NEC Show preview

OVER six days, and six halls, the 47th National Boat, Caravan & Outdoor Show at Birmingham’s NEC will play host to the largest outdoor leisure show, spanning the equivalent of 24 football pitches.

From caravans to 4x4s and awnings, a total of 600 exhibitors will be showcasing 2008 models together with exclusive spring launches.

All of the new 2008 models will be on display from the leading manufacturers, including the Swift Group, Explorer Group, Bailey, Avondale, Coachman, Lunar and Fleetwood among others.

There will be a wide selection of companies offering accessories, awnings, insurance and financial services, interior equipment and security systems.

There will also be a huge choice of holiday destinations, with representatives from holiday parks from across the UK and Europe.



Here are just some of the highlights:

Bailey is introducing two new models at the show. The Bailey Ranger 540/6 is a great family choice, with its fixed triple bunks for the kids. At £11,000, it’s a budget-level version of a Which Caravan favourite, the Senator Carolina. The second new addition is the Pageant Loire, a twin-axle fixed bed set at £14,000.

The Explorer Group’s new budget family range, Xplore, will have its first outing at the show. There will be five new layouts, including a six-berth twin-axle and four and five-berth single-axles, with prices starting at under £10,000.

The Swift Group dropped the luxury Bessacarr range in its 2008 line-up, but the name is making a comeback. Built as dealer specials in conjunction with Swindon Caravan Centre and Coupland Caravans, these four caravans are based on the Abbey Spectrum. They’ll be the Bessacarr 495 two-berth, 525 three-berth and two twin-axle fixed bed four-berths, the 625 and 645.

Dometic will be launching the CT3000 cassette toilet. The 19-litre cassette is equipped with wheels and telescopic handle for manoeuvrability, and the ceramic bowl is hygienic and easy to clean. A new cooker hood will also be on display; the CK2000 has an innovative air recirculation system with a grease and carbon filter. Installation is quick and simple since it doesn’t need a roof-mounted ventilator. It has two halogen lights and a washable filter.

TEC will be showing the Travelbird 415 – one of the lightest four-berths with a fixed bed filling the front of the caravan. The MTPLM is only 811kg – that’s light enough to tow with a VW Beetle. It’s set to cost around £8500.

The caravan gets its official launch at the January Caravan and Motorhome Show in Manchester and will be on display at the NEC.

Lunar will be showing the Delta TL twin-axle six-berth and the entry-level Zenith, revamped for 2008.

Avondale is focusing attention on its lightweight range of tourers, including the latest Dart 475-4 and twin-axle six-berth.

You will see all this at the show, alongside all of the new 2008 models from manufacturers.

The Caravan Club will be offering free towing courses – just take your driving licence along to their stand.

Along the boating theme, there’ll be a Canoe Village where you can try open top canoeing or kayaking in the indoor pool.

In the caravan hall there’s the chance to try archery – free lessons will be on offer throughout the show for adults and children strong enough to draw a bow.

SHOW INFORMATION:

The show is open from 10am to 6pm from Tuesday 19 - Sunday 24 February.

Parking is free and if you book your tickets in advance you’ll get a free show guide (RRP £4) per booking.

Group tickets are available.

If you plan to spread your visit over more than one day, stay at the temporary campsite, run on behalf of the organisers by The Camping and Caravanning Club.

Pitches are available to book in advance with half price tickets for your second day admission to the show.

Electric hook-ups are available and a shuttle service will ferry you to and from the show. To book your pitch and show tickets call The Camping and Caravanning Club on 0845 130 7257.

Booking line: 0870 730 0963
Website: www.boatandcaravan.co.uk

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