Drive it Day 2023
First introduced in 2005 by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC), Drive It Day is the National Awareness Day for the Historic Vehicle community in the UK. Drive it Day 2023 takes place this year on 23rd April!
Through its commemoration of the 1,000-mile trial, an event held in 1900 to prove the viability of the motor car as a mode of transport, it seeks to raise awareness amongst the public of the importance of preserving and enjoying our transport heritage in its varied forms. The campaign seeks to increase public support and visibility to ensure the movement enjoys its current freedoms to enjoy yesterday’s vehicles on tomorrow’s roads.
Furthermore, since 2021 it has also been run in partnership with the NSPCC to raise money for Childline, adding a contribution to wider society to its list of aims. Historic vehicle enthusiasts contribute to the fundraising by purchasing official rally plates via the Drive it Day website and wearing them during the weekend of activities. You can get yours here: www.driveitday.co.uk .
The Federation sets the date each year (as close as possible to the anniversary of the 1000 Mile Trial) and publicises the event nationally. The over 500 vehicle clubs that comprise the Federation’s membership then plan and schedule regional and local events throughout the country.
Since 2002, the event has also enjoyed a sister campaign in “Ride it Day” that also seeks to include historic motorcycles into the activities.
The original 1,000-mile trial took place in 1900 on April 23rd. Organised by the Automobile Club, it started from London and went through Bristol, Birmingham, Derby, Manchester, Kendal, Carlisle, Edinburgh, Newcastle, York, Leeds, Sheffield, Lincoln, Nottingham, Leicester, Northampton and back to London.
It left from Grosvenor Place, London and there were 83 entries of whom 65 started. By Edinburgh 51 were still running. 35 vehicles made it back to London.
The NSPCC’s Childline service as the official beneficiary for Drive-It Day. Every day over 800 children and young people reach out to speak to Childline, with worries about their mental health, education, and isolation, so it’s vital we show our support for children during this particularly challenging time.
So, can you donate and get involved?
- Attend one of the many organised events, club runs, and other gatherings held up and down the country. A full list can be found here: https://www.driveitday.co.uk/events .
- Share your historic vehicle with friends and neighbours by offering a ‘show and tell’ in return for a donation to Childline.
- Hold a photo competition via your club’s Facebook page or website – with members dressed in the colour or era of their car perhaps? And don’t forget to tag #driveitdaychildline so that we can see too!
- Drive out to a picturesque spot for a picnic or an outdoor pub lunch in your historic vehicle wearing your official rally plate.
So we look forward to seeing your vehicles out and about on Drive it Day. Don’t forget to purchase your special edition fundraising plate to support Childline and proudly display it on Drive-It Day.
You can also make a contribution to the fundraising efforts for Childline to support children by visiting www.justgiving.com/fundraising/driveitdaychildline2023.
