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Celebrating the centenary of the Kingston Bypass
A year-long creative programme by The Community Brain
2027 marks the centenary of the Kingston Bypass, one of the most significant infrastructure projects of the twentieth century. Officially opened by Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin on 28 October 1927, the bypass was celebrated as a symbol of modernity and a catalyst for economic growth, mobility and regional development. Its creation transformed the landscape of southwest London and northern Surrey, converting largely rural farmland into thriving residential, commercial and industrial communities.
The project aims to use the centenary as an opportunity to research, celebrate and share the heritage of the Kingston Bypass and its role in shaping Hook and the surrounding area. It will increase understanding of how infrastructure has influenced local identity, employment, housing, leisure and community life over the last 100 years, while encouraging residents to contribute their perspectives on the future of the area.
In addition to heritage research and creative exploration, The Community Brain is planning to host two classic vehicle events to celebrate the importance of the Kingston Bypass and the motorsport heritage of the area:
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Mini Day
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The Ace of Spades Classic Day
MINI DAY
Sat 8 May 2027, 11:00 - 16:00
Hollyfield Road, Surbiton, KT5 9AL
ACE OF SPADES CLASSIC DAY
Sat 9 May 2027, 11:00 - 16:00
King Edwards Recreation Ground,
Hook Road, Chessington, KT9 1PL
Event call outs
Use the arrows below to click between opportunities
1. Mini Day
The history
On January 21st 1964 the Mini Cooper, designed in Hollyfield Road, Surbiton, won the Monte Carlo Rally. The ‘David v Goliath’ victory catapulted the car and its driver into international recognition, and was a triumph of creativity and reengineering. It was the first of three victories for the car, with successes in 1965 and 1967 following. (In 1966, a scandal arose when the three first-place Minis were disqualified along with others for allegedly non-compliant auxiliary headlights.)
From a tiny suburban garage came a car that became one of the international design and engineering symbols of the swinging 60’s. And one that remains an iconic design today.
What happens on the day
At Mini Day, we celebrate the ingenuity of John Cooper, the triumph of the Mini Cooper at the Monte Carlo Rally, and wider stories of innovation and cutting edge design in Surbiton. Mini Day features a 'Mini Monte' around Kingston, tours of the garage where John Cooper used to be based and a static display of 100+ Minis through the ages at Hollyfield Road.
Event date
Saturday 8 May 2027, 11:00 - 16:00
Location
Hollyfield Road, Surbiton, KT5 9AL
Interested in taking part in 2027?
The Community Brain is collaborating with London & Surrey Mini Owners Club to bring you Mini Day 2027. Apply to take part via the form below. We're looking for Mini owners, food and drinks stalls and arts & crafts traders.
