Lotus on the Pier, a beloved event on the North Yorkshire Lotus Owners Club (NYLOC) calendar, made a triumphant return to Whitby on Saturday, 29 July 2023, and it was nothing short of spectacular. This year's gathering of Lotus enthusiasts featured an impressive array of cars, ranging from classic models to the latest Emira.

The story of the original event for Canadian Lotus fan Paul Beevor was told in issue 127 of Chicane by Simon Freebrey. This year's gathering was held alongside the RNLI Flag Weekend, a 2-day fundraiser for the Whitby Royal National Lifeboat Institution. The RNLI has long been a symbol of unwavering heroism, and Lotus on the Pier was proud to support this honourable charity, helping to raise substantial funds to aid this important cause.

The sight of 42 dazzling Lotus cars displayed along the picturesque pier was a true spectacle. Among these was a pristine 1978 Esprit, brand new Emiras, and a fantastic variety of Elises and Exiges. There were also a few rarer models on show, like a 2-Eleven, a Cup 255 Exige, an Evora 410 Sport, Elans, and Esprits from the S1, S2, and V8 generations. It was a unique opportunity for the general public to admire these Lotus marvels up close and interact with the passionate owners, making it an engaging and memorable day.

Tania, a standout contributor to the event, introduced an innovative way to raise funds. She allowed children to sit in the Elise and then charged their parents to let them out, adding a touch of humour and creativity to the fundraising efforts.

Despite a brief rain shower, the weather gods smiled upon the event, although the forecast had been less promising in the preceding week, with severe flooding in the area. 

NYLOC, the driving force behind this event, received invaluable support from additional marshalling by LDC Lancashire and Cumbria, and attendees from numerous groups, including the Lotus Drivers Club, North East Lotus Owners Club, and Lotus Owners North East, as well as enthusiastic participants from across the country. Notably, a few dedicated owners embarked on a remarkable 5 am journey from Great Yarmouth to Whitby and back, winning the unofficial "journey of the day award."

However, the true magic of the day lay in the camaraderie that enveloped the event. It was a celebration of the Lotus community, where diverse groups and owners converged to share their passion for these remarkable cars, forging connections and leaving a lasting impression.

With Lotus on the Pier 2023 declared a resounding success, NYLOC is already gearing up for next year's event, scheduled for Sunday, 4 August 2024. Booking details will be announced in the new year, available from Nyloc.org.

Andy Smith - LDC Lancashire & Cumbria

I'd like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the NYLOC organisers for inviting me to the Lotus on the Pier meeting. The event's noble beginnings, initiated in ‘22 by Paul Beevor's wish to unite enthusiasts before his battle with paralysis would stop him travelling, showcased remarkable compassion. Simon's coordination along with NYLOC's warm reception highlighted the close-knit community. The decision to make this an annual event and include LDC members is fantastic. I enthusiastically support more interaction among Lotus owners and thank Mark Holmes and Karl Shaw for their article photography. It was a fantastic day with favourable weather.