Paul Weller headlines MINI festival

MINI United will come back to England this year as the British maker celebrates five decades of small car history. The festival, which has previously been held in Misano, Italy and Zandvoort, Holland, will be held at Silverstone from 22nd-24th May, with Calvin Harris starting up the party.

The main event is on Saturday 23rd May, however, with Paul Weller, former singer of The Jam and Style Council taking the main stage as headline act. "As a lifelong MINI driver, I am really happy to be taking part in its 50th anniversary celebrations," he said.

Other acts include Oldham indie rockers Twisted Wheel, Chris Thompson (formerly of Manfred Mann's Earth Band) and Raygun. Twisted Wheel will perform an as-yet-unnamed Paul Weller cover during their set too, which will then be made available to download at www.mini.com.

Of course, there'll be a few MINIs there too. Owners will get the chance to blast their cars around the Silverstone circuit, be a passenger with a MINI CHALLENGE driver, or just watch as the third and fourth races of the MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport series take place. There'll also be stunt shows, go-karts and some classic car racing courtesy of the Mini Seven Racing Club.

Tickets cost £35 for the full three-day event, and under-14s get in free, with camping facilities at nearby Whittlebury Park. Go to www.miniunited.com for more information and to book your tickets.

Mark Nichol