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The early days of Atlas’ iconic Festival

12/07/2024 News

The 1980s marked an era of rapid expansion for the Atlas brand. With the introduction of multiple new ranges and innovative interior designs, Atlas truly pioneered the market for holiday homes. By 1984, Atlas had established a reputation for its diverse range of static caravans, each boasting unique selling points that set them apart. Trusted for generations, Atlas has consistently delivered quality and innovation.

Festival 1984 exterior

Among the standout models launched in 1984 were the Festival, Status, and Image. Today, we'll take a closer look at the Festival, a model that solidified Atlas's place in the industry’s early history.

The 1984 Festival, at 22 feet long, was cleverly marketed as a compact yet spacious option. It featured an impressive 8-berth capacity, thanks to its innovative cross-over bunk room. Some models from this year embraced a back-to-basics approach, offering options without showers and a choice between non-serviced or mains-served versions.

In 1986, the Festival range saw the introduction of a sensational new standard feature: a superb sit-in shower cubicle. Atlas proudly marketed this upgrade with the message: "At great expense, this range has received upmarket styling, but, because of our increased manufacturing efficiency, has only gone up in price relative to inflation."

The evolution continued in 1988 with the release of two new layouts for the Festival: the 28' / 1 and the 31' / 2 models. By 1994, the Festival and Festival Super offered a total of nine layouts, catering to a wide range of needs. The design aesthetic featured furniture in a pleasing limed oak effect and seats upholstered in vibrant velour – a combination that was both unexpected and delightful!

In 1995, the Festival was tailored specifically for the fleet market, filled with practical details to reduce maintenance and create an ideal holiday environment. As one brochure from the late '90s aptly put it, "All in all, the Festival offers quality, style, comfort, and value that’s hard to beat!" These words ring true even today.

From its humble beginnings to its enduring legacy, the Festival model remains a testament to Atlas's commitment to quality and innovation. Trusted for generations, the Festival continues to be a beloved choice for holidaymakers.