..bigger and better! The letters, questionnaires and e-mails we received following JAE 2004 have proved extremely valuable but I do not propose in going into detail again.
However, a couple of the key points were:Numbers for 2004 were up 50% on the previous year with over 15,000 people attending over the whole weekend.
This is a fantastic result and we hope everyone had a great time. However, it did leave us with problems in terms of food stalls and in the amount of space available for camping. Billing Aquadrome did make an effort to keep the toilets in full working order and open shower blocks earlier.
Litter was cleared away and 24-hour security was better than previous years. However, they too were caught out with the numbers and are at the very limit of their capabilities. All the positive and negative feedback has been reviewed and researched for 2005.
The Organisation have had numerous meetings with Billing and other venues. It has been decided that Japanese Auto Extravaganza will be moved to The East of England Showground, which is only about 20miles from Billing Aquadrome. The Organisation's rationale behind this move is:
a/ The capacity of JAE is now overwhelming for Billing Aquadrome
b/ Lack of support in Marshalling and Security
c/ Too much reliance on Billing Aquadrome means insufficient control for JAE
With the above in mind, JAE 2005 will have a new venue, The East of England Showground.
This is a secured venue, large enough to hold ALL car clubs/traders and have a designated camping areas. The area that is dedicated to JAE is flat, grassed and with some hard standing areas. There is a speedway track with grandstand. There will be three main gates for entry and exit which have been split into Clubs, Traders and Public. Public parking will be in the general carpark. This reduces any chance that they park on clubs or traders stands. With the space provided by the new showground we can significantly increase the space allocated to all the cars. that means the squeeze of recent years will now be a thing of the past.More details of the above will be sent to you in the new year in the JAE brochure that will have all the details of the show, booking forms and Terms and Conditions.
It is important that your Club is aware of these changes as soon as possible, so please communicate this information.
If you have any questions about the change in venue please contact Claire Williams (Clubs) John Fuggles (Traders)Billing Aquadrome were in agreement with The Organisation, that JAE's capacity had exceeded Billing capabilities.
However, the relationship is strong with Billing and other events are already being arranged there. The Organisation are developing a brochure which will be sent out in the new year, more updates to follow.
Please check the JAE website for further info.--------------------------------------No confirmation on dates as yet though as far as I'm aware.
....
:D.
