Culture: Enjoy a spot of motor mania at classic cars event

More than 650 vintage, pre-war, post-war, classic, modern and super cars, motorbikes and commercial vehicles are gearing up to take part in the annual Classic and Sports Cars by the Lake event.

Now in its ninth year, Sunday, September 2 will see a fantastic array of eyecatching cars and motorcycles on display by the lake in the beautiful grounds of Hall Farm, Fornham St Martin, and will once again be raising funds for St Nicholas Hospice Care.

Andrew Long, who founded the show in 2010 with his wife Gina, said: “We are delighted to be opening Hall Farm to a loyal following of car and motorcycle exhibitors and clubs. The cars and motorcycles really are the stars of the show and we think this year’s Classic and Sports Cars by the Lake will be the best yet.

“The much-needed funds raised go to our hospice, which serves the community so well, and I hope as many people as possible will join us to support this local charity.”

Racing driver Rick Parfitt Jnr, the son of the late legendary Status Quo guitarist, is this year’s celebrity guest and he will be bringing along his Bentley GT3 race car and answering visitors’ questions.

Rick Jnr has won more than 20 podium places during his racing career, is the reigning British GT Champion and was the first driver to win both GT4 and GT3 titles.

And when he’s not whizzing round a track he is also the frontman of the UK’s most successful corporate band the RPJ Band and the creative director of the R&R Agency, a world-class event entertainment agency that supplies entertainment globally.

Classic and Sports Cars by the Lake, organised by Austin Cornish and the Classic Car Committee, is an event that will appeal to all ages with family-friendly rides, entertainment and crafts to enjoy.

Since it began, the event has raised more than £250,000 for the hospice and its chief executive, Barbara Gale, said: “Every year Classic and Sports Cars by the Lake is a firm fixture on our calendar. It is a brilliant family event and one that many of our supporters and the whole community look forward to.

“As always, this year’s show has been organised by a dedicated voluntary committee and all the proceeds will be donated to the hospice.

“The funds raised by this show make a big difference

to our work supporting people with long-term and life-threatening illnesses.

“We are so grateful to everyone for their continued dedicated efforts.”

So why not put the pedal to the metal and make a pit stop at Classic and Sports Cars by the Lake, between 11am and 4.30pm, and help a good cause.

Tickets, which can be bought at the gate on the day, cost £8 for adults and £5 for children (children under 10 go free).

Family tickets (two adults and two children) can also be bought for £20. Visitors will be able to enjoy the show from 11am-4.30pm.

For more information on the show, visit stnicholashospice.org.uk/fundraising-events/classic-and-sports-cars-by-the-lake.