Today marks 70 years since an estimated 100,000 people flocked to see Luigi Villoresi win the first motor race held at Silverstone Circuits Ltd. on the 2nd October 1948.
Following the end of the Second World War and the redundancy of many airfields, The Royal Automobile Club (RAC) arranged a one-year lease at Silverstone and appointed James Wilson Brown, an ex-farmer, to turn the airfield and farm into a race track in just two months. On 2nd October 1948, the first RAC International Grand Prix took place, with hay bales and ropes used to protect the piggery and crops in the middle of the circuit and canvas barriers stopping drivers from being distracted by cars coming the other way.
Today, the site is most famous for hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix as well as other major events such as MotoGP and Silverstone Classic, as well as hosting more than 349 private events so far this year which has seen 46,096 delegates pass through the doors. The Silverstone Wing, the venue’s purpose-built meetings and events venue comprises a series of flexible spaces, including four halls covering over 4520 sqm; an International Media Centre; seven flexible meeting rooms; an Auditorium used by the F1 teams for press conferences; 40 Pit Garages; and The President’s Suite – all of which are available to hire for meetings or events.
Angela Colley, Head of MICE Sales at Silverstone commented: “We’re incredibly proud of what the venue has achieved in the past 70 years and we’re excited for what the future holds – we have lots of exciting developments coming up, from the launch of our new Experience Centre to the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone next year and, of course, a full schedule of adrenalin-fuelled events. Silverstone is an iconic venue and event bookers can be confident in our event team’s experience and learned knowledge, combined with having such flexible high-tech event ensures every event is a success.”