Motoring fans from across East Anglia are set to rev into action for a Classic Car Show featuring more than 500 exhibitors. The bumper charity event, which has raised nearly £100,000 over the last nine years, is being organised by Bury Abbey Rotary Club at Culford School, near Bury St Edmunds, on Sunday, 16th July.
This year’s headline charity is East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), which supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex and Norfolk. The show, held in a beautiful parkland location, will feature models from Minis to Ferraris, spanning the 1960s to the 1990s.
“We’re very proud of our event, built up over the last nine years,” said lead organiser Peter Summers.
“We now have ten acres of show area, having doubled in size since moving to our beautiful new venue in 2021. It means we can have 550 exhibits, compared to 180 previously, and we’re expecting to welcome between 4,000 and 5,000 visitors.
“We like supporting an organisation that resonates with people and one they truly care about.”
This year’s show will be the ninth in ten years. The only exception was 2020, because of Covid, and the first six were held in Elveden, in aid of the NSPCC. The last two supported the Teenage Cancer Trust and other local charities supported by Bury Abbey Rotary Club and raised £21,000 and £27,000 respectively.
“EACH is a local charity and we can’t think of a better cause,” added Peter.
“It’s our pleasure to do what we can to raise money and my hope is that people come along not only to see the cars but also because they know who they’re supporting. That’s a lovely thought. Our teams have developed a great relationship already and hopefully we’ll be able to work together again in 2024.
“Each year we welcome back familiar faces and none more amazing than the Scootacar and Austin Seven duo of Chris Wayman and Yvonne King. The Scootacar dates from 1959 and is one of only 12 known to be operational in the world – nine in the UK and three in the USA.
“In this centenary year of the Austin Seven, this lovely one – Ethel – has been owned by Yvonne for 30 years.”
The show is entirely run by volunteers, including many from neighbouring Rotary Clubs and staff from the American Air Force bases in Lakenheath and Mildenhall. Exhibitors range from individuals to those representing specific clubs – over 40 this year, including both regional groups and single marque organisations, like the Ferrari Owners’ Club.
Tickets can be bought at a discounted rate online and the prices, kept at last year’s rate, are £8 for a car or bike with one person (£10 on the day), £12 for a car or bike and up to two people (£15 on the day) and £16 for a car or bike and up to five people (£20 on the day).
There is disabled access, dogs are welcome and there will also be more than 50 stalls, including crafts, produce, hot food and one from EACH.
This year’s sponsors are Jardine Bury St Edmunds, Hazells, Krazy Horse, Classic Prestige, Classic Automotive Relocation Services (CARS LTD), Lacy Scott and Knight Auctioneers, Rory J Holbrook Ltd, Grey Detailing, A-Plan Insurance, Anglia Car Auctions, AMAS Investments Limited and KNP Litho.
