The city has a long history of hosting spectacular motoring events and the Festival of Motoring has consistently proved to be a huge success, attracting over 500 entrants and thousands of spectators along a stunning route through the beautiful countryside in Coventry and Warwickshire. We are delighted to confirm that the event will take place again this year on 6th and 7th September 2008 – the fourth year in which Coventry Transport Museum and partners CVOne have staged the event in its new weekend format.
Entries are expected from hundreds of owners of veteran, vintage or classic cars and motorcycles entries, from all over the UK and beyond so it promises to be yet another memorable weekend. The deadline for entries is 25th July and you can book online via the Festival website at www.festival-of-motoring.co.uk or booking forms are available from the Museum.
The Festival will kick off on Saturday 6th September with live entertainment, family fun activities and a display of entrants’ cars staged in Millennium Place, outside the impressive frontage of Coventry Transport Museum. During the afternoon spectators will have the opportunity to vote for the ‘People’s Choice’ prize for the car they would most like to take home. Coventry Transport Museum will also be open to visitors throughout the weekend so everyone has an opportunity to see the world’s largest collection of British road transport and it’s completely free admission!
On Saturday evening the Lord Mayor of Coventry will host a Reception Dinner at the Museum with motoring commentator Graham Robson having a round-table discussion with Andrew Cowan on the 40th anniversary of his victory in the London-Sydney marathon, driving a Hillman Hunter. Tickets cost £20 per person and include a reception drink and buffet. Tickets must be booked in advance and are available from the Museum or by calling 024 7623 4270.
The highlight of the Festival will be on Sunday 7th September when 500 vehicles will take part in a 60-mile route around the region, flagged off by the Lord Mayor of Coventry. In previous years participants have received a rousing reception from spectators along the route who held their own street parties so the Festival organisers are encouraging local residents to recreate that fantastic Festival atmosphere and give the cars and motorcycles a warm greeting as they drive past. The cars will then return to Coventry’s War Memorial Park where a packed programme of entertainment is planned to run throughout the day, including a breathtaking performance from Motostunts International.
Speaking on behalf of the organising committee, Chairman Malcolm Oliver said:
"Last year’s Festival of Motoring was a brilliant weekend for all concerned. The support received from entrants and spectators alike was phenomenal. Coventry Transport Museum, and our partners in the organisation of the event, are proud to be involved again this year and look forward to hosting another memorable Festival in 2008”
For further information please visit the Festival website: www.festival-of-motoring.co.uk or email: info@festival-of-motoring.co.uk or contact Coventry Transport Museum on 024 7623 4270
Editors notes
The event will be staged through a partnership between CVOne and Coventry Transport Museum, assisted by Sytner Mini, Peugeot, Delphi Diesel, BP, Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, Coventry City Council, the Chamber of Commerce and BBC Coventry & Warwickshire. This year’s route highlights will be: Kenilworth – Balsall Common – Berkswell – Meriden – Fillongley – Furnace End – Bentley – Ridge End – Mancetter (A5) – Wolvey – Shilton – Ansty – Coombe – Brinklow – Bretford – Wolston – Ryton – Baginton
Public enquiries:
Telephone: 024 7623 4270
Email: info@festival-of-motoring.co.uk
Web: www.festival-of-motoring.co.uk
Contact details
For further information please contact: Emma Lay emma.lay@transport-museum.co.uk or Lucy Rumble lucy.rumble@transport-museum.co.uk Tel.: 024 7623 4270