London to Brighton - Veteran Car Run
For over a hundred years, the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run (LBVCR) has been held on the first Sunday in November.
This annual event started as The Emancipation Run on 14 November 1896 to celebrate the raising of the speed limit for ‘light locomotives’ from four to 14 mph!
The annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is upon us once more, with November 1 now confirmed as the day to mark in the diary. This year, French manufacturers of the pre 1905 period are to be celebrated, with over 270 of the 550 cars entered for the event having been made in France over 104 years ago.
Always a major crowd pulling event, this year the iconic capital landmark that is Regent Street will perhaps look more at home in Montmartre of Paris, with two stunning performances from Moulin Rouge dancers on the day, at 11:15am and 2pm respectively.
Known to be the world’s largest motor event, the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run has taken place every year since 1927 (with the exception of the war years when petrol was rationed) and attracts many celebrities, with even the Royal Family spotted over the years.
Also regarded as the world’s longest running motor event, the LBVCR represents the high point of the Veteran car events calendar, offering a rare opportunity for owners to take their cars to a wider audience.
As for us… well, it’s certainly not often that we get to see one of these cars, let alone 550, so come to Regent Street on Sunday 1 November for the full veteran experience!
Some 550 pre-1905 vehicles will take to the roads for the race, with enthusiasts from around the country and across Europe taking part in this leisurely drive down to the south coast.
Cars leave from Hyde Park Corner every 30 seconds between 6.58am (sunrise_ and 8.30am on Sunday 2 November. While on Saturday there is a pre-show event where you can view the cars close up.
The action
Saturday 1 November
Regent Street, 10.30am to 3pm
Regent Street will close to traffic for the day to stage the International Concours for LBVCR Cars. Over 100 veteran cars will be on display. This year the LBVCR commemorates French motoring, and dancers from the Moulin Rouge, Paris will be strutting their stuff on both days in celebration.
Sunday 2 November
Hyde Park 6.58am to 8.30am / Brighton 10.05am to 4.30pm
The first two cars leave Hyde Park at sunrise. They then leave in pairs until around 8.15am. All participating vehicles drive at approximately 20mph along the route, and begin arriving at the finish line in Brighton’s Preston Park from around 10am. This is followed by a final journey to the nearby Madeira Drive for a 10.05am first arrival. Cars continue to arrive and then stay on display until around 4.30pm.
Where to watch
Apart from general roadside watching, the following viewing points are suggested.
Start of Run - Hyde Park, 6.58am to 8.30am
Tube: Hyde Park
The Hyde Park Corner area of the park, near the Queen Elizabeth Gate and Apsley Arch.
Croydon Town Centre Drive Through, 7.50am to 11am
BR: Croydon
Cars drive through Croydon town centre’s main shopping parade.
Halfway - Crawley Market Square, 8.50am to around 1.30pm
Participants stop for a coffee break. Cars can be viewed up close in the market square.
End of Run - Brighton, Madeira Drive, 10.05am to 4.30pm
Cars start to arrive from 10.15am and then remain on show until approximately 4.30pm.