Salon Privé London postponed to 2026, but Salon Prive to be best yet

Organisers have postponed the much-anticipated Salon Privé London event, originally set for the Royal Hospital Chelsea, to April 2026. Organisers cite current market conditions and a lack of exhibitor interest as the primary reasons for this decision. Without a full complement of supercars, hypercars, luxury brands, and boats, they felt the event wouldn’t meet the high standards attendees expect.

In light of this, attention now shifts to the flagship event, Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. It is scheduled from 27th to 31st August 2025. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this edition of Salon Privé promises to be particularly spectacular, introducing a host of improvements and innovations.

A Brief History of Salon Privé

First held in 2006 at London’s Hurlingham Club, Salon Privé has evolved into one of the world’s most prestigious concours d’elegance events. Its stature is reflected not only in the exceptional quality of entries but also in its organisation. Past winners include a 1957 Ferrari 335 S, a 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet A, and a 1933 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster. The organisers automatically nominate the Best of Show winner for the Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award, honouring the world’s finest concours champions.

Innovations for Salon Privé 20th Anniversary

To mark this milestone, organisers are introducing several enhancements:

• The Galleries: A luxurious atrium bordering the verdant lawns of Blenheim Palace, offering exhibitors premium all-weather display space. It also ensures visitors stay sheltered should the weather turn. Exhibitors pair each covered booth with an adjoining outdoor lawn plot, creating the best possible platform to showcase their offerings during Salon Privé.
• Enhanced Dining Experiences: The introduction of The Galleries allows for an elevated dining experience. It transitions from traditional marquees to ornate glass structures equipped with heating, lighting, power, Wi-Fi access, and air-conditioning.
• Lake Demonstrations: For the first time, Blenheim’s Great Lake will showcase luxury boats from brands like Brabus, Sunseeker, and Twisted. This addition brings a dynamic aquatic element to the event.
• VIP Access: VIP guests will enjoy an exclusive entrance through the palace. They will drive over the bridge, through the Great Court, and into The Galleries via a red carpet. This enhances the overall luxury experience of Salon Privé.

MotorAvia: The Opening Night Extravaganza

MotorAvia, introduced last year as an evening celebration of aviation and automobiles at Oxford Airport, complete with live music and entertainment, will now serve as the event’s opening-night party. It will set the tone for the festivities of Salon Privé.

Driving Tours: Rally and GT

Two driving tours are planned:

• Rally Tour: Catering to classic cars, this four-day event starts at the Fairmont in Windsor. It then travels through the South Downs and the Cotswolds before returning to Blenheim for the Salon Privé event.
• GT Tour: Designed for modern supercars, this tour follows the same route as the Rally Tour to conclude at Salon Privé.

Both tours will feature 75 cars each. The cars will return and display on the lawn at Salon Privé, adding to the event’s allure.

Looking Ahead

The Salon Privé London postponement is disappointing, but the exciting 2025 Blenheim Palace enhancements give enthusiasts plenty to anticipate. Tickets for the 20th-anniversary edition of Salon Privé are now on sale. It is set to be the most impressive edition in the event’s history.

Conclusion

The postponement of Salon Privé London to April 2026 allows organisers to focus on delivering an unparalleled experience at Blenheim Palace in August 2025. With innovative features like The Galleries, enhanced dining, lake demonstrations, and exclusive tours, the 20th-anniversary edition of Salon Privé promises to be a landmark event in the luxury automotive calendar.

Are you planning to attend the 2025 Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace? What innovations are you most excited about? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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