Latest news from Silverstone Classic organisers are that already more than 100 car clubs have registered – in record time – to be part of spectacular infield displays at this summer’s Silverstone Classic (29-31 July), ensuring the massive three-day festival is once again the UK’s biggest celebration of motoring history.
Underlining the event’s ever-spiralling popularity, last year’s Silver Jubilee meeting attracted in excess of 100 clubs for the first time – a figure that is set to be topped again in 2016 with increasing interest from across the UK and Europe.
In 2015, a total of 120 clubs displayed an unprecedented array of 10,000 privately owned classic cars, providing 100,000 visitors with an unrivalled showcase of glittering automotive history. However, it was not until mid-March that the number of clubs registered topped the ton suggesting this year’s motoring multitude could raise the bar to even loftier heights.
Whatever their marque or model, all car – and bike – clubs are invited to be part of this incredible showcase. Registration is absolutely free and gives members of registered access to fantastic deals that include two adult admission tickets plus a privileged infield vehicle display pass allowing attendees to park their pride and joy on the club’s designated stand right at the heart of the event.
This year’s impressive line-up of clubs already includes a diverse mix of clubs from the Mini Cooper Register, Midget & Sprite Club and Bristol Owners Club through to regular glitterati who attend from across clubs such as Porsche, Maserati, Aston Martin and Ferrari.
As tradition dictates, many of these car clubs will also be paying homage to their own landmarks with eye-catching track parades on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Among the many motoring milestones being honoured on the full Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit this year are 100 years of manufacturing at Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW), 50 years of the Lamborghini Miura, 40 years of the Lotus Esprit and 20 years of the Jaguar XK8. A number of 80th anniversaries will also be celebrated this year including the launch of the first Allard Special, the introduction of the Morgan 4/4 – the longest period of production of one single car model in the world – and the formation of the Bentley Drivers Club.
Silverstone already hosts two Grands Prix with the British rounds of the Formula One and MotoGP World Championships – now, for the first time in its history, the skies above the famous circuit will host a third Grand Prix.
As an exciting new addition to the expanded aerial entertainment at this summer’s Silverstone Classic (29-31 July), the British Balloon and Airship Club (BBAC) will be hosting one of its Grand Prix events at the famous Northamptonshire venue. The BBAC Competitions Club will be organising no fewer than three competitions over the Silverstone Classic weekend for around 15 of the UK’s best hot air balloon pilots – including the World Junior Champion. This Grand Prix event will form part of the selection process for the British Team, which will then represent the country in international competitions around the globe including at this year’s World Hot Air Balloon Championship taking place in Japan during early November.
The Hot Air Balloon Grand Prix will be in addition to the hot air balloons that return to the Classic each year, some of which add to the party atmosphere by forming the traditional night glow during the live music each evening.
Air displays, of course, are now an integral part of the non-stop family-entertainment at the annual Classic. Last year’s festival for the first time featured a dazzling twilight display by the Twister Aerobatics Team – their spectacular high-flying pyrotechnic action lighting up the sky just as Status Quo took to the stage.
By popular demand the formation team will be back this summer – now with sparkling pyro displays on both Friday and Saturday evenings. Added to this, the whole aerial programme is stepping up this year with the addition of awe-inspiring demonstrations from The Blades and Wildcats, too.
The Blades operate a low-wing, high performance aircraft designed for the most adventurous aerobatic manoeuvres and were created with extreme flying in mind. Wildcat Aerobatics are also a crowd-thrilling formation display running two Pitts Special biplanes.
The addition of the BBAC Grand Prix plus these extra air shows will introduce yet another dramatic dimension to what is already the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival. Last summer’s extravaganza attracted more than 100,000 visitors and those planning to attend in July can take advantage of Early Bird tickets until the end of March, offering significant savings of up to 17 per cent.
There is also an all-new Family ticket available for 2016. This includes camping for two adults and two children across the whole weekend and gives a discount of more than 20 per cent compared to advance tickets bought individually.
Full details of all tickets (which must be purchased in advance) – as well as hospitality packages and weekend festival camping – can be found on the event website at: www.silverstoneclassic.com.
