Motability Scheme’s One Big Day events return “bigger and better than ever before”
Disabled people and their families, friends and carers can look forward to an exciting summer as the One Big Day events returns in 2023, including the first two-day event to be held in Edinburgh.
The events, hosted by the Motability Scheme, offer an opportunity for disabled motorists and their families to find out everything they need to know about the Scheme, see the latest range of vehicles available, take a test drive and have their questions answered by Scheme experts, all in accessible locations across the UK.
The programme, which promises to be “bigger and better than ever before” kicks off with the flagship show, The Big Event, returning to the NEC in Birmingham on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 May. It’s the largest event of 2023 and this year it’s even bigger with more cars to explore and the biggest ever display of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs).
Visitors can also look forward to the return of the EV Charging Hub, which debuted in 2022 and offers the chance to find out more about charging at home and on the go.
Brand new for 2023 at The Big Event, the Innovation Zone will showcase future technology for cars and powered wheelchair and scooters. The Motability Operations Innovation Team will be on hand to answer questions, showcase their latest initiatives, and sign visitors up for future pilots.
For anyone who can’t attend, The Big Event: Streamed Live will also return with the in-person expert Speaker Sessions available to view online alongside a host of exclusive digital content. The line-up for the Speaker Sessions will be announced soon.
Summer 2023 will also see the Motability Scheme’s first ever two-day event in Scotland. After having to sadly cancel the 2022 One Big Day Edinburgh, which fell during the period of national mourning for Her Majesty the Queen, The Big Event Edinburgh will see a bumper show take place over Friday 15 and Saturday 16 September.
All the events are free to attend, with plenty of free parking available. The full 2023 One Big Day programme line-up includes:
- The Big Event, Birmingham – NEC, Friday 19 and Saturday 20 May
- One Big Day, Belfast – Eikon Exhibition Centre, Saturday 24 June
- One Big Day, Exeter – Westpoint, Saturday 22 July
- One Big Day, Harrogate – Yorkshire Event Centre, Saturday 12 August
- The Big Event, Edinburgh – Royal Highland Centre, Friday 15 and Saturday 16 September
Alison Beasley, One Big Day Event Manager, said: “The return of our in-person events last summer saw record attendance numbers, so we are thrilled to be growing the programme this year. The EV Charging Hub was a great introduction to the events so will be staying for 2023 and we’re excited to introduce a new Innovation Zone, where visitors can look forward to exploring a range of new products and technology.
“We were very disappointed to have to cancel the Edinburgh event last year, so it’s great to be coming back to Scotland for two days this year – we can’t wait to see everyone there.”
The family-friendly events are free to attend, and children can take part in high-fives and selfies with Scheme mascot, Billy the Bear A children’s play area will also be available as well as cafés, plenty of seating, and accessible toilet facilities. A sensory room, providing a quiet space for those who need it, along with ear defenders, are available at all the events.
Motability provides worry-free, affordable motoring to disabled people and their families in the UK through the Motability Scheme. Recently, the organisation unveiled its new Winter Price List, offering an updated range of over 750 vehicles and a wider choice of options that offer no or low advance payments.
