Thousands of visitors are expected to descend on Audlem next week as the village hosts the 27th annual Audlem Festival of Transport.
The free event takes place on Sunday 26th July at Audlem Playing Field, with more than 250 classic cars, commercial vehicles, tractors and motorcycles set to take part in the popular parade and display.
Vehicles will begin assembling from 9am at Hankelow Green before the parade departs at 11am, arriving at Audlem Playing Field off Cheshire Street from around 11.15am.
The display will remain open until around 4.30pm.
Organisers are expecting between 3,000 and 4,000 spectators to attend the annual celebration, which also features live entertainment, family attractions, food and drink stalls.
During the afternoon, Moonlight Serenade will perform music in the style of Glenn Miller, while Pinxton Puppets will entertain younger visitors with several performances throughout the day.
Catering vendors will be serving hot and cold food, drinks and locally made ice cream, while an outdoor pop-up bar will offer a selection of refreshments.
One of the highlights could be a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, although organisers say timings have yet to be confirmed and will depend on weather conditions.
Visitors can also explore an exhibition and sale by the Audlem Friday Art Group at Audlem Public Hall between 11am and 3pm, where local artists will be displaying and selling original artwork, prints and greeting cards.
Alongside the festival, the Historic Narrow Boat Club will once again stage its annual gathering of historic working boats.
The free display will feature vessels dating from 1900s to present day, moored along the towpath outside The Shroppie Fly pub.
The event is organised by the Audlem Special Events Team (ASET) – local residents supported by a large team of volunteers who also organise the village’s annual Party on the Park music concert.
An ASET spokesperson said: “This year we celebrate our 27th anniversary, which is hard to believe, and every year this event attracts between 3,000 and 4,000 spectators.
“Our spectacular parade contains over 250 cars, commercial vehicles and motorcycles. Thank you to all the owners and drivers for joining us and congratulations on a splendid display.
“We are delighted to announce that the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will be performing a spectacular flypast at some stage during the afternoon.
“Timings are yet to be confirmed and will be subject to weather conditions on the day, so keep your eyes peeled to the sky and listen out for the iconic sound of the aircraft engines.
“In conjunction with this event, the annual gathering of Historic Boats is taking place, so don’t miss the chance to mosey on down to the canal for an amazing display.
“A special thank you to Gateway Peugeot, our new sponsor, and Mark Preece of M K Excavations, who has supported us for over 20 years.”
ASET is always looking for volunteers to help organise future events.
Anyone interested in getting involved with next year’s Festival of Transport or Party on the Park can contact the team on 07708 354135 or by emailing [email protected]
(story and pics by Jonathan White)
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