-sunday-2-nsra-fun-run-top-gear
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