New traffic plans for Pink Floyd star's garden event

Dawn Limbu
BBC News, West of England
Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Crowds of people on the garden lawn of Middle Wick House. Three Ferrari cars are parked up on the lawn. The car on the left is red, the one in the middle is yellow and the one on the right is grey.Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance
Thousands of people attend the Open Garden event at the rock star's house each year

New traffic arrangements are being put in place to cut the queues of visitors flocking to Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason's Open Garden event.

About 11,000 people are expected to visit the rock star's 18th Century country home near Corsham, Wiltshire, on 7 and 8 June.

The annual event, which features the musician's collection of Ferraris and hundreds of supercars and classic vehicles, attracts owners and enthusiasts from all over the UK and further afield.

The proceeds are in aid of Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity and the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust.

Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Nick Mason sitting at a wooden table and looking off into the distance. In front of him is a young boy and his father.Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance
Pink Floyd star Nick Mason opens his home garden to visitors each year

Organisers have responded to past traffic issues by working with Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Council and local landowners to create a new entry route.

"Thanks to the co-operation we've had we are now able to open a separate entrance for cars heading on to the site from Chippenham," said Jennie Shaw, Director of the Bobby Van Trust.

"We've listened to the feedback we've had from residents, visitors and exhibitors and we think this will make it much easier for everyone."

Cars arriving from Chippenham will now turn into a field before Middlewick Lane, with hopes the change will ease congestion. AA signs will also help divert non-event traffic.

The event will run from 10:00 to 17:00 BST, opening an hour earlier than before. More caterers have been added to reduce queues and offer a wider food selection.

A special highlight this year is the presence of Wiltshire Air Ambulance's Bell 429 helicopter and operational crew, offering guests a rare chance to see the aircraft up close and meet the emergency responders.

Alongside the car displays, the event includes live music, food stalls, children's activities, artisan shopping, and other entertainment.

Last year, the event raised £124,000 for the two charities.

"We're incredibly grateful to Nick and Annette Mason," said Adam Baker from Wiltshire Air Ambulance. "They've been amazing ambassadors and their generosity makes a huge difference to our work."

The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust provides free home security support for older and vulnerable residents, as well as cyber safety education through its Stay Safe Online programme.

Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Three Ferraris parked on the lawn at Middlewick House's open event. The one closest to the camera is red, the one in the middle is yellow, and the one furthest away is black. A paramedic is standing on the lawn looking at the cars.Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance
Visitors can see the rock star's collection of Ferraris and classic cars

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