Why Did the UK Need a More Inclusive Car Show?
If you’ve ever wandered through a traditional car show, you know the drill: rows of gleaming vehicles, plenty of horsepower talk, but not always a sense of true inclusivity. For years, the UK’s automotive scene has been vibrant, but often missing a space where everyone—regardless of identity—feels genuinely welcome. That’s exactly why the Petrol & Pride event at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon matters. It’s not just another date on the car enthusiast’s calendar. It’s a bold step toward making car culture as diverse and colorful as the people who love it.
What Sparked the Idea for Petrol & Pride?
The seed for Petrol & Pride was planted when Attitude magazine published its annual list of LGBTQ+ trailblazers. The list included a surprising number of automotive professionals, which got publisher Darren Styles and editor Cliff Joannou thinking: Why not bring these trailblazers—and their allies—together for a car show that celebrates both passion and pride?
Bentley’s communications director, Wayne Bruce, took the idea and ran with it. He secured the British Motor Museum as the venue, roped in Bentley’s events team (the same folks behind the Silverstone Classic), and set the wheels in motion for a July debut. The result? An event that promised to be as welcoming as it was spectacular.
How Did the First Petrol & Pride Event Unfold?
No one really knew what to expect. Sure, 180 cars were pre-registered, but would people actually show up? The answer: absolutely. By midday, cars of every kind—classic, modern, luxury, quirky—were rolling through the gates. The official parking lot for 200 cars filled up fast, and soon, the surrounding grass was pressed into service.
The front row was a showstopper: 21 cars, each representing a color of the rainbow, capped off by a bronze-orange Bentley Continental GT driven in by Bentley’s CEO, Frank-Steffen Walliser. It was a visual celebration of diversity, both in the cars and the people attending.
What Made This Car Show Stand Out from the Rest?
It wasn’t just the cars that turned heads. The atmosphere was electric—think bold signwriting, vibrant apparel, and a crowd that radiated warmth. Attendees were invited to explore the museum’s 400-car collection, adding another layer of excitement.
But what really set Petrol & Pride apart was its message. Major car brands—Alpine, Aston Martin, Bentley, Dacia, Genesis, Jaguar, Land Rover, McLaren, Peugeot, Renault, Rolls-Royce, Volkswagen, and more—showed up to emphasize that diversity and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords. They’re essential to the future of the automotive industry. According to a 2022 McKinsey report, companies with greater diversity are 36% more likely to outperform their less-diverse peers in profitability. The auto world is taking note.
Who Won the Day? Stories and Standouts
Of course, no car show is complete without a few prizes. The butchest car? A 991 Porsche 911 GT3, with a menacing matt-grey Pontiac Catalina as runner-up. The gayest car? A Mk3.5 Volkswagen Golf Cabrio in a dazzling Futura Yellow, narrowly edging out a tiny Lotus Europa.
But the best story belonged to two friends who rescued a neglected Vauxhall Frontera from a local garden. With just enough time to get it through its MOT, they rolled in with bright orange wheels and a tale of perseverance that captured the crowd’s imagination. Their win wasn’t just about the car—it was about hope, community, and the belief that everyone (and every vehicle) deserves a second chance.
Why Does Diversity Matter in Car Culture?
It’s easy to think of car culture as all about machines, but at its heart, it’s about people. When everyone feels welcome, creativity flourishes. New ideas emerge. The industry grows stronger. Events like Petrol & Pride don’t just celebrate LGBTQ+ enthusiasts—they send a message: The future of motoring is open to all.
Real-world impact? According to Stonewall’s 2023 Workplace Equality Index, organizations that champion inclusivity see higher employee satisfaction and retention. For car companies, that means happier teams, better products, and a stronger connection with customers.
What’s Next for Petrol & Pride—and the UK Car Scene?
The runaway success of Petrol & Pride’s first outing proves there’s a hunger for more inclusive spaces in the automotive world. Organizers are already talking about making it an annual fixture, and with the support of major brands and a passionate community, the sky’s the limit.
If you’re a car lover who’s ever felt on the outside looking in, this event is your invitation. The message is clear: bring your passion, your pride, and your unique story. There’s a spot for you—right in the front row.
The Takeaway: More Than Just a Car Show
Petrol & Pride wasn’t just about horsepower or paint jobs. It was about rewriting the rules of what a car show can be. By putting inclusivity in the driver’s seat, the event created a space where everyone could shine—no matter who they are or what they drive. And that, in the end, is what makes car culture truly unstoppable.