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3:24 PM 28th April 2021
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The Italian Job Comes To Yorkshire – Be Part Of It!

 
Fans of the iconic film The Italian Job (who drive a MINI car or any vehicle or recent counterpart that featured in the film) looking for a post-lockdown family get-away will simply love this Autumn's 'staycation MINI driving holiday' set in the picturesque Yorkshire Countryside.

The 3-night/4-day 'Yorkshire Job' will kick off on Thursday 14th October with registration and lunch at the Mercure York Fairfield Manor before the 60-strong motorcade will start the drive through the historic Yorkshire ‘County known for its Roman and Viking heritage’, its Norman castles, medieval abbeys, Industrial Revolution-era cities and 2 national parks.

After, the 'Jobbers' will participate in a series of car-based sports activities at the Elvington Airfield.   Royal Air Force Elvington, as it was known was a former Royal Air Force station which operated from the beginning of the Second World War until 1952.  Today it’s privately owned and operates as active airfield and as well as a facility for driving, driver training, filming and other testing purposes. For the 3 days, the 'Jobbers' will take in many of the hidden gems that capture the very essence of Yorkshire - from the soaring natural beauty of the Yorkshire Dales to the rugged sandy beaches of the Yorkshire Coast: to the stunning and breath-taking landscapes of the North Yorkshire Moors to Leeds's cosmopolitan charm and York's ancient, cobbled streets. 

Inspired by the 1969 Michael Caine film of the same name, the Italian Job motoring holiday has been (for the last 30 years) a road trip for MINI and vintage car enthusiasts, taking adventurers (who are called 'Jobbers' for the duration) off the beaten track in ITALY to see the 'real country', away from the tourist trail and visiting some of the locations used in the hit movie.

The 'Yorkshire Job 'is the first 'UK JOB' and will maintain the same spirit of adventure and encapsulate all the elements 'The Italian Job' has been known for since 1990. 

Jobbers will be in the company of like-minded, passionate Mini/MINI owners as they embark on an exciting trip exploring unusual places, enjoying exclusive cultural and motoring related visits and experiencing a few surprises along the way. Each day there will be plenty of 'selfie' opportunities including daily time trials, convoy processions, treasure hunt style competitions and ample opportunities for ceremonial welcomes and safe, social gatherings.

These adventurers don't need to worry about breakdowns - there is a service vehicle and support crew on hand throughout the route, which is meticulously planned and executed. 

One of the highlights of the 'staycation' will be The Celebrity Gala Dinner which will be held on Saturday night. On the final day (Sunday) the 'Jobbers' will get a chance to visit the famous Harewood Speed Hill Climb – the track best known for hosting the British Hill Climb Championship, and the Classic and Historic Hillclimb and among other events.

The organisers hope to include some other unique surprises for photo opportunities before saying goodbyes and pulling the curtain down on another job. The Italian Job's raison d'être is to raise money for children suffering in poverty in the UK. To date, the mother and son organisers, Giulia and Freddie St George have raised nearly £3 million for charity. 

Each driver/ adventurer is encouraged to raise money in advance of the trip through local fundraising activities and sponsorship of their car. Help and support for this will be given by the organisers throughout the Summer. Giulia and Freddie were recently both awarded MBEs (2020 Award) for their ’Services to Charity’ having organised the Italian Job since 1990.

The Italian Job's current charity is Buttle UK, which provides direct financial support through their Chances for Children grants designed to meet needs where the safety, health or development of children and young people are at risk. The grants pay for a range of items and costs, that all parents would want for their children, but some cannot afford.

An endowment created by Buttle UK's founder, Frank Buttle, means that the charity can pay its administration costs.  Therefore, 100% of all monies raised on the IJ's Yorkshire Job will go directly to the children it helps.   The cost of the Yorkshire Job adventure is £519 pp (including VAT) based on a twin/ double occupancy.

The price includes a 3-night stay (14-16th October) at the Mercure Manor House in York - half-board including wine at dinner; lunch out; tickets to the Reception and Gala Dinner; team entry in the navigational drive with your own IJ Navigational Book; entry to any visiting attractions; assistance throughout by the organisers, marshals and the service van.

The main Italian Job event will return to Italy in May 2022 – full details will be published in due course.

REGISTRATION for the IJ Yorkshire Job 21 is now open and is restricted to a maximum of 60 cars.  Further details can be found at www.italianjob.com or by emailing the organiser gsg@italianjob.com.