Return of the Bromley Motoring Pageant
After a year-long hiatus, the classic vehicle show, the Bromley Pageant of Motoring, returned with a bang on July 27, 2025, at its new venue, the South of England Showground near Ardingly. The event, with a history of over 40 years at Norman Park in Bromley, was forced to move due to the extension of London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
Pre-Move History
Held at Norman Park for over four decades, the Bromley Pageant of Motoring was renowned for showcasing a wide variety of classic vehicles, including vintage cars, commercials, tractors, and stationary engines. The event was a hub for classic car enthusiasts, featuring live arena entertainment and a large number of classic car clubs. The move to Ardingly was necessitated by London's ULEZ expansion which effectively forced the event out of its longtime home.
Post-Move to Ardingly
The 2025 show at the Ardingly venue marked its first event after the move. It attracted approximately 2,500 classic vehicles, an increase of 500 cars compared to previous events at Norman Park. The event preserved its traditional format with a live action arena, extensive club displays, autojumbles, and varied vehicle categories ranging from pre-war to hot rods.
Many well-known clubs participated, such as the Historic Commercial Vehicle Society, Stag Owners' Club, TVR Car Club, Vauxhall Cresta Club, and numerous Ford, Mini, and MG clubs. Family-friendly entertainment, including a children's motorcycle display team and kids’ zones, continued to be featured. The new rural Sussex setting did not diminish the event’s appeal; instead, it successfully retained the "old magic".
Future Outlook
The event is planned to continue annually at the South of England Showground. Ticket sales show careful structuring for accessibility, with advance bookings encouraged. The Mercedes-Benz Club and other enthusiast groups have dedicated stands, indicating strong community engagement. Camping and enhanced facilities are available at Ardingly, supporting a broader visitor experience.
The event is supported by Classics World and Old Glory magazine, reflecting ongoing strong organizational backing. A Datsun 160B from the Netherlands was present in the one-make area. The event encompassed various aspects of the old car hobby, including traditional classics, pre-war cars, commercial vehicles, modern classics, hot rods, tractors, and stationary engines.
The Bromley Pageant of Motoring is looking forward to its return in 2026. Some traffic issues occurred due to teething troubles with the weight of traffic and a bike show using one of the venue's main gates. However, these issues are expected to be addressed for future events, ensuring a smoother experience for attendees.
[1] Classics World [2] Old Glory [3] South of England Showground [4] BBC News
- Despite the relocation from Norman Park to the South of England Showground, the Bromley Pageant of Motoring maintained its rich variety of classic vehicles, ranging from vintage cars to tractors, while attracting an increased number of over 2,500 classic vehicles in 2025.
- In the post-move era, the Bromley Pageant of Motoring has expanded its offerings beyond automobiles, incorporating home-and-garden and lifestyle elements, as evidenced by family-friendly entertainment and kids’ zones, reflecting a broader interest in nostalgia and vintage culture.
