I recently had the pleasure of attending my first Cardiff Mini Club event in the summer – and what an experience it was! This event marked the biggest gathering for the club since the Covid era, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. From the stunning Minis to the scenic drives, there was no shortage of excitement throughout the day.
The Start of an Adventure
The day began bright and early, with a few fellow Mini enthusiasts meeting at Cardiff Gate Services. There’s something quite special about watching a convoy of Minis heading out together, and we definitely turned some heads as we set off down the M4. After a quick drive on the motorway, we exited at Culverhouse Cross and took a more scenic route, passing Cardiff Airport. It was the perfect start, with the excitement in the air building as we made our way towards the main event.
The Venue: South Wales Aviation Museum
The Cardiff Mini Club had chosen a fantastic location for the event – the South Wales Aviation Museum, located opposite the Aston Martin factory in St Athan.
This unique venue is home to an impressive collection of decommissioned aeroplanes and fighter jets, some of which you could actually go inside. Sitting in the cockpit of a fighter jet and getting up close with the engines of historic planes added a really unique twist to the day.
Until attending the event, I had no idea that this place even exisited. Whether you’re into aviation, history or just looking for a fun few hours out, go and check them out.
A Great Cause and Great Cars
The turnout was incredible, with Minis of all shapes and sizes filling the museum grounds. From stunning classic Minis to modern beauties, including the highly-coveted Mini GP3 (thanks Ricky for the tour!), it was a car lover’s dream. Sytner Cardiff Mini was also present, hosting an auction for the chance to test drive a brand-new Mini of your choice for a whole weekend – a treat many were excited about!
One of the highlights was the raffle held to raise funds for the Wales Air Ambulance. It was great to see the community come together to support such a worthwhile cause, and many participants walked away with fantastic prizes.
The Run Out
After taking in the sights and sounds at the museum, all the Minis gathered together for a run out. We drove past Cardiff Airport, winding through the picturesque villages of the Vale of Glamorgan. It was one of those perfect drives, with beautiful views, great company, and, of course, the thrill of driving a Mini. We looped back to the museum, where the rest of the day continued with plenty more to see and do.
A Special Moment: Winning the Best Modern Mini
One of the most memorable parts of the day for me was having my Mini Clubman JCW voted as the “Best Modern Mini.” As someone who attended the event as a guest and not yet a member of the club, it was an honour to have my car recognised. To say I was pleased would be an understatement – it was my first car award, and it made the day even more special.
I only wish my father were still here to share this moment with me. His signature on the side of the car will always be a reminder that he’s with me in spirit.
Well-Organised Fun
The event was brilliantly organised, with each driver receiving a pack containing a map of the driving route and essential information for the day. P1NK Supercars & Coffee in Cardiff, run by Lisa Marie Brown, sponsored the event, adding another layer of fun and support to the day’s festivities. It was evident how much effort and planning went into making sure everything ran smoothly, and it was truly appreciated by all who attended.
Looking Ahead
While I’m not currently a Cardiff Mini Club member, attending this event has certainly sparked a desire to join. The community was welcoming, the event was well-run, and it was fantastic to be surrounded by like-minded Mini enthusiasts. I look forward to attending more events in the future and becoming an active member of the club.
In summary, my first Cardiff Mini Club event was a day to remember – filled with great cars, friendly people, and a fantastic atmosphere. Here’s to many more Mini adventures in the future!
