Beatlemania at MINI United 2009

New edition of the legendary George Harrison MINI helps support a good cause.

Munich/Silverstone. MINI has come up with a fresh interpretation of George Harrison’s extravagant original Mini to coincide with the brand’s 50th birthday. The one-off model will be handed over to Olivia Harrison at the MINI United event. Olivia will accept the MINI on behalf of the Material World Charitable Foundation, a charity set up by George Harrison in 1973. The car will be auctioned in aid of the Foundation later in the year.

MINI United – the world’s biggest fan event – will take place at Silverstone in the UK on 22 – 24 May 2009. The festival delivers three days of non-stop entertainment for the brand’s large fan community. MINI United is all about concerts, shows, car races etc., and provides the perfect stage on which to showcase the unique new MINI inspired by George Harrison.

George’s psychedelic MINI in a new look.
Back in 1966 The Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein gave each of the Fab Four a Mini Cooper S as a gift. In keeping with the zeitgeist of the time, lead guitarist George had his car painted with psychedelic images such as yantras and Sanskrit mantras. In 1967 this legendary Mini starred in The Beatles’ film Magical Mystery Tour. And now, to coincide with its latest landmark anniversary, MINI is dedicating a modern interpretation of George’s car to the man himself. The MINI has been designed according to the wishes of Olivia Harrison and rekindles the look of George’s famous original.

“George was a huge MINI fan and he would have enjoyed creating this new version. The fact that MINI’s anniversary celebrations will also benefit our Foundation has made it an enjoyable as well as meaningful collaboration.” says Olivia Harrison.

Replay signs up as MINI United partner.
The denim specialist congratulates MINI on its latest landmark birthday and presents an anniversary jeans model, which will be available exclusively and in a limited edition from the Replay stand at the MINI United event. To mark the anniversary, the used-look jeans sport a circular “50 Years of MINI” sew-on badge on the front left pocket. Added to which, all the MINI staff at the festival will be kitted out in Replay jeans. Selected Replay stores are promoting the event in special window displays.

British Mini Club at MINI United

British Mini Club will be having a stand at MINI United at Silverstone on the 22-24th May 2009. Mini turns 50 - Come to the party. We are looking for both classic and new MINI's on our stand. This should be a massive weekend to remember. If you have a Limited Edition we particulary wish to hear from you. It is also possible to only display your Mini/MINI on Sunday if you wish

If you would like to display your car send us an image to: david.hollis@britishminiclub.co.uk

50 Years of MINI production at Plant Oxford

Fifty years ago today, the first Mini rolled off the production line at Cowley, now called Plant Oxford.

For the first time in half a century that very car is returning to its birthplace for a celebration of 50 years of production. The Mini Minor, finished in Old English White and carrying the registration number 621 AOK, is at Plant Oxford for the day to mark its birthday in style.

Plant Oxford built 602,817 Minis from 1959 to 1968, before production was moved to Longbridge. Since 2001 more than 1.4 million new MINIs have been built at the production facility and in total, more than six million classic and new MINIs have been sold since the car first went on sale in 1959.

BMW Group member of the Board of Management for Production, Frank-Peter Arndt, was at Oxford today to celebrate with the Plant.

Arndt said: “Anniversaries are always a wonderful opportunity to look back at the past. But on days like today, it’s also good to look to the future. Therefore, our objective is absolutely clear: We are going to continue the success story of MINI and continue to strengthen it.

“Where is MINI going? Where will it be in 10, 20 or even another 50 years’ time? Perhaps it’s rather ambitious to look that far ahead, but one thing is certain, MINI is a brand not only with a great tradition, but also a fantastic future.”

Dr Jürgen Hedrich, Plant Oxford’s managing director, said: “Little did anyone know just how popular Sir Alec Issigonis’s car for the people would be – or that half a century later it would be reborn as the MINI and once again be built in Oxford.

“This is a momentous day in the plant and car’s history. Everyone at the plant is proud to be part of both the heritage and the future of this car.”

