Revving up for bumper year at car show

LICHFIELD is revving up for one of the largest classic vehicle events in the Midlands this weekend.

Cars In The Park on July 4-5 is an annual event in Beacon Park run by the Rotary Club of Lichfield St Chad.

The displays include those from private owners and classic car clubs.

Vehicles on display will illustrate a 'broad array' across all eras of the automobile spectrum – from vintage right through to modern classics.

In spite of the economic downturn, the number of owners and car clubs booked up for the event is more than last year, with around 1,000 vehicles expected over the weekend.

"We are astounded – and very pleasantly surprised – that in this time of severe economic gloom so many people have taken the opportunity of coming to Lichfield to exhibit their classic vehicles," said Ian Hodgson, chairman of the Cars In The Park committee.

"All the money raised over the weekend will go to the wide range of charities supported by the Rotary Club of Lichfield St Chad, and for this we gladly thank in advance all those who are supporting us.

"We sincerely hope that we will see lots of people from around Lichfield over the weekend for what will undoubtedly be a fantastic event with something for all the family."

From a 'very modest start' 12 years ago, the event is now recognised as one of the most important classic vehicle gatherings in the country as well as the Midlands.

Landcrab Owners Club – for the Austin 1800 – and the Avenger & Sunbeam Owners Club have decided to hold national rallies at Cars In The Park.

And modern-day motoring has not been forgotten.

Watch out for displays of new cars from a number of local main motor dealerships, with Mazda, Vauxhall, Honda, Mercedes Benz, Ford, Skoda, Suzuki, VW and Kia all expected to be represented at the show.

This year will also see the introduction of Autojumble, with stalls selling sought-after 'bits and pieces'.

There will also be displays in the main arena and parades of various classic car clubs, as well as presentations by Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service, demonstrating car passenger rescue techniques.

For those not interested in cars, there will also be a wide selection of non-motor trade stalls to browse.

Admission, by ticket only, costs £6 per family – typically two adults and three children under 14. Single admission costs £3 and tickets are valid for the whole weekend.