A brand new show was announced this week, the REPLICA & SELF-BUILD FESTIVAL, scheduled for July 18-19, 2026 at the industry’s spritual home, NAEC – or as all know it as ‘ STONELEIGH’.
The man behind it is kitcar enthusiast Simon Bennie, who is not only mad about specialist cars, but has a 30-year background in running a variety of successful business-type shows at venues like the NEC and the NAEC.
As his email said: “The event will be organised by Car Show Co Ltd and owner
Simon Bennie has been organising large public events throughout the UK at venues such as NAEC Stoneleigh, the NEC, ExCel London, SEC Glasgow and many others for the past 30 years.
“Staff from our other businesses will support the work on this event from our offices in Somerset and Milton Keynes.
Simon is also a complete Petrolhead with an ever-growing collection of vehicles. Over the past ten or so years he has built several cars (well supervised his Dad, Andrew doing the actual builds!)”
It’s early days yet but Simon’s press release was sent out to every kitcar manufacturer in the UK and when I spoke to him yesterday, he told me that he already had the exhibition hall half full.
Simon Bennie (left) with his dad Andrew, a serial kitcar builder
We’ll bring you more details as time progresses and Simon will be keeping us informed of developments. Sounds exciting. Watch this space.