As you may already know, 2017 sees the iconic brand Ferrari celebrating its 70th Anniversary – more of that later – but August 2017 is a month full of 70th celebrations
Indian Independence
On August 15th, India celebrates Independence Day. This year’s celebration will be especially important as it is the 70th anniversary of India’s independence from the British Empire. In 1947, after 200 years of British rule, the British House of Commons passed the Indian Independence Act, granting India its independence by August 15th. On the night of August 14th, thousands gathered and listened to Jawaharlal Nehru, the future prime minister of India.
“At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.”
At midnight a joyous celebration began. Nehru raised the Indian flag above the Lahori Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi, a tradition that continues each year with the Prime Minister hoisting the Indian flag at this historical site. This year, thousands will celebrate across India and throughout the world with colourful parades, flying kites, and the proud waving of the Indian flag. Happy Independence Day, India
Pickering’s Original 1947 Recipe
Again in1947, in the dying days of British rule in India, an original Bombay gin recipe was handwritten on a fragment of paper. Kept as a family secret for over 66 years, it re-surfaced in 2013 when Pickering’s began distilling at Summerhall in Edinburgh. Their Original 1947 Gin is now made precisely to this original recipe, as it was written down in Mount Mary, Bombay, in 1947.
Pickering’s was the first new gin distillery in Edinburgh in 150 years, based in Summerhall Art hub, in a space that was once part of the School of Veterinary Studies, known as the Royal Dick. Happy 70th Birthday Pickering’s Recipe
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Every August, right outside the doors of Pickering’s distillery in Summerhall, you will find thousands of performers and visitors to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe – also 70 years old this month and taking place from 4th – 28th August. For three weeks, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe opens the doors, streets and alleyways of an entire city to an explosion of creative energy from around the globe.
Known as the Alliance of Defiance, The Fringe began in 1947 when eight groups arrived in Edinburgh hoping to perform at the newly-formed Edinburgh International Festival but were refused entry. Rather than being discouraged from performing, they went ahead and performed on the fringe of the Festival anyway – and so the Edinburgh Festival Fringe was born. It is now a truly open access festival where no one is denied entry, and it has inspired a global network of over 200 fringe festivals. It is now the largest arts festival in the world with over 53,000 performances from 58 countries in 300 venues. 2017 sees a feast of famous names and Fringe veterans such as Sue Perkins, Ruby Wax and Sean Hughes, as well as a host of hopefuls and newcomers. Happy Birthday Edinburgh Fringe – 70 years of defying the norm
Happy Anniversary to the Prancing Horse
From their first victory in the 1947 Rome Grand Prix to the launch of an exclusive, limited edition LaFerrari Aperta to celebrate 70 years of motoring excellence, Ferrari have always been at the forefront of their field. Founded on 12 March 1947 by renowned racing driver Enzo Ferrari, this company has put the small town of Maranello on the map and has become the best-recognised Italian brand.
Ferrari’s first win saw Franco Cortese take first place in Rome in the 125S, a milestone in the unparalleled career of a team that has clocked up more Formula 1 victories than any other. Enzo Ferrari’s ambition was to beat Alfa Romeo, for whom he had won race after race during the pre-war years. This he did in spectacular fashion over the next 70 years.
In 2010, the company even launched the Ferrari World Theme Park in Abu Dhabi, home to the world’s fastest roller coaster with a top speed of over 240/kph – what else would you expect from the world’s most successful Formula 1 manufacturer?
Continuing the Ferrari Vision
Enzo Ferrari’s death on 14th August 1988 – 29 years ago this week – could have seen the end of an era but the company has stayed true to his vision and continues to go from strength to strength. As a tribute to their founder, Ferrari unveiled The Enzo model at the Paris Motor Show in 2002. Based on their Formula 1 experience, only 399 Enzos were ever built until an exclusive 400th model was created as a gift for Pope John Paul II. This particular model was auctioned and the $1.1 million donated to charity for humanitarian relief.
Driven by such famous names as Niki Lauda, Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari have always enjoyed, and deserved, their place at the top of both motor racing and the luxury car market. As part of their 70th Anniversary celebrations, they will take pride of place as the Concours Masters at this year’s Salon Privé event at Blenheim Palace. Saturday 2nd September will see a fabulous display of Ferraris from their earliest days through to the F12 70th Anniversary edition. A must for every Ferrari enthusiast. Happy 70th Anniversary Ferrari and see you at Salon Privé!
