25,000 Enjoy Eastbourne's Magnificent Bank Holiday
8 May 2007
Record crowds of over 25,000 attended the Magnificent Motors free, two day motoring festival at Eastbourne’s Western Lawns last weekend, undeterred by cloudy skies.
In its fourth successful year, the town welcomed more than 500 vintage and classic cars, motorcycles, buses, steam traction engines, commercial and military vehicles in a grand opening cavalcade along the seafront, including the oldest exhibit an 1898 Henriod.
Eastbourne Borough Council’s Director of Economy, Tourism & Environment, Norman Kinnish added “It was a delight too see how popular the event has become with adults and children alike. Magnificent Motors gives everyone chance to experience our motoring history from past to present. With a variety of entertainment from tribute to big bands keeping everyone entertained throughout the day and into the evening it offers a truly unique Bank Holiday weekend.”
Despite the chillier weather, hotels in the town experienced a high demand for rooms for the bank holiday with visitors booking in to enjoy the weekend’s busy programme of attractions including a taste of France with the French Market along the promenade, live music on the Western Lawns, classic brass bands at the bandstand and funfair and miniature railway rides.
Heidi Chowdery, Chairman of Eastbourne Hospitality Association commented
“Events like this are excellent for repeat business within the hotel industry and raise the profile of the resort to a new audience.”
Many car clubs including the Lone Star Auto Club made a welcome return with their classic American cars and the event also played host to popular celebrity look-alikes including Only Fools and Horses star Uncle Albert complete with the Trotters van and Doctor Who star Billie Piper with Dalek!
Inspired by the events popularity, event organisers, Eastbourne Borough Council are looking ahead to next year when the event returns from 3 to 4 May to ensure Magnificent Motors is even bigger and better than this year.
For more information on what’s on in Eastbourne telephone 0871 663 0031 or visit www.visiteastbourne.com