The Gossip who headlined the MINI United festival 2012
By Peter Townson/Staff Reporter
Last month, motor enthusiasts and fans celebrated all things MINI at the MINI United festival 2012 in the South of France.
The event was held at Le Castellet on the Circuit Pail Ricard, and over the three-day festival, thousands of fans from all over the world attended to participate in the activities and to enjoy the atmosphere for which the brand is renowned.
While the previous event in the UK had set the record for the largest number of attendees at a MINI United with 25,000, this year’s event saw over 30,000 enthusiasts taking part in the festival, with some motorists driving over 4,000 miles from Russia to join their fellow MINI fans. Motorists originating from the US, Japan and Canada also joined their European counterparts for the festival.
MINI has grown increasingly popular in Qatar in recent years, and it is the heritage of the brand as well as its young-at-heart attitude and willingness to embrace all things fun that have helped promote its growth in the region.
This heritage was on show at all corners of the Paul Ricard circuit last month, with hundreds of cars being displayed in different categories, from the most uniquely designed cars, to the more interesting modifications which have been made to these well-loved motors. For instance, a MINI hotel car, a number of which were used at the World Cup in Germany in 2010, was parked alongside a stretch MINI, featuring its own Jacuzzi. Cars which have starred in The Italian Job, Austin Powers and other well known films were also on display, as well as MINIs designed by celebrities including Kate Moss, David Bowie and many others.
Guests were given the opportunity to experience the handling skills of the newest MINI models on a circuit with expert drivers who took the cars to the limit to show off the impressive manoeuverability of even the larger Countryman models.
Stunt shows on the track reminded guests of the ways that MINIs have featured on our TV screens over the years, all the while flaunting the design of a car which has captured people’s hearts for so many years.
As well as a large range of racing and driving action, the festival featured a fantastic selection of live music from world famous as throughout the event, numerous musicians performed on stage to contribute towards the overall atmosphere of MINI United.
The first evening kicked off with a performance from rocker, Iggy Pop, while the Saturday evening featured Grammy winners, The Ting Tings and headliners The Gossip among others.
Lead singer of the Gossip, Beth Ditto certainly got the audience going with her incredible vocals and her enthusiasm, and perfectly embodied the theme of the entire weekend, oozing coolness, fun and a unique style.
The event also featured a preview of the new MINI John Cooper Works GP, showing how this household name and style which has been loved by so many for so many years, continue to update itself and move into the future.