Thousands of visitors turned out to enjoy the 27th annual Audlem Festival of Transport, as more than 250 classic and vintage vehicles filled the village, writes Jonathan White.
Despite occasional spells of wet weather and the cancellation of a planned Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast, the free family event again proved a major attraction for vehicle enthusiasts and families alike.
The day began with a spectacular parade featuring more than 250 cars, commercial vehicles, tractors and motorcycles.
Exhibitors gathered at Hankelow Green from 9am before setting off at 11am for Audlem, arriving at Audlem Playing Field off Cheshire Street from around 11.15am.
Providing expert commentary on the procession was Bill Consterdine, who guided spectators through the impressive line-up from an elevated position at St James’ Church.
Visitors were treated to an outstanding display of vehicles, with marques including Alfa Romeo, Austin, Bentley, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lotus, Mercedes, Mini, Porsche and Rolls-Royce among those showcased.
Classic tractors from manufacturers including Massey Ferguson, Nuffield and Fordson also attracted plenty of attention, alongside a selection of historic motorcycles from Honda, Sinclair Goddard and Velocette.
Capturing the event for motoring enthusiasts was Richard Jones from the popular YouTube channel Old Classic Car, with a video of the festival due to be released soon.
Other entertainment included live Glenn Miller-era music from Moonlight Serenade, Punch and Judy show by Pinxton Puppets, a Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service appliance display, refreshments and an exhibition and sale by the Audlem Friday Art Group at Audlem Public Hall, where local artists displayed original artwork, prints and greeting cards.
Vehicle owners paid a £5 entry fee to help meet the rising costs of staging the festival.
Sponsors and supporters included all vehicle owners, Audlem Parish Council and Cheshire East Council; the sponsors: Gateway Peugeot and MK Preece Excavations Ltd; and the Programme advertisers: EPG Security Systems Ltd, Overwater Marina, Baker Wynne & Wilson, D A Roberts, Adderley Garage, Audlem Public Hall, Mornflake, Bradshaws, The Village Chippy, and Graham Tresidder & Son, PET Hire, Yvonne Parker, Matt Bonnell, Audlem Fire Service, Olive Stretch, Audlem Printers, and Barnett, Jones & Cooke.
Volunteers at Hankelow were praised for welcoming exhibitors, registering vehicles and marshalling the start of the parade.
And a band of conscripts helped prepare the field and act as marshals for the parade of vehicles through the village.
The festival is organised by Audlem Special Events Team, a not-for-profit organisation made up of 12 local residents supported by a large team of volunteers.
The group also stages the village’s annual Party on the Park music festival.
Audlem Festival of Transport will return on Sunday 25th July 2027.
Meanwhile, next year’s Audlem Party on the Park will take place on Saturday 26th June 2027.
The event will feature acclaimed Robbie Williams tribute act Daniel is Robbie, supported by returning favourites Hipster following their well-received performance this year.
Gazebo plots and tickets will go on sale from 1st September 2026, with early booking recommended.
Email [email protected] for more information.
(Photos courtesy of Jonathan White)
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