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Royal Tunbridge Wells Festival Of Motoring Marks 130 Years Since First British Motor Show
The Royal Tunbridge Wells Festival of Motoring is set to commemorate a pivotal moment in British automotive history. This event marks the anniversary of the first motor show in Britain, held in 1895. Scheduled for 2nd and 3rd August 2025, the festival will showcase over 20 iconic vehicles at The Pantiles, a renowned Georgian district.
In 1895, Tunbridge Wells hosted Britain's inaugural motor show, organised by Sir David Lionel Salomons. It featured the first imported car, a Panhard-Levassor with a Daimler engine. This historic exhibition also included Salomon's Peugeot and other notable vehicles like a Daimler-powered fire engine and De Dion-Bouton's creations.
This year's festival will highlight the town's rich motoring legacy with an impressive display of cars and motorcycles from various eras. Among the stars are the Bugatti Type 35, a pre-war racing legend, and modern marvels like the Hertz Team Jota Cadillac V-Series R from the 2025 World Endurance Championship.
Co-organiser Dylan Miles expressed enthusiasm about reviving this significant motoring event. "We are extremely excited to bring back this historically significant motoring showcase to an area that is so rich in automotive knowledge, specialist engineering and history," he stated.
The festival will feature classic cars such as the 1911 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost and the Jaguar D-Type from the 1950s. Modern enthusiasts can admire vehicles like the Ferrari Testarossa from 1984 and a Bugatti Veyron. These exhibits celebrate over a century of automotive innovation.
The Pantiles, where the event takes place, is a picturesque Georgian colonnade known for its historical significance. Developed after discovering a chalybeate spring in 1606, it now hosts numerous shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants.
A Unique Historical Event
Daniel Cogger, another co-organiser, highlighted the importance of this celebration: "It is a real honour to be trusted by the owners of The Pantiles and indeed the neighbours we live alongside in Tunbridge Wells." He emphasised that this event honours both local history and thriving automotive businesses.
The original 'Horseless Carriage Exhibition' was succeeded by London's motor shows until Tunbridge Wells revived it briefly in the mid-20th century. Now, this festival aims to put Tunbridge Wells back on Britain's motoring map.
Supporting Local Charities
Taylor Made Dreams is partnering with the festival as its charity partner. Founded by Suzi Mitchell in memory of her son Taylor, it fulfils bucket list wishes for terminally ill children while offering therapeutic support to families across Kent and neighbouring counties.
The festival organisers include Dylan Miles Ltd., Godin Sporting Cars and Motorcycles Ltd., Hagerty Private Client Services, WSTHA & Chelsea Educational. More information about this free-to-attend event can be found at rtwmotorfest.com.
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