Mr Bean to Drive a MINI at Goodwood Revival

Rowan Atkinson will make for the first time a live public appearance as the Mr Bean character, as he has been invited to attend the 2009 Goodwood Revival, September 18-20. As one of the world’s most popular comedy characters, he will be part of a MINI parade, driving his distinctive pea green and black Mini sitting in an armchair attached to the roof of the car, using a mop and string to operate the pedals and steering.

Just as you might have guessed, Atkinson will recreate a hilarious scene from the Mr Bean TV series when the character bought various items in a famous department store sale, including a large arm chair, and then realized that it would not fit in his Mini, leading to him strapping the chair to the car roof and driving it home.

Marking the 50th anniversary of the Mini car will be just one of the highlights of this year’s Revival. Goodwood will also be celebrating the 80th birthday of ‘Mr Goodwood’, Sir Stirling Moss. Therefore, also as part of the Revival, Atkinson will also be racing an authentic 1965 Austin Mini Cooper S and participate in a large 80th birthday tribute to motor racing legend Sir Stirling Moss with his Jaguar Mk VI.

Buzz Aldrin, a 1969 astronaut will also be attending the Goodwood Revival, judging in the Freddie March Spirit of Aviation concours for classic aircraft. In addition the Revival will have the finest wheel-to-wheel racing with top drivers, riders, cars and motorcycles and live music.

The Revival will also feature a celebration of the mini skirt, with female visitors being encouraged to wear theirs and stroll along a recreation of Carnaby Street in the Swinging 60s, especially on the Revival Ladies Day, scheduled to take place on September 19.