10 January 2024 – The Big Event is returning for 2024, with a new focus on electric motoring and this year disabled people and their families can look forward to the biggest ever programme of accessible motoring events.
The Big Event series are hosted by the Motability Scheme and are the perfect opportunity for disabled motorists to find out everything they need to know about the Scheme. For the first time this year all the events will be two days, giving visitors more opportunity to experience what the Scheme has to offer.
The Big Events bring together the widest range of vehicles available on the Scheme, and visitors have the chance to take a test drive, see the latest innovative accessible technology and even try out what it’s like to charge an electric vehicle (EV) for themselves.
The programme kicks off with the flagship show, The Big Event Birmingham, which is returning to the NEC on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 May. It’s the largest event of the year with a variety of vehicles to explore, including an increased range of EVs and the UK’s biggest display of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs). Visitors can also look forward to having all their questions answered by Motability Scheme experts and the return of the Innovation Zone, where they can see live demos and get advice on charging an EV at home or on the go.
For anyone who can’t attend in person, The Big Event Birmingham is also streamed live. Follow host Helen Dolphin, MBE, as she brings all the best bits online from across the two days including live speaker sessions, exclusive interviews, demos, Q&As and footage. The full line-up for the speaker sessions will be announced soon.
The full Big Event series includes:
- The Big Event Birmingham, the NEC – 17 and 18 May 2024
- The Big Event Exeter, Westpoint - 28 and 29 June 2024
- The Big Event Harrogate, Yorkshire Event Centre- 9 and 10 August 2024
- The Big Event Edinburgh, Royal Highland Centre - 13 and 14 Sept 2024
Katie Clare, The Big Event Manager, said:
“Last summer we had over 25,000 visitors come through our doors at the events, so this year we’re thrilled to be making all the events two days. This will mean we can welcome even more disabled people and their families to The Big Event.
“As we all prepare for the future of motoring, we’re excited to be giving The Big Event series a new electric vehicle (EV) focus. So, we can give our customers the chance to see the latest range of EVs and even try one out for themself.”
Test drives are available on the day, and visitors can try out standard vehicles including EVs and some fitted with popular driving adaptations. Test drives can be booked on the day and visitors will need to bring along your full UK driving licence.
The Big Events are all family-friendly and free to attend. There will be a family zone, where families can enjoy a variety of activities and children can take part in high-fives and selfies with Scheme mascot Billy the Bear. Each event also has a sensory room, providing a quiet space for those who need it, along with ear defenders. Visitors can also use the onsite café facilities with plenty of seating, and there are accessible toilet facilities at all venues.
For more information about the events including the test drive Terms and Conditions, visit motabilitythebigevent.co.uk
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