About The British Motor Show
The British Motor Show is a consumer motoring event held each August at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre in Hampshire. Billed by the venue as the greatest show on wheels, it is designed as a family day out for car enthusiasts rather than an industry trade fair.
The show combines a large indoor and outdoor display of vehicles with live action. Visitors can see new models alongside supercars, classic cars, electric vehicles and modified cars, and a programme of test drives lets them get behind the wheel. Stunt shows and high-speed motorsport demonstrations add spectacle, while celebrity appearances, driving sessions for under-17s and rides for children broaden the appeal to younger visitors.
Exhibitors typically include vehicle manufacturers and dealer groups, accessories, detailing and car care brands, finance and insurance providers, motoring clubs and specialist suppliers. The audience is mainly families and car fans, many of them in the market for a new or used car, or simply keen to see what is new.
For brands, the attraction is direct contact with consumers in a relaxed setting during the summer holidays. Visitors arrive in a positive frame of mind and with time to spend, which makes it easier to start conversations, arrange test drives and collect leads. Because Farnborough offers both exhibition halls and outdoor space, exhibitors can choose between a polished showroom-style stand and a more active outdoor display.
Next edition
The British Motor Show 2027: what to expect
The 2027 British Motor Show runs from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 August at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, opening from 10:00 to 18:00 on Friday and Saturday and from 10:00 to 17:00 on Sunday.
Test drives, stunt performances, motorsport action and displays of supercars, classics, electric and modified vehicles are again part of the line-up.
Exhibitors offering test drives should agree routes, insurance and booking systems with the organisers well ahead, as demand at a consumer show can be high. Outdoor displays need to be robust enough for three busy days of public footfall, with vehicles protected from touching and wet weather.