Fifty of the “most iconic cars ever produced” will return to a Suffolk country fair this weekend - this time with several vintage aeroplanes.
The Heveningham Hall Concours d’Elegance will see entries in the pre-war, post-war and supercar categories lined up on the Capability Brown designed parkland at the Georgian mansion near Halesworth.
Returning for its second outing, this year’s event also features an aviation concours, “celebrating exquisite engineering and detailing in all its forms”.
Max Hunt, chairman of the judging panel, said: “What’s amazing about the weekend is that it’s so different to any other sort of concours - there really is something for everybody, including planes now as well.
“You might even find a few bikes in there too.
“Our plan was to keep the best bits of last year while adding some exciting new elements for year two.
“The line-up of cars we have is simply awesome - I can’t wait to see them all together.”
As with last year, the 2017 concours runs alongside the popular Heveningham Hall Country Fair, which has raised more than £600,000 for charity since its launch just over 20 years ago.
What is happening in the main ring?
• The Blades Aerobatic Display Team - Made up of former RAF Red Arrows pilots, the Blades are renowned worldwide for their precision aerobatics and currently hold a world record for formation looping. Each display allows a ”jaw-dropping” sequence of more than 30 separate manoeuvres.
• Atkinson Action Horses – Mark Atkinson and his team provide highly trained horses and riders for film and TV including Poldark, Victoria and Peaky Blinders. They will be performing a “high energy, explosive” show with a combination of stunts and tricks in the main ring each day.
• Rockwood Dog Display Team – Skilled dogs will demonstrate their skill and courage by negotiating the 80x8ft ramp with four fire squares. The show culminates in an exciting agility relay race, with two teams racing against the clock.
• Suffolk Punches – Suffolk’s iconic breed and the oldest breed of working horse in the world, will be on show.
• Waveney Harriers – Learn more about the foxhounds in the main ring.
• Icarus Falconry – Birds include a wide variety of hawks, falcons and owls, which visitors can get close to at the static displays. Two 20 minute flying displays will offer the chance to see the magnificent birds in action.
• The Sutherland Pipes and Drums - Formed in 1965, the band promote the sound of highland pipes and drums in the south east of England.
• Tractor Parade – At the end of each day, vintage tractors will parade around the main ring to a commentary.
• RAF Falcons Team – The parachute display team will be performing on both days with a distinctive demonstration of freefall and canopy skills
What’s happening around the rest of the site?
• The Ken Fox Wall of Death – The Fox family have been touring and entertaining since the 1920s. With their vintage Indian Scouts and 20ft high vertical wall “it is a show that needs to be seen to be believed”.
• Aeroplanes - Up to 110 light aeroplanes will be landing and taking off from a grass runway at the rear of Heveningham Hall each day.
• High Lodge Clay Pigeon Shoot - Staff will be on hand to give everyone the chance to have a go at clay shooting.
• Pakefield Ferrets - Simon Whitehead and his ferrets return to educate visitors about the ferret world.
• Dog Agility Show and Flyball - Dog owners can to enter their pooch in a number of categories from ‘waggiest tail’ and ‘dog most like its owner’ to ‘best pure breed’ and ‘best in show’.
• Nature Corner - Kids can get involved and learn about animal and plant life in the nature corner hosted by Bramfield Primary and Preschool.
• Classic Vehicles - A vast exhibition of classic cars, vintage motorbikes, static and steam engines, and tractors.
• Land Rovers - The Suffolk Land Rover Owners Club invites people to hop aboard “for an unforgettable off-road experience”.
• Sheep Show - A humorous, educational live stage show all about sheep, featuring many different breeds on stage, there’s plenty to learn about sheep and shearing. Not to be missed.
• Gun Dog Scurry - Put your dog’s retrieving skills to the test in this canine competition.
• Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth Poultry Club Formed in 1987, the Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth Poultry Club aims to encourage the keeping and showing of poultry and waterfowl. There’ll be a variety of different breeds of poultry and eggs for sale.
• Punch and Judy - Children come and enjoy this traditional puppet show following the antics of Mr Punch and his wife Judy.
• Raft Race - Once you’ve assembled your team, battle it out for paddling glory in our raft race, back for a 7th year. There’ll be one race on Saturday afternoon at 3pm. To enter, please call Tim Ackerley on 01986 798606.
• Amazing Reptiles - Amazing Reptiles have over 15 years experience in keeping and breeding reptiles and invertebrates. Starting out with one Leopard Gecko, we now have between 100-200 animals. We will be bringing a selection of our favourites to Heveningham Hall Fair.
• For more visit http://www.countryfair.co.uk/#/events-and-attractions
How much does it cost?
Family tickets (two adults and three children)- £35 in advance, £40 on the gate
Adults - £14 in advance, £17 on the gate
Over 60 or disabled - £12 in advance, £15 on the gate
Children (5-14 years old) - £6 in advance, £8 on the gate
Children (under five) - Free
Parking & dogs - Free
Concours entry – £10 for a catalogue, which admits up to four
How can you get there?
A bus service operating to and from Halesworth Station to the Country Fair on Saturday and Sunday.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here