Petrol & Pride: The UK’s Most Inclusive Car Show
The British automotive industry witnessed a groundbreaking event on Friday as LGBTQ+ petrolheads and their allies gathered at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon for the first-ever Petrol & Pride car show. This unique event, aimed at celebrating diversity and inclusivity within the car community, was a resounding success, drawing in a vibrant mix of cars and enthusiasts from all walks of life.
The brainchild of Attitude magazine’s Darren Styles and Cliff Joannou, Petrol & Pride was born out of a desire to unite the LGBTQ+ community with the automotive industry, creating a space where car enthusiasts of all backgrounds could come together to share their passion for all things automotive. With the support of Bentley’s comms director Wayne Bruce and the event planning expertise of Bentley’s events team, Goose, the stage was set for a memorable day of cars, camaraderie, and celebration.
From the moment the gates opened, it was clear that Petrol & Pride was going to be something special. A colorful array of cars, spanning all makes and models, filled the parking lot, with attendees proudly displaying their vehicles and their unique sense of style. The front row was reserved for a rainbow of cars representing the colors of the LGBTQ+ flag, a powerful symbol of unity and pride.
Car company bigwigs, including Bentley’s CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser and Lister boss Lawrence Whittaker, showed their support for the event by bringing along their own eye-catching vehicles. The atmosphere was electric, with attendees donning colorful apparel and the sun shining down on a sea of cars and smiling faces.
Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to explore the museum’s impressive collection of cars, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. Car companies such as Alpine, Aston Martin, Jaguar, McLaren, and Volkswagen were among those in attendance, demonstrating their commitment to diversity and inclusivity within the industry.
Prizes were awarded for the butchest car, the gayest car, and the best story, highlighting the diversity and creativity of the car community. From a Porsche 911 GT3 to a Volkswagen Golf Cabrio in a bold shade of Futura Yellow, the variety of cars on display was truly impressive.
One of the most heartwarming moments of the day came when a pair of enthusiasts shared their story of rescuing and restoring an old Vauxhall Frontera, a labor of love that earned them the best story award. Their dedication to reviving a forgotten car exemplified the spirit of Petrol & Pride – a celebration of car love and optimism.
In conclusion, Petrol & Pride was more than just a car show – it was a celebration of diversity, inclusivity, and the shared passion that brings car enthusiasts together. The success of the event serves as a testament to the power of unity and acceptance within the automotive community, and we can only hope that future events will continue to foster this sense of camaraderie and celebration.
