A town's popular classic car show is set to roar back into life this summer having been cancelled the last two years because of the Covid pandemic.
The Ilkeston Heritage and Classic Vehicle Show will hit the road on Sunday, August 14 bringing the sights and sounds of yesteryear to the town centre.
This will 10 years since the first show, filling the Market Place and surrounding streets with colourful memories and attracting exhibitors and visitors from across the country.
Organisers Erewash Partnership Events – a sister company of enterprise agency Erewash Partnership – hope the revitalised free extravaganza will again be a major attraction after organisers had to cancel it the last two years because of social distancing restrictions and fear of spreading the virus.
Before then it had grown rapidly over seven years to attract thousands of visitors of all ages to make it the biggest one day event in the town.
Families have wandered around hundred of classic and sports cars, motorbikes and scooters, lorries, buses, tractors and steam engines enjoying chats with proud owners about their history.
As well as a great day out there are other benefits – local businesses have opened up on the day enjoying extra trade, charities have received much-needed cash and the event has boosted the profile of both Ilkeston and the Partnership.
The organisers have already had offers of sponsorship from Ilkeston firms car dealer Ron Brooks Toyota and Larklands Body & Paint Centre, and Pidcock Motorcycles of Long Eaton. Proving the show's popularity, a new sponsor has come forward - Alliance Group Solutions of Kirkby-in-Ashfield, who have done groundwork on the re-opened Bennerley Viaduct and flood defences in the Ilkeston area.
These sponsors have provided almost half the income towards the £7,000 target for putting on the show – but more are needed to ensure it goes ahead as planned.
The organisers are also hoping to recruit more volunteers to set up and close down the displays and act as marshals.
So well-liked is the show that when there was a preliminary mention on Facebook the item attracted 10,000 views in a day.
Ian Viles, chief executive of Erewash Partnership, said: “We are thrilled at the prospect of putting on the car show again and providing an entertaining day out for past attendees as well as new ones which we hope will boost spirits after a difficult time
“Once we are confident that we have received enough support we will then make exhibitors tickets available to book online. We look forward to welcoming people to what we hope will be a great day.”
Sponsors and volunteers should contact the Partnership on 0115 946 8839.