American Auto Club UK July 2026

Trying to catch up with our past festivals, so I'm adding in no particular order!

Each festival has its own unique charm and memories, and it’s essential to reflect on those experiences and share them with you.

This year marked our third consecutive year of trading with the club, and I must say, it was the hottest festival we have ever attended in all our years of participating in various festivals (and that's quite a long time!). The sweltering heat created an atmosphere that was both challenging and exhilarating. Temperatures soared to around 29 degrees , which made the entire experience quite intense. Setting up the gazebos (thank you hubby) under the relentless sun, followed by the task of arranging our stock inside them, proved to be a significant challenge to say the least. I’ve never consumed as much water in a single day as I did during this event! Staying hydrated was crucial, as the heat seemed to drain our energy quickly.

The normally lush, green grass fields that we had come to expect were transformed into golden brown straw-like expanses, a stark reminder of the summer heatwave that is gripping the area. The contrast was striking, and it added a unique character to the festival grounds. Despite the challenging conditions, the spirit of the festival remained undeterred, and the atmosphere was vibrant and lively.

It was absolutely fantastic to reconnect with the Club, which has always been a cornerstone of our festival experience. This year, they boasted a record number of American vehicles, with an impressive line up that included Dodge Chargers, Lincolns, Ford F100s, Cadillacs, Chevys, trucks and police cars to name just a few. In total, there were around 178 vehicles on display! Each one was a true delight to see, showcasing the craftsmanship and passion of their owners.

The event was managed exceptionally well by the club, ensuring that everything ran smoothly. The camaraderie among attendees was great as were all the visitors , everyone we encountered was incredibly friendly and welcoming. In true American style, a wide array of cowboy hats was sold, along with other Western-themed clothing items such as cowboy boots, buckles and belts.

The Upton Blues Festival is an incredible weekend filled with music, dancing, and of course, plenty of drinking! The town itself comes alive during the festival, creating a vibrant and energetic environment. The village streets are blocked off, allowing for street music, food vendors offering delicious street food, and so much more. Chips were amazing and not overly priced either ! It’s a remarkable experience to witness all the local shops and businesses embracing the festival theme, decorating their storefronts and participating in the festivities. The sense of community is truly inspiring.

The festival itself is free to attend, making it accessible to a wide audience, there are parking charges that apply at £10.00 per day, which is reasonable considering the convenience it offers. Additionally, there is plenty of camping available for those who want to immerse themselves fully in the experience. If you haven’t checked it out yet, I highly recommend it—we absolutely love it there! The combination of music, community spirit, and the celebration of American culture makes it an unforgettable event every year.