Wilmslow Motor Show proves a roaring success

The town centre was transformed into a fantastic outdoor showroom today for the hugely popular Wilmslow Motor Show.

Despite the rain the event attracted thousands of people who lined the streets for the supercar parade which saw over 40 vehicles roar through the streets led by professional racing driver Oli Webb in his BAC Mono.

Visitors were in for a real treat as Wilmslow played host to a splendid display of prestige vehicles and super cars which included an exclusive appearance of the LaFerrari, which is possibly the world's fastest hypercar. All 499 examples of Ferrari's hybrid hypercar sold out before the car was even available and this particular vehicle, which is one of only 18 in the UK, sold for a staggering £2.2million. Stratstone also brought along a F12 Novitec Nlargo, which we understand is the only one in UK.

The crowds were also able to get up close to 100 vehicles from local dealers including Royles Jaguar, Ferrari, Porsche, McLaren and Rolls Royce which filled the sliproad off Alderley Road and Grove Street.

Sporting Bears, who were supporting The Children's Adventure Farm Trust again this year with their Dream Rides, had a successful day. For a donation to CAFT people were able to have a ride around the town in one of their supercars which raised over £2,000 which will go towards helping disabled and disadvantaged children.

Alistair Laing of CAFT said "We are very grateful to the visitors to Wilmslow Motor Show who gave so generously to CAFT. And of course to Sporting Bears who give up their time – and their cars - to raise money for charity."

The show also attracted some of our local motor racing talent. Oil Webb from Knutsford, who won the European Le Mans championship, made podium at Le Mans and is now the 24 hours of Dubai Champion was joined by teenagers Kyle Hornby and Cameron Roberts who race in the Ginetta Junior Championship and Sam West, who has continued with the National Superstock 1000 championship as well as racing at the NorthWest200 and the Isle of Man TT road races.

Steve Kennedy of Mail Boxes ETC, who came up with the original concept and design of the Motor Show said "This is the third show for the town, but just the first delivered by the Wilmslow Events Team. With more people providing the core effort, together with a fantastic second level of support, a bigger and more diverse show was achieved and enjoyed by many. There are just too many people to thank on here, from dealers, retail, Town Council and Cheshire East... the list would go on, but deep thanks to them all.

"I'm delighted that my concept of cars next to the shops to form a "pop-up' motor show still excites so many and gives the dealers a chance to get deep, right into the soul of the town and the public."

Event Manager Georgie Johnson added "What an amazing day! Everyone involved has worked really hard to make the event a success and to see so many people enjoying themselves is what it's all about.

"We are very grateful to all the volunteers who gave up their time to help out on the day and special thanks must go to Steve Kennedy of Mailboxes Etc who has worked tirelessly with us to make the event happen."

Catherine Mackenzie, chairman of Wilmslow Business Group said, "An event like the Motor Show really helps to put Wilmslow on the map. Today has seen thousands of visitors of all ages come to the town, not only to enjoy some amazing cars, but to enjoy what Wilmslow has on offer. We'd like to thank everyone who has supported the event and made it happen."

Thank you very much to Lee Calver who kindly provided the majority of the photos in our gallery.

The next event from the Wilmslow Business Group is the Community Awards which will recognise volunteers, community leaders, community organisations and local businesses who work within the community to make a positive difference. The deadline for nominating your local heroes is the 30th September – look out for nominations forms in local retailers. The Awards Ceremony will take place on 19th November at Wilmslow Leisure Centre and tickets will be on sale soon.