[02 JUL 07]
Coventry Festival of Motoring Returns

Coventry has a long history of hosting spectacular motoring events and the Festival of Motoring has consistently proved to be a huge success, attracting almost 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 1st and 2nd September 2007 - the third time Coventry Transport Museum and partners CVOne have organised the event in its weekend format.

Hundreds of participants from all over the UK and beyond have already entered their veteran, vintage or classic cars and motorcycles so it promises to be yet another memorable weekend. The deadline for entries is 25th July so there is still time to sign up for a Festival that is much more than a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow enthusiasts - the whole family can enjoy a packed programme of free entertainment and the amazing spectacle of hundreds of cars and motorcycles looking their very best.

The Festival will kick off on Saturday 1st September with live street entertainment, stunt motorcyclist, 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 and to enter a draw to win a ride in one of the Museum’s historic cars at a future date. Following its £14M redevelopment the Coventry Transport Museum will also be open to visitors throughout the weekend so everyone has an opportunity to see the superb new 'Boomtown' gallery, which interactively charts the height of the car industry from the 1950s to the 1970s. Best of all, 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 reminiscing with ex-model, fashion designer and highly successful Rootes rally driver Rosemary Smith. Tickets cost £15 per person and include a reception drink and 2-course meal. 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 2nd September when almost 500 vehicles, including some 30 vehicles from the magnificent Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, will take part in a 60-mile route around the region, flagged off by the Lord Mayor of Coventry. Last year the participants 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. An additional attraction this year will be a Veteran Cycle Ride and an arena parade. 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 stunt motorcyclist Steve Colley from the Isle of Man.

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 are looking forward to hosting another memorable Festival in 2007”

For further information, supporting photographs or details on how to enter please contact Nicola Roach, phone 024 7623 4270, or email nicola.roach@transport-museum.co.uk.

NEWS ARCHIVE

• 06 SEP 06 : COVENTRY FESTIVAL OF MOTORING SUCCESS
• 03 JUL 06 : COVENTRY FESTIVAL OF MOTORING STEPS UP A GEAR
• 13 MAR 06 : COVENTRY FESTIVAL OF MOTORING RETURNS

Coventry Transport Museum
Millennium Place
Hales Street
Coventry CV1 1PN

T 024 7623 4270
F 024 7623 4284
E  info@festival-of-motoring.co.uk