After a damp morning, warm spring sunshine arrived just in time as thousands of people packed the prom at Felixstowe to see one of the resort’s best-loved annual attractions.

Organisers were expecting up to 20,000 visitors to see the 45th annual Ipswich to Felixstowe Historic Vehicle Run and the prom was gridlocked in places by the crowds admiring the gleaming classic cars, motorcycles, lorries, buses and military vehicles.

From vintage Rolls Royces to early Fiat 500s, with dozens of veteran sports cars, fondly-remembered family cars, camper vans and more, there was plenty for people to reminisce about as they chatted over vehicles they once owned or recalled.

The event, organised by volunteers at the Ipswich Transport Museum, and supported by RH Specialist Car Insurance, Galloway Coach Travel and Lavenham Press, enjoyed a record entry of 600 vehicles.

Trustee and press officer at the museum, Mark Smith said: “The weather was a bit disappointing in the morning as the cars gathered in Christchurch Park but it didn’t dampen our spirits and when everyone set off for Felixstowe the weather was much better and great for the afternoon rally on the prom.

“We were very pleased with the turn-out of vehicles – a record entry of 600 – and there were big crowds at Felixstowe.

“I don’t think there are as many events as big as this which are free to watch.”

People also stood along the route as the vehicles made their way to the coast, passing through Ipswich and then the old A45 Felixstowe road, and through the Trimley villages and Walton High Street.

Vehicles have to be more than 30 years old to take part – more than 70 entrants pre-dated 1939, with vehicles right up to the early 1980s, plus around 100 motorcycles.