By Christopher and Lynda Brooks of Aerophoto

Following the success of last year’s Classic, which was moved from late July to the August Bank Holiday weekend, this year’s event, which has been renamed the Silverstone Festival, in order to celebrate the wider experience now enjoyed by festival goers, is once again taking place over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Amongst other things, the Festival will commemorate the 75th anniversary of Silverstone’s fi rst race meeting in 1948 with a track demo of historic Grand Prix cars.

HISTORIC RACING

This year’s race card consists of 14 races celebrating a variety of Formula’s ranging from pre-’66 Grand Prix cars, a special race to honour Jaguars long association with the circuit, evocative grids covering historic Le Mans cars, touring cars and Formula 1 cars dating from 1966 to 1985, plus the return of Formula Libre which covers a range of single seat disciplines. If all this isn’t enough to whet your appetite, Ford, who are celebrating their 120th anniversary, will be hosting a track parade led by a Ford Galaxie tribute to mark the 60th birthday of this iconic car.

CAR CLUB DISPLAYS

Always a major feature of this event is the participation of a plethora of car clubs. Hilights this year are 60 years of Lamborghini, 60 years of the Lotus Cortina, 70 years of the Corvette, 75 years of Porsche and 100 years of both M.G. and Triumph.

LIVE MUSIC

Now established as a major attraction of the festival, this year’s glittering line up of chart-topping bands provides three nights of incredible live music on the main stage. Friday sees ABC and also The Christians. The Sugarbabes will perform on Saturday and Sunday welcomes Mc Fly. All together an exciting smorgasbord for young and old alike.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

Once again the Foodie Fest promises a luscious taste of local Northamptonshire produce from the Artisan Market. Silverstone Kitchen Live with Chef demo’s plus masterclasses for you to join, should be lots of fun, and yes, the wine Tasting Tent is back, bigger and better than ever. The popular Diddly Squat Farm Shop also returns bringing all the favourites from the acclaimed TV show, Clarkson’s Farm. Saturday sees Silverstone Auctions returning for the 13th year, with the sale of classic cars, historic racing cars and automobilia. A Vintage Funfair, shopping mall and hot air balloons round off the fun.

Please note, entrance is by advance ticket only from:

www.silverstone.co.uk/events/silverstonefestival