MINI and Friends celebrate 50 year anniversary at the MINI United Festival 2009 at Silverstone. A unique combination of cars, stars and lifestyle.

Munich/Silverstone. The first model of the British cult car rolled off the production line 50 years ago - occasion enough to celebrate the largest ever MINI fan event at the Silverstone race track in the UK from 22 - 24 May 2009. The legendary race track is the third location for the unique MINI United Festival after Misano, Italy and Zandvoort, Holland.

Over ten thousand fans from all over the world are expected to travel to the event for MINI’s special birthday - largely in their own cars - to indulge in their shared passion. The special mixture of clubsport action, music festival and party atmosphere are guaranteed to provide an unforgettable experience.

MINI United Music Highlights.

The cream of British music will be coming together for the MINI United Festival celebrations.

On Friday night - artist, remixer and producer CALVIN HARRIS is kicking off the weekend playing a full live set with his band. Calvin is one of the most in-demand DJs in the world, has collaborated with the likes of Kylie Minogue and has just enjoyed a massive No.1 hit in the UK with Dizzee Rascal and the track “Dance Wiv Me”. Calvin has also specially curated a bill to DJ in support of him.

Saturday night is set to be a special night of rock, with a mixture of the UK’s fastest rising new talent and true music legends.

CHRIS THOMPSON, former lead singer of Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, and British music icon, will be opening the night with a special guest appearance. He will be followed by RAYGUN, which has just been personally picked by US superstar Pink to support her on her current European tour.

The final support band is Northern upstarts TWISTED WHEEL, already a rising force in the UK. The band has a reputation as one of the most driven and ferocious live bands around, and has earned prime support slots with mega-acts such as Paul Weller, The Enemy, Kasabian and Oasis.

Headlining MINI United’s Festival 2009 is none other than the great PAUL WELLER. Former lead singer of The Jam and The Style Council and a massively successful solo artist, Paul is a music icon and a fitting headliner to such a special event. “As a lifelong MINI driver, I am really happy to be taking part in its 50th anniversary”, commented Paul. Twisted Wheel will be recording a special cover of Paul Weller’s greatest classics and performing it on the night. This track will be made available exclusively to everyone through MINI’s website.

MINI United Car Highlights.

Besides the music programme, visitors can also look forward to a whole variety of activities, which will excite not only the hard-core fans. The third and fourth races of the popular MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport series will take place. Guests will have the opportunity to drive a couple of laps on the track themselves or with a MINI CHALLENGE driver.

For those a little more nostalgic, the Mini Seven Racing Club will be arranging a race with up to 40 classic Minis. A comprehensive exhibition will guide fans through the long and rich heritage of the brand. Furthermore, there will be stunt shows, Go-Kart Races, Driver Training Programmes and much much more.
There will be numerous Lounge Areas, Bars and Restaurants and a Kids’ Area will provide entertainment for the small ones with Bobby-Car Racing, Climbing, Body Painting and much more.

Registration can be made online at: www.MINIUnited.com/MINIunited2009. Further information on the event can also be found here. Silverstone is situated just 50 kilometres from Oxford, birth place of the MINI. For fans wanting to experience MINI Production up-close-and-personal, two special plant tours will be offered. As places are limited, please register at oxford.plant-tours@mini.com as soon as possible.

MINI United Programme Highlights - DAY.
* Interview and Autograph Session with Rauno Aaltonen and Mike Cooper
* Taxi Rides in a MINI CHALLENGE Car
* Track Drives in your own classic Mini or new MINI
* Go-Karting
* MINI Driver Training
* Dunlop Runonflat Slalom –
Guests can test their driving abilities on the Slalom-Course.
* MINI Test Drives with various MINI Models
* MINI United Beauty Parking -
Collector pieces and new MINI models will take pride of place on the MINI car park.
* MINI United Club & Community Area
* MINI Collection Shop

MINI United Programme Highlights EVENING.

Friday, 22nd May: 9pm – Midnight
Electronic Dance
Night with Calvin Harris &
Friends,
DJs from the UK

Saturday, 23rd May: 8:30pm – Midnight
Rock & Pop Night
Chris Thompson
Ray Gun
The Twisted Wheel
Paul Weller

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Susanne Spatz, Communications MINI
Telephone: +49 (0)89 382- 20961, fax: +49 (0)89 382- 28017

Cypselus von Frankenberg, Head of Product Communications MINI
Telephone: +49 89 382-30641, fax: +49 (0) 89 382-20626

Internet: www.press.bmwgroup.com
e-mail: presse@bmw.de