Event Date: September 7, 2025
Where: Harper College, Palatine IL
Vendor Set-up: 6:00AM-9:00AM
Show Event: 9:00AM-3:00PM
Awards: 2:00PM-3:00PM
The British Car Union, a board representing all 14 Chicago-land British Car Clubs, is proud to announce that we will be holding our 38th BRITISH CAR FESTIVAL on Sunday, September 7, 2025. The event will take place rain or shine and is always held on the first Sunday after Labor Day. We would be greatly honored by your participation as a VENDOR as we continue to make this a very special show, the biggest in the Midwest and one of the largest in the country!
One of the main attractions of the British Car Festival is the central vendor area, which draws the attention of the 2,500-3,000 British car enthusiasts in attendance, as well as the owners and guests of the 550 or so registered British motorcars representing various marques. Visitors have the opportunity to browse and purchase British automotive products, paraphernalia, and parts, as well as to shop for classic car-related services ranging from insurance to art. They can also check out the latest car models from various British car dealers, as well as the newest gleaming projects from the restoration and racing-prep shops. Additionally, our visitors can enjoy lunching with our fabulous food vendors.
Historically, the weather has been picture-perfect on the first Sunday after Labor Day, with the exception of last year. We believe that our vendors find the total British Car Festival experience both profitable and pleasant, and they always leave happy, with many returning year after year. We would like to extend a special invitation to you to become one of our featured vendors.
VENDOR DISPLAY AREA
With our dealers, resto-shops, and food vendors, as well as the Valve Cover Racers taking up so much space, only a limited number of spaces are available for parts and individual vendors, BUT WE PARTICULARLY WANT YOU! - it is Vendors like you that make the show.
It is important that Vendors pre-register. Single spaces are each approx. 2 parking spots offered through the regular pre-registration price of $40.00 each, $40 for the second, and $20 thereafter, if necessary. SWAP MEET VENDORS GET A HALF-PRICE DISCOUNT! Deadline for DISCOUNT early registration is June 1, 2025. After that date, the price will be the normal late-registration vendor price of $50.00 and $30.00 (for Swap-Meet Vendors) each, if spaces are still available. All spaces will be assigned early to minimize confusion the morning of the event. Vendors will be along the prime walking area, centrally located in the middle of the show.
Electric power and water are not available. We suggest you bring a table, chairs, and an umbrella or popup shelter, along with your materials. Vehicle parking at your space is strongly discouraged unless absolutely necessary, except for unloading and loading. There is a separate vehicle and trailer parking outside Registration.
Set-up must be completed by the time the show opens at 9 a.m.
DOOR PRIZES & LITERATURE
If you elect to not make it this year, we would still invite you to be part of the 2025 British Car Festival event with a donation of door prices. Please include a card from your company and we will make sure that your firm receives not only our heartfelt appreciation, but also due recognition as well. The BCU will gladly distribute any literature that you wish to send with your door prize. This is an excellent opportunity to have British car owners become more familiar with your organization and its products. In order to include any literature in our registration packets. we need around 500 copies to us by approximately August 30, 2025.
REQUESTED ACTION: "THE EARLIER THE BETTER" TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE AND MAKE SURE YOUR PRODUCTS / INFORMATION IS OUT THERE FOR 2500 POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS IN ONE SPOT ON ONE DAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2025. DON'T BE LATE!
If your firm would like to reserve a Vendor Space, please fill out the Vendor Registration Form below by June 1, 2025. The regular $20.00 for Swap Meet Vendors and regular $40.00 price is available up through June 1, 2025, after which the price goes up to $30.00 or $50.00 if spaces are still available. So please register early!
In order to ensure the distribution of door prizes and literature, please send that material to us before August 30. If you plan to be a vendor, you should arrange to have everything ready and set up try 9:00 a.m. "SHOW TIME". All support vehicles must be off the festival lot by the 9:00 a.m. open. The College specifically prohibits alcoholic beverages (including beer) on the grounds, for which the British Car Union expects complete cooperation from all registrants, vendors, attendees, and guests.
Vendors selling food: Please Contact Us
Yours in British Motoring,
Pete Ballard
Vendor Coordinator
Questions? Contact Us
British Car Union
PO Box 928
Downers Grove, IL 60515-0928
- Single spaces are each approx. 2 parking spots.
- Early registration price of $40.00 each, $40.00 for the second, and $20 thereafter, if necessary. (Before June 1, 2025).
- SWAP MEET VENDORS GET A HALF-PRICE DISCOUNT!
- Late Registration is $50.00 and $30.00 (for Swap-Meet Vendors). (After June 1, 2025).
- Payment due at time of registration.
Harper College rules specifically prohibit all alcoholic beverages (including beer and wine) and pets on the grounds. The BRITISH CAR UNION expects complete cooperation of all registrants and guests.
Proof of automobile liability insurance is required to legally operate a motor vehicle in the State of Illinois.