In the hearts of off road lovers, summer has always had a special place. It's the time when we lay back, relax and choose adventure instead of routine. And there's few things more exciting than to set off in your car towards a national or international off road meeting.
We realize that, with everyone organizing all sorts of events, from simple get-togethers to full blown festivals, it's a tad difficult to choose one or the other, or even keep track of all that'll be going on this summer. This is why we compiled a list of the most important events available in various off road loving countries.
Mind you this is not even close to the complete list of events but merely the highlights - what we've seen and recommend:
The first and probably one of the most remarkable events of the summer time is the 11th edition of the Abenteuer and Allrad. This is Europe's biggest cross country fair, which exhibit from your average SUVs to extreme 8x8 trucks along with all possible parts, upgrades and expedition gear. This festival will commence 11th of June and will last for four days, in Nuremberg, Germany, inside Bad Kissingen. Initially the fair was concentrated on off road exclusively, but these days it also covers areas like green laning and soft family outings. But next to those, there's bound to be a line of modified Mercedes Unimogs for an extreme class competition.
The weekend of 6-7 of July will hold the first British invitation. The Eastnor castle will hold the Land Rover World Show, which, by it's aristocratic air and location is bound to host an impressive number of surprises, from the oldest working Land Rover known as HUE, to rare models such as ex-mods, various ambulance and fire fighter combinations am much much more.
England has a fair share of fairly interesting off road events, of which the most notable is the Land Rover Max. This particular multi day fair, that will be taking place between the 17th and the 19th of July over at Newark Showground is actually the Billing Show moved somewhere else. Last year's show lacked in security due to the Billing management and thus the fair has been moved to Newark. Apart from security issues, without a doubt it's by far the most interesting of the British automotive festivals, at least off road wise. The atmosphere is brilliant, people are great and the events taking place set up a new standard for quality every single year.
Unfortunately, for those who decide to visit the Max Show - they will have to settle for not going to the festival organized by Land Rover Owner. For some reason, both festivals will be taking place between the 17th and 19th of July, which makes it impossible for anyone to attend both. The LRO show will be held on the vestiges of the LRM show at the Billing Aquadrome in Northampton and also promises to be one you won't forget. Most likely the only effects of this division would be a smaller number of people who attend which won't be a bad things - as most of the brands like Trekk, Devon, Frog's Island will have stands at both festivals.
As far as other off road loving countries go, Romania will have it's own share of experiences worth seeing or participating in. The already famous Transylvania Adventure Trophy would be one of them - commencing 4th of July. Although competition entries have been closed, the pre race days transform the city of Deva in a full blown demonstration of power, adrenaline and design, accompanied by demonstrations, clip viewings and concerts. The competition gathers racers from more than 17 countries, with new members this year from first time England. A good atmosphere and a chat with fellow off roaders will give you a very good insight on good paths to travel on around the country ranging from easy green laning for the scenery to extreme shaft bending winch breaking experiences. Also worth a look at the prologue section which will take part in an easily accessible area and will firmly establish itself as a promising start to a difficult week's race.
Commencing 26th of September, England will be the host of yet another well known festival in the off road world, the Abingdon 4x4 Festival catered by Land Rover Enthusiast at the Dalton Barracks, Abingdon Airfield. Much like the rest of the festivals organized by the supporters of the green oval, this one will have no shortage of 4x4 shops, scrap parts as well as a muddy but wonderful track to go and have fun in with the vehicle of your choice.
The end of the summer will see the Belgium preparing for their 15th consecutive festival, The 4x4 Festival Days, commencing 2nd of October. Seeing as the country that is home to a G4 Challenge winner as well as many other off road lovers and enthusiasts has also developed a strict policy with regards to off roading, such festivals a rare event and involve a lot of debates and agreements - in this case with the Commissariat General au Tourisme de la Region Wallonne et Liege Provence. Set in an all natural environment, the festival will sport the latest off road models as well as sneak peaks into future releases and modifications. The festival will also hold a race on small roads and paths to discover the beauty of the Belgian countryside.
For now these are all the festivals and events that we encourage readers to attend, but if there's any we missed and you might recommend, please contact a member of our team and tell us about your experience at the event and why do you recommend it - or let us know at the 4x4 events wiki.
Radu Tudoroiu
Radu Tudoroiu is a photographer and an editor for 4x4 Off Roads and other publications as well as an off-road enthusiast. Radu lives in Romania.
