Sidmouth Event of the Week: Classic Car Show

By Philippa Davies

15th Sep 2021 | Local News

"We're looking forward to our best show yet," says the coordinator of the Sidmouth Classic Car Show, which makes a comeback this Saturday, September 18.

The show takes place on Sidmouth Cricket Field at the end of Fortfield Terrace, and there will be a wide range of cars on display, including models dating from 1914. There will be refreshments available and entertainment throughout the day, with live music by the City Steam Jazz Band and the 1940s close harmony trio the Liberty Girls.

The event, first held in 2012, is organised by the Sidmouth Chamber of Chamber of Commerce with the help of the Crash Box & Classic Car Club of Devon.

Its coordinator Mike Lavers told us about the history of the event, and provided these great photos of past shows.

How the Sidmouth Classic Car Show began

Mike said the Sidmouth Classic Car Show started in 2012 to celebrate the Queens Jubilee and took place over the extra bank holiday weekend that year.

"We managed to get enough classic cars together to create a show. At the first one we had about 150 classic cars on display," he said.

"The event drew a good number of visitors into the town and it was then decided that with some help we could make the show a regular event.

"To start with we held the show every other year. However, the classic car owners, the businesses in the town and the visitors to the show put us under pressure to make it an annual event. The cricket club kindly agreed and the rest is history!

"We are so lucky to have such a wonderful venue overlooking the sea and so close to the town. It is popular with the classic car owners who wish to show off their lovely cars and we always seem to be over-subscribed and have a waiting list if anyone drops out.

"Last time we held the show, in 2019, we had over 400 classic cars on display. This year because we are mindful of Covid and social distancing we have given both the cars on display and the spectators more space, so we will have around 300 cars on display. That is still a very good number.

"This year the age of the cars will range between 1914 and 2000, so there should be something for everyone to enjoy."

Show could not take place without volunteer organisers and supportive businesses

The Classic Car Show opens at 11am and closes at 4.30pm. Entry is free but donations are welcome, as any profit made is used by the Chamber within the town.

Mike added: "The event is run purely by a small band of enthusiastic volunteers who give all their time for free, and weather permitting we look forward to our best show yet.

"The show could not take place without the support of over 30 local businesses sponsoring the event. With their help, now we are post Covid lockdown, we look forward to being able to run and attend events like this once again."