In the same week as this milestone anniversary, independent publishing house Faber and Faber is launching a book dedicated to the incredible story of MINI. “MINI: The True and Secret History of the Making of a Motorcar”* is authored by Simon Garfield, who uncovers a fascinating story of British endeavour, ingenuity and masterful marketing by meeting the people behind the scenes. The book is on sale now priced at £17.99.

Thousands of visitors from across the globe will also be celebrating MINI’s 50th birthday at MINI United, which is being staged at Silverstone from 22-24 May. The festival welcomes MINI owners and non-owners, and the stunning entertainment line-up is sure to attract visitors from right around the world. Paul Weller, Calvin Harris and Twisted Wheel are the entertainment highlights and tickets are priced at just £35 for the full festival weekend. Children under 14 are admitted free. Tickets and further information can be found at www.miniunited.com

Paul Weller to headline MINI United

British music icon Paul Weller will top the entertainment bill at MINI United 2009, which is being held at Silverstone race circuit from 22-24 May. Calvin Harris, Chris Thompson, Raygun and Twisted Wheel complete the line-up of outstanding British musicians, DJs and bands brought together to celebrate MINI’s 50th birthday.

The MINI United festival, which in previous years has attracted MINI fans from around the world to events in Misano, Italy and Zandvoort, Holland, is coming home in 2009. An all-British entertainment programme worthy of such a significant milestone in the life of MINI is set to light up the greatest birthday party of 2009.

Friday 22 May
Artist, remixer and producer Calvin Harris is kicking off the weekend playing a full live set with his band. Calvin is one of the most in-demand DJs in the world, has collaborated with the likes of Kylie Minogue and recently scored a massive chart number one hit in the UK; with Dizzee Rascal on the track “Dance Wiv Me”. Calvin has also specially curated a bill to DJ in support of him.

Saturday 23 May
Chris Thompson, former lead singer of Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, will open the night with a special guest appearance. He will be followed by the band Raygun, who were selected by US superstar Pink to support her on her current European tour.

The final support act is Northern upstarts Twisted Wheel, already a rising force in the UK. The band has a reputation as one of the most driven and ferocious live bands around, and has earned prime support slots with mega-acts including Paul Weller, The Enemy, Kasabian and Oasis.

Headlining MINI United 2009 is none other than Paul Weller. Former lead singer of The Jam and The Style Council, and a massively successful solo artist, Paul is a music icon and a fitting headliner for such a special event.

Paul said: “As a lifelong MINI driver, I am really happy to be taking part in its 50th anniversary celebrations.”

As a special treat, Twisted Wheel will be performing one of Paul Weller’s classic songs as a tribute on the night. This unique version of the track will then be made available online at www.mini.com after the event.

Tickets for the full three day programme cost just £35 each and may be purchased online now at www.miniunited.com Admission for children under 14 is free. As well as an array of high-profile musical talent, MINI has prepared a multitude of activities guaranteed to keep visitors’ adrenalin pumping.

Thousands of MINI owners and fans from across the globe are expected to descend upon the Northamptonshire site for the festival. Guests will have the opportunity to drive laps on the Silverstone track in their own MINI or as a passenger with a MINI CHALLENGE competitor, as well as watching the third and fourth races of the popular MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport series.

The Mini Seven Racing Club will be staging a race in which up to 40 classic models will compete on the Silverstone circuit. A comprehensive exhibition will guide fans through the rich and fascinating heritage of the brand. Stunt shows, go-kart racing, driver training activities and much more add to the exciting activities on offer to everyone at MINI United.

All visitors will be well catered for, with numerous lounge areas, bars and restaurants placed around the Silverstone site. A children’s area will provide entertainment for the little ones with ‘Bobby-Car’ racing, climbing, face painting and much more.

In true festival style, a camping area for up to 10,000 tents will be set up just a ten minute walk from the site at nearby Whittlebury Park. Further information regarding festival accommodation is also available at www.miniunited.com

Silverstone is situated just 35 miles from Oxford, the home of MINI. For fans who want to experience MINI production first hand, plant tours will be offered. As places are limited, MINI United visitors should contact oxford.plant-tours@mini.com at the earliest opportunity to request a tour.