In an exhilarating celebration of adventure, Defender enthusiasts and owners are invited to the second annual “Destination Defender,” a weekend festival set against the picturesque backdrop of Iron Horse Ranch in Somerville, Texas, from November 10 to 12. As proud creators of modern luxury adventure experiences, the Defender brand promises an unforgettable experience, pushing the limits of exploration and embracing the spirit of the impossible.
The festival, originally introduced in 2022 in Saugerties, NY, serves as a testament to the Defender vehicle’s adventure lifestyle, connecting with enthusiasts, and celebrating its legendary design and capability. Spread across 2,400 acres of woodlands, lakes, and meadows, the Iron Horse Ranch in Somerville provides an ideal setting for guests to immerse themselves in the Defender experience.
Partnering with Outside, Interactive Inc., Destination Defender offers curated onsite activities that range from physical endurance challenges to expert sessions aligning with the Defender lifestyle. The festival brings together creators, athletes, and personalities, offering unique experiences such as high-intensity workouts with Katrin Davisdottir, guided trail runs and paddleboarding with Brooks Laich and his dog Koda, and gourmet outdoor cooking demonstrations with Ashley Rodriguez.
Guests can challenge their off-roading skills on a specially designed trail network, showcasing the advanced technologies and engineering of the Defender vehicle. The highlight of the festival is the unveiling of the new 2024 Defender 130 Outbound model, featuring seating for five and generous cargo space, making it the ultimate expression of Defender exploration.
Honoring the Defender legacy of heroism, the Defender Service Awards winners will be announced on November 11th. These awards recognize the heroic acts of service by U.S., Puerto Rican, and Canadian non-profit and charitable organizations. Six customized Defender 130 vehicles will be awarded to the winning organizations, supporting their daily efforts to improve communities. The celebration dinner will feature live musical performances and special guests.
Equipped for 21st-century adventures, Defender vehicles feature modern technologies and all-terrain capabilities with models like Defender 90, 110, and 130. The festival introduces the new 2024 Defender 130 Outbound, designed for outdoor adventures, along with a 493hp Defender 130 V8 and a heritage-inspired County Exterior Pack for Defender 110.
Attendees can enjoy the festival’s epic days and nights by opting for luxury glamping or camping under the stars. Traditional hotel accommodations are also available onsite, ensuring a comfortable and immersive experience.
In the words of Charlotte Blank, US Chief Marketing Officer, Jaguar Land Rover North America, “As proud creators of modern luxury experiences, we are pleased to announce the second annual Destination Defender festival, in Texas, to celebrate the Defender lifestyle with our growing community of owners and enthusiasts. We look forward to coming together to honor this year’s Defender Service Awards organizations who embody the Defender spirit of heroism by selflessly striving to improve their communities.”
