Now in its second year, the Castlewood 4x4 Show is a friendly, 4x4 focused Northern 4x4 Show run by family and friends who love all things 4x4.  Launched in 2023 it was a resounding success, so the next step was to go bigger and better.

For 2024 the show moved to the Cheshire Show Ground not far from Knutsford and included club stands, an autojumble, food stalls and a huge beer tent with live music in the evenings.

Although advertised from Friday to Sunday, the show really got going on Saturday as traders were still arriving and setting up on Friday.  Muddy Madam, Lilly and I popped over Friday afternoon - it’s only 40 minutes away from Muddy Towers, and chatted to a few friends who were already there and spent a lovely few hours chilling under a tree watching all manner of different 4x4s and off-road caravans arrive. Well I did, Muddy Madam spent the time snoozing!

When I returned on Saturday morning the sun shone and the heady aroma of fry-up breakfasts was in the air.  Families were camped in organised lines and laughter echoed around the site, it was such a good atmosphere and reminded me of shows of old.

My first port of call was the Dollar $hort Outdoor Adventure Club as they not only had an FJ Cruiser on show, but a new Bronco, Tacoma and 5th gen 4Runner. I had a great chat with the guys, especially regarding the 4Runner in relation to the narrow gates are here in the UK.  The owner (sorry, I forgot your name), showed me some battle scars after a ‘laning trip in Wales.

Paul and Vicky were next from West Coast Off Road Centre over near Southport.  Paul had brought his 79 Series Land Cruiser and the modified HiLux that they have for sale.  Vicky had her gorgeous red Toyota FJ Cruiser on show that she’s quite rightly proud of.  Granted, they’re not to everyones taste, but they’re incredibly practical, competent and for a lot of enthusiasts, simply different.

Next was Sue and Ian from the Land Rover Lightweight Club.  I used to have a Lightweight back in the 1990s, and although I might be reminiscing through rosey tinted glasses, it was a fantastic vehicle.  Back then I would think nothing of commuting over 60 miles a day, I would hate to think how much that would cost me in petrol these days!

Chatting to them rekindled my love for the old 1/2 ton military vehicle to the extent that I’m considering selling my beloved Doon Beach Buggy for one.  It wouldn’t be standard, rather a sympathetic resto-mod. Plans are afoot.

I also had a natter to Carrim from Arctic Trucks who’d brought along their Toyota Hilux AT37, and it looked stunning.  At some point I’ll pop down to their workshop to have a proper nosey at some of their projects.

As the day progressed the weather gods were certainly on our side, despite the almost clear blue sky there was a lovely cool breeze that kept the temperature bearable.

As I’m putting this article together I’ve noticed that in most of the photos there are hardly any people, that gives the impression the show was quiet.  Far from it, it was bustling to the point I could hardly get to chat to people. Matt Ske from Traction Adventure Ready for example, whenever I passed by he had a constant queue of customers to attend to.  I did manage to have a good natter to friends from the Northern Monkeys 4x4 group, Sam from Gear & Go, Dean from Ox Overland, Nigel from Pilgrim Caravans and Andy from Bear Tough.

Overall Castlewood 4x4 Show 2024 was a fantastic second effort and we’ll definitely be there next year, and who knows, we might even have a stand. Enjoy the photos!