The annual Tewkesbury Classic Vehicle Festival is back for another year, with over 1000 vehicles expected on the playing fields of Tewkesbury School this Sunday.

The event has seen a massive surge in popularity in recent years, with over 5,000 visitors expected to attend this year’s festival. Event Coordinator Dick De Leeuw is quietly confident this year’s attendance will surpass the 2017 event which was the busiest ever Tewkesbury Classic Vehicle Festival. He said: “The Tewkesbury Classic Vehicle Festival is a fantastic family day out. We’ll be hosting over 1000 classic vehicles ranging from American classics, custom cars, hot rods to supercars, motorbikes and those of historic and engineering significance.

“Last year we welcomed just over 5,000 visitors and with the fantastic line-up of vehicles we’ve assembled this year we’re very hopeful we can beat that number. A lot depends on the weather, we’re an outdoor event so everyone involved in the festival has spent the past week keeping their fingers crossed for a dry day!

“The event used to be held at the Bredon Cricket Club, it was on a much smaller scale. Over the last decade we’ve really grown, not just in visitor numbers but also the sheer volume of vehicles that are on display. Last year, with so many visitors to the festival, we were able to make some significant donations to local charities such as the Midland Air Ambulance and Sue Ryder.”

One of the most fascinating vehicles to feature at this year’s festival packs a serious punch. Dick explained: “Two weeks ago we were approached by the organisation that looks after the Bloodhound, the world’s most powerful land vehicle. The Bloodhound has around 135,000bhp, it’s an incredible vehicle and one I’m sure the visitors to Tewkesbury will love seeing. We’re very excited to welcome such an iconic vehicle to the festival, I’m sure it will be one of the most popular attractions on the day.

“We’ll be displaying over 200 classic motorcycles, with all the major names represented including Harley Davidson, Moto Guzzi, AGS, Triumph, Barnett, Matchless and the local Gloucestershire-based manufacturer Cotton. We’re particularly excited to be welcoming a rare 1914 Triumph 4 ½ HP Roadster. The 104-year-old motorcycle is just one of only eight running machines left in the world and took part in the first London to Brighton ‘Pioneer Run’ in 1930.”

It’s not just vehicle enthusiasts that will enjoy the event, anyone with an interest in live music will be entertained by a trio of talented performers. Dick continued: “We make a real effort to ensure our performers reflect what our event is about which is a celebration of the past. This year we’re pleased to be welcoming The Haywood Sisters, Gloucester Strings and the fantastic Lindy Hop Dancers. As well as the live entertainment we’ve also got stalls selling everything from food and drink to gifts and clothing. The day itself is about more than the vehicles, there’s something for people of all ages to enjoy.”