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Free two-day motoring show to return to Harrogate

The Big Event is returning to Harrogate next month.

A free two-day motoring show that focuses on electric motoring is returning to Harrogate next month.

The Motability Scheme brings the Big Event to the Yorkshire Event Centre on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th August.

The automotive industry is rapidly shifting towards electric vehicles (EVs) and Motability Operations, the company that runs the life-changing Motability Scheme, is committed to raising awareness about EVs for its customers. 

The Scheme has already helped over 64,000 customers in Yorkshire and the Humber area to get mobile, and the organisation wants to ensure that its customers are not left behind as the country transitions to electric vehicles (EVs).

Anyone living in Yorkshire or the surrounding areas who receives a qualifying benefit is welcome to attend The Big Event, whether they are a Scheme customer, or want to find out more information before applying. 

Visitors do not need to pre-book tickets to the event, which opens at 9am and closes at 4pm. 

Free accessible parking is available on site throughout the event.

Katie Clare, The Big Event Manager, said: 

"We’re excited to return to the Yorkshire Event Centre to host the Big Event, Harrogate, for 2024. For the first time we’ll be there for two days, meaning we can welcome even more visitors through the doors!

“This year we’re putting a big emphasis on EVs at The Big Event, Harrogate, so we can help our customers navigate the switch to electric. Visitors can explore all aspects of going electric, and even test drive an EV themselves.”

The Big Event has been designed to help disabled drivers and their families learn more about the switch to electric and explore their options on the Motability Scheme. 

After visiting previous Big Events, 60 per cent of attendees said their EV knowledge had improved, and 22 per cent had decided an EV is suitable for their needs.

Key event highlights include:

  • EV Information Hub: Motability Scheme EV experts will be available to answer questions, demonstrate charging options, and discuss the benefits of switching to an EV
  • More EVs on display than ever before: An increased range of EVs will be on display from a wide range of car manufacturers
  • Test drives: Visitors can get behind the wheel of EVs and other popular Scheme cars.

Brian, a Motability Scheme customer, shared his thoughts after attending another Big Event earlier this year.

He said:

“I am fascinated by new technology and attended The Big Event to find out more about EVs. 

“It was very useful being able to speak to the Motability Scheme experts to find out more about charging an electric car from home and how far they can travel on a single charge."

Alongside cars and wheelchair accessible vehicles, the event also gives visitors a chance to see the full range of accessibility products on the Scheme; including powered wheelchairs and scooters. 

Visitors have the opportunity to try out a variety of products in a safe space. 

For more information about The Big Event, Harrogate, including the test drive terms and conditions, visit motabilitythebigevent.co.uk/harrogate.

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