Helmingham Hall hosts a classic car to raise money for EACH, the children’s hopsice, this year it has added a vintage fashion event to the fun
There is something alluring about the sleek shape of a classic car. There is a sense of timelessness and a feeling of power about these wonderfully stylish vehicles and later this summer you will have a chance to get up close and admire these veterans of the road at Helmingham Hall.
The annual Festival of Classic & Sports Cars is held in association with the Suffolk Vehicle Enthusiasts Club (SVEC). Last year more than 7,000 people came through the gates lured by the opportunity to admire some of the best designed cars of the last 100 years.
Some of the cars are in better condition now than they were when they were simply cars of their day, having been lovingly restored and cared for by doting owners.
The event attracts classic and sports car owners who exhibit their cars some of which parade up and down the main drive during the two runs throughout the day.
More than 1000 vehicles attend, giving visitors a visual timeline of motoring history, including many from Britain's motoring heyday - marques on display included Alvis, Bristol, Jensen, AC Riley, Armstong Sideley, Lea Francis, Crossley, BSA, Lagonda, Lanchester and Gordon Keeble.
The oldest vehicle seen on display was a 1914 Ford Model T and the latest sports car models have included the Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Mustang as well as Ferraris and Porsche.
This amazing collection of vehicles is displayed against the backdrop of Helmingham Hall and its surrounding moat which sits in the middle of the ancient deer park. To give the event an extra element of sparkle, this year organisers have asked owners of the classic cars to dress to impress.
They have suggested that perhaps classic vehicle owners would demonstrate how motorists would have dressed in their vehicle's era. They are hoping to create a visual scrapbook of vintage fashions and motoring paraphernalia from the past. There will be a competition for the 'best dressed' and would love to see a range of different styles from throughout the years - from demob suits, full skirts and petticoats to flares, maybe even a flapper or two.
As well as this impressive display of vehicles, the festival is also a lovely day out for the whole family with children's activities, fairground stalls, 40 craft and trade stalls, main ring entertainment, birds of prey and much more.
There will be an abundance of local food, drink and entertainment including country music performers Sam Coe & The Long Shadows and Chocks Away, who will be dancing throughout the day showing off their skills in Jive, Swing and Lindy Hop.
The 2018 event made a £6,000 donation for EACH - East Anglia's Children's Hospice (ww.each.org.uk) and they will be raising more money for the charity this year. It is possible to make a donation on the day at the EACH stand.
New car parking arrangements are in place this year which will ease congestion but will involve a six minute walk to the entrance. Blue badge parking will be available - please follow signs.
Adults: £10 (£9 in advance), Children: 7 years and over: £5 (£4 in advance), Children under 7 years: free; Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) £25 (£22 in advance).
The Festival of Classic & Sports Cars is at Helmingham Hall on August 4, from 10am - 5pm For more booking details go to www.helmingham.com/events/the-festival-of-classic-sports-cars/
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