Engines roared for the magnificent Ormskirk MotorFest once again and around 30,000 visited throughout the day to enjoy the fantastic annual extravaganza.
Around 300 marvellous cars and motorcycles covering over a century of motoring and automotive heritage and history were on wonderful displays in Ormskirk town centre and Coronation Park.
Stars of the show included drivers from the United States and Europe in Formula 1 stock cars, and the Bentley Drivers Club, who brought a model of Bentley for every decade starting from the 1920s. The University of Bolton’s Centre for Advanced Performance Engineering brought a Ginetta G40, and professional racing driver Anna Walewska. The American Auto Club North West brought some fabulous vehicles, including a Chevrolet Impala and a Dodge Charger, and there were also fantastic Ferraris, Porsches and even bubble cars.
Many of the cars took part in parade laps which former Top Gear presenter Steve Berry commentated on to keep the crowds informed about the wonderful cars going around the town centre. Steve also used his expert eye as one of the judges in the Concours d’Elegance competition, which saw some of the best presented cars competing for prizes in individual classes. The overall winner was Dave Thomas’ Kawasaki A1R, which was the first Kawasaki motorbike to win a race in the United Kingdom when Dave rode it at Cadwell Park in 1967.
Ormskirk MotorFest is a free event organised by Aintree Circuit Club and supported by West Lancashire Borough Council.
As well as all the fabulous cars there was a display of amazing equipment by the army including field guns, trucks and cranes of all shapes at Park Pool. Many MotorFest visitors inspected the equipment and tried out the army’s assault course and climbing wall.
The crowds also enjoyed the fantastic Vintage and Handmade Fair, which saw a great selection of stalls selling art and crafts, retro, vintage and up-cycled wares in the Chapel Gallery and bus station car park. Fabulous entertainment was provided by a Charlie Chaplin look alike, the Cotton Town Hot Club and vintage DJs, and there were creative activities for families. There was also musical entertainment from Trinity Girls’ Brass Band and Merchant Taylors Sax Jazz Group.
Mike Ashcroft, Aintree Circuit Club chairman, said: “I am delighted we were able to bring such a marvellous event to the streets of Ormskirk once again. There were some wonderful vehicles on display and the vintage market and Army display added some great attractions for people to enjoy.”
“We are very grateful to West Lancashire Borough Council and the police for their support and to all our sponsors and volunteer marshals. We’d also like to say thanks to all the drivers and riders who came from far and wide to display their cars and motorcycles.”