A Fiesta in Fibreglass* - The Chimaera Jubilee
*Disclaimer - don't worry, this post has nothing to do with rebodying Ford Fiestas in fibreglass. So, do please read on...
In the last few weeks, we've opened our first three 2022 events for entries. Places on the Beer Italia, Eagle Rally and Camembert Run have been being snapped up at a rate of knots, which gives us confidence that our big, post-Covid relaunch will result in Pub2Pub's biggest and best year yet.
But to make next year our greatest yet, we feel we need to take our trips to the next level, by putting together something totally unmissable. Something you'll remember for years to come, and take pride in being able to say, 'I was there', as you gaze back wistfully on your memories of this one-off event. Think of it as the Woodstock of car meets; a 'Queen performing at Live Aid' moment for the TVR world.
I am, of course, referring to the fourth of our planned 2022 events - the Chimaera Jubilee.
The thinking behind this event is very simple. Next year marks the 30th anniversary of the TVR Chimaera - a car which I've personally spent 8.3% of the last decade living out of the boot of. Given that, it's only fair that I should commandeer a massive chateau in rural France, lay on several tonnes of cheese and wine and throw a party in its honour, right?
You can read about the initial idea behind the planned party on our Chimaera Jubilee page by clicking here. And if that page's talk of fine wines, garden parties, union jack bunting and all things TVR appeals, you're in luck - here's the planned itinerary for people joining the event from the UK:
Saturday May 14th - Meet up in Southern England, then cross the channel and take the scenic route to the city of Rouen, where we'll check into a hotel before checking out the city's beautiful medieval quarter, and soaring gothic cathedral.
Sunday May 15th - From Rouen, we'll take a gentle drive down through the Val de Loire to Amboise, the beautifully preserved town where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last years. Again, a hotel awaits, as does a pleasant evening in one of the town's many restaurants.
Monday May 16th - after touring the manor house and grounds in which Leonardo lived for his final three years, we'll get back on the road and head to the Chimaera Jubilee's main event - the chateau, located near Cognac which, for the following three days and nights, will become an honorary part of Blackpool.
Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th May - We'll spend several days staying at the chateau, enjoying drives out in the local area, relaxing amid the the extensive grounds, wine tasting and luxuriating in France's fine cuisine. On the Wednesday evening, we'll be throwing a garden party in the Chateau's grounds - surrounded by thirty of Blackpool's finest, all of us decked out in revival-style garb and fuelled by the finest cheese and wine, we'll salute TVR's best selling model in the finest possible style.
Thursday 19th and Friday 20th May - After a relaxed start to the day, we'll hit the road north around lunchtime, heading to the final hotel stop of the trip, in Normandy. The following day, we'll be heading back across the channel, safe in the knowledge that we've given the mighty Chimaera the salute it deserves.
The cost for entry to the above, for a car and two people, comes in at a provisional £1,200 - a small price to pay to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime TVR event. If you're already based on the continent and you'd just like to join the adventure for the three nights and four days at the chateau, 700 euros will secure your place. Finally, during your stay at the chateau, should you desire it, there will be the option of professionally hosted wine tastings and meals, at an additional cost.
So, there you have it - the Chimaera Jubilee. A celebration of the TVR Chimaera, with entry welcome to all members of the TVR family. If you'd like to get your name down for a place on this unique trip, get in touch with us at ben@pub2pubadventures.com and we'll get you on the list - we haven't booked a chateau yet, but as soon as we see sufficient interest in places, we'll be getting things firmed up.