3 minute read
AUTO ROYALE
The Royale
EXPERIENCE
EVENT DIRECTOR PAUL MATHERS
The new event that will change what you know about luxury cars By MARK KEBBLE It’s hard enough staging a new event without having to deal with a global pandemic along the way, something the founder of Auto Royale, Paul Mathers, knows only too well. “For any event organiser, COVID has been an overwhelming challenge and most of us, despite not being able to deliver events, have had to get by on little or no support – Auto Royale is no exception,” he says. “As a start-up with a new certain paradigm,” Mathers takes up the idea behind his event. “With the exception of the cars on the field, which are always a joy for an enthusiast, the rest of the event runs the risk of being predictable and underwhelming. Auto Royale seeks to subvert people’s expectations. “If other events aim to be traditional, then Auto Royale is contemporary. If others are snobby or elitist, Auto Royale aims to be high quality and inclusive. If another has a soundtrack of jazz, then event we have been pushed to the limit ours will be of Bowie. I’ve often said and our innovation and problem-solving that if other events are ‘the Queen’, has been really tested. But, right now, then Auto Royale is ‘Queen’, the band. summer looks clear for us to restart.” We want to take some of the stiffness It is indeed time to look forward, not out of concours and make it fun.” back, and Auto Royale is certainly an event that will help banish lingering memories of lockdown. Being staged from 16-18 July at Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire, this promises to be something car enthusiasts have not experienced before. “Concours d’Elegance events have been around for many years, and many have fallen into step with a
ALFA ROMEO 8C
ASTON MARTIN D24 VIGNALE
JEAN-CHRISTOPHE NOVELLI WILL BE CREATING A SPECIAL MENU
What else is ON SHOW AT AUTO ROYALE
THE TOUR & GRAND ARRIVAL
The extensive tour takes entrants in the British International Concours d’Elegance from the historic Wappenbury Hall, former home to Jaguar Cars founder, Sir William Lyons, on a scenic drive through Warwickshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. • CONCEPT & INNOVATION LAWN
This showcases the very latest designs and innovations as incorporated into the classics of the future, whether they be high-end, motor show concepts, pre-production or launch models. • THE PARTERRE TERRACE
Located above the Parterre and with views to the beautiful Chiltern Hills, the Parterre Terrace is Auto Royale’s second entertainment and hospitality space. • VIP LOUNGE
Where Jean-Christophe Novelli will be a guest chef, serving up a lunch menu to 200 lucky VIPs. • SUNSET PARTY
As the sun sets on Waddesdon Manor, festoon lights illuminate the French chateauesque building’s facade as invited guests enjoy five-star hospitality at the official opening night party.
WADDESDON MANOR
Who would he say the event is aimed at? “Anyone who really loves cars, history, storytelling, great art and design – because the stories behind great cars capture all of these things,” Mathers replies. “Auto Royale is an event where you can meet your like-minded friends and celebrate the path back to normality, or meet new friends and connections through a mutual love of motoring.”
There’s sure to be some truly magnificent motors on show in a stunning setting. “The Concours d’Elegance is essentially a beauty pageant for cars, and they range from vintage (1910) through to contemporary (2015),” Mathers says. “Over 100 cars will compete for Best in Show, and many of them are already award winners from other events. Some are one-offs, some are very low production numbers, and some have been famous racers or have been owned by celebrities. Some of these cars have never even been seen in the UK before, and some are worth tens of millions of pounds. The common factor that unites them is that they all possess a special story – and Auto Royale is where they get to tell that story.”
AUTO ROYALE
To be held from 16-18 July at Waddesdon Manor autoroyale.org
IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT THE CARS...
