THE FIFTH annual Stratford Festival of Motoring was the ‘torque of the town’ over the Bank Holiday weekend, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from across the country.
Rain showers did not dampen the motoring spirits madness during the two-day event which featured more than 300 cars on show around the town.
From Audrey, the last remaining Vintage Mobile Cinema, to a pink ‘Barbie’ Jaguar that once starred in a film directed by Michael Winner, the free festival transformed Stratford into a petrolhead’s paradise.
They included cars from across the world spanning decades of iconic motor history, including ‘Vicky’s S’ TVR – commissioned by TVR chairman Peter Wheeler for his wife Vicky that he once treated Prince William to a lesson in, and an impressive selection of Jaguars – this year’s Featured Marque – from the Jaguar Heritage Trust.
Car lovers from across the country joined in organised runs through the surrounding Warwickshire and Gloucestershire countryside, arriving in Stratford for a lap of honour around the town centre before parking up.
Ruth Wood, events manager at Stratforward BID – which organises the festival – said: “The weather may not have been perfect, but the odd rain shower certainly didn’t wave the red flag for the festival and this year was another great turnout from participants and visitors.
“The whole aim of the motor festival is to lay on something a bit different and showcase Stratford to an audience from across the country. The sight of hundreds of cars, classic and up-to-the-minute, has become something people will travel a long way to see and this year was no exception.”
Local motor heritage museums the British Motor Museum and Coventry Transport Museum took part in the event, while festival sponsor Listers showcased brands from five of its dealerships, including brand new models.
There was plenty of family fun on offer, from free Jaguar remote control cars to an interactive display by Stratford College, as well as a treasure hunt, artwork created using remote control cars, and a ‘Where’s Will?’ competition to spot a waxwork of the Bard in cars around town.
