BANGOR ELIM HOST AUTO EXTRAVAGANZA…

Saturday 25 May saw families flock to a sunny Bangor for a fun day out, viewing a large and diverse range of vehicles on display at Bangor’s Elim Church, This event has been held annually for at least a decade, of that I am sure, and as always, never fails to disappoint.

This motoring extravaganza returned to the Church grounds, just off the Balloo Road in the seaside town, to bring a show with something for everyone to see and do.  Static displays being the main attraction for most, which included everything from modified, custom, military, classic and vintage cars and bikes.

Outside, a former Royal Ulster Constabulary, Simba Land Rover was a reminiscent sight that we gladly haven’t seen in use for many years, whilst a Colin McRae ‘L555 BAT’ rally championship winning season replica was impeccably presented, and parked in a link road between display hall’s, a 1972 FIAT 500 brightened the day for me, whilst an array of vintage yank machinery was an unusual sight.

Static displays were not the only thing on offer however, there was live action shows on offer from the TSCC NI autotest demonstration as well as Trialstar motorcycles trials team within an arena, all showing off their skills while offering plenty of entertainment.

If your stomach was still settled after watching these stunts, you could avail of the great food and drinks on offer, with yet again, something for everyone from the cafe inside or for those prepared for the long warm queue, an excellent burger BBQ sizzling away (no car show is complete without a burger after-all).

Each year seems to attract more entries from motor enthusiasts wishing to exhibit at the event, while