SOMERLEY ESTATE HOSTS NATIONAL FEAST OF LANTERNS 2013

The Camping and Caravanning Club’s annual camping rally, the National Feast of Lanterns (NFOL), will be held at the prestigious Somerley Estate next month.

This four-day festival is being hosted by the Club’s Southern Region and will run from Thursday, August 15 to Sunday, August 19.

The beautiful estate, which is located on the border of the New Forest National Park, has been in the highly respected Normanton family for five generations since it was bought by the 2nd Earl in 1825. It enjoys a true rural setting whilst also maintaining excellent transport links.

This year, the theme of the rally is ‘Heroes’ and the Club is encouraging all members to get into the spirit and prepare their outfits.

Free entertainment will run throughout the week, including a country and western night, discos, an Elton John tribute act, performances by the Club Band, dog displays, birds of prey flying displays, children’s activities such as magic acts and zorbing, plus much more!

NFOL is the world’s largest annual rally of its kind – catering for all forms of camping. The first rally was held in 1922 and even in its present format, it continues to uphold its traditions with a Mardi Gras parade and a lighting up ceremony to mark the flagship event.

Please find your official media invitation attached.

Graham Hobson, Chairman of the NFOL 2013 Organising Committee, and his team have worked tirelessly to ensure the event is a success and he said: “The Somerley Estate is truly beautiful and it’s a privilege to hold NFOL 2013 in its grounds. I’d personally like to thank Viscount Somerton for his support in our planning and preparation.

“There’s still plenty of time to book your pitch – we have so much entertainment planned, plus there are many local attractions for all to enjoy off-site too; it’s a fantastic way for people to experience the area.”

Robert Louden MBE, Director General at the Club, added: “NFOL is a long standing Club tradition and I’m certain that the Southern Region will do us proud and put on an event to remember.

“We look forward to welcoming members to the event and our thanks again to the Normanton family for all of their kind assistance.”

For more information about NFOL, visit: www.nfol2013.co.uk  

Ends

For further media information or images, please contact:

Jon Dale, 024 7647 5204, 07748 936464 jon.dale@thefriendlyclub.co.uk  
Kimberley Keay, 024 7647 5224, 07951 153074, Kimberley.keay@thefriendlyclub.co.uk

Notes for editors

1.    The Camping and Caravanning Club is 111-years-old and is the largest and oldest Club in the world for all forms of camping. It has 109 award-winning sites throughout the UK and, through a partnership with the Forestry Commission, now runs and manages a further 19 Camping in the Forest touring sites.
2.    www.realrichness.co.uk was launched on Monday, April 18, 2011.  
3.    www.newtocamping.co.uk incorporates all forms of outdoor holidays