"Thank goodness we're a Sunday, not a Saturday show!"  That was the universal comment from organisers as thousands of car enthusiasts flocked to Helmingham Hall at the weekend.

The Festival of Classic and Sports cars is always a highlight of the stately home's calendar - and with more than 1,000 vehicles booked and thousands more visitors expected good weather is a necessity.

East Anglian Daily Times: Thousands turned out to see cars like this Aston Martin DBS.Thousands turned out to see cars like this Aston Martin DBS. (Image: Paul Geater)

On Saturday organisers were really concerned as the rain hammered down - but their faith in the weather forecast and in the ability of the ground to drain quickly paid off.

One organiser said: "On Saturday we were all really, really worried but today everything seems fine. Thank goodness we're a Sunday show!"

East Anglian Daily Times: There were threatening clouds at times - but little more than a drop or two of rain fell at Helminngham.There were threatening clouds at times - but little more than a drop or two of rain fell at Helminngham. (Image: Paul Geater)

The number of visitors to the show might be slightly down from the 8,000 who turned up last year - but many of those who did risk the threat of showers said the weather was better for an event like this than last year when a roasting sun sapped the energy.

East Anglian Daily Times: More than 1,000 cars, including these Stags were on show at Helmingham.More than 1,000 cars, including these Stags were on show at Helmingham. (Image: Paul Geater)

What makes the festival so special is that almost all visitors can find a vehicle they recognise.

East Anglian Daily Times: My parents drove a Hillman Minx like this in the 1960s.My parents drove a Hillman Minx like this in the 1960s. (Image: Paul Geater)

I found a mid-60s Hillman Minx like the one my parents drove when I was a child.

My wife found several (original shape) Fiat 500s like the one her mother had as a runabout that was often filled with young children.

East Anglian Daily Times: An original Fiat 500 - much smaller than the modern version!An original Fiat 500 - much smaller than the modern version! (Image: Paul Geater)

Supercars and genuine old classics attracted a great deal of attention. A 1913 Humber showed off to the crowd while being driven along the main avenue to the Hall.

East Anglian Daily Times: This Humber has been on the roads since 1913 - and is now owned by the fifth generation of the same family.This Humber has been on the roads since 1913 - and is now owned by the fifth generation of the same family. (Image: Paul Geater)

There are always a number of Aston Martins on show dating from the classic James Bond DB5 (or earlier) to the modern supercars.East Anglian Daily Times: Classic and modern Aston Martins featured in the show.Classic and modern Aston Martins featured in the show. (Image: Paul Geater)

And the Italian supercars like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Maseratis always attract attention - I even saw a Ferrari in the same shade of blue as my hatchback!

East Anglian Daily Times: Traditionally Ferraris are red - but they can look good in other colours.Traditionally Ferraris are red - but they can look good in other colours. (Image: Paul Geater)

But for my money, the finest cars on show were a large number of Triumph Stags - not ostentatious, not showy, but the most beautiful Grand Tourer ever built!

East Anglian Daily Times: A herd of Triumph Stags at Helmingham - the most beautiful cars at the Festival.A herd of Triumph Stags at Helmingham - the most beautiful cars at the Festival. (Image: Paul Geater)

As well as being a fun day out, the event also raises funds for East Anglia's Children's Hospices which was getting a great deal of support from visitors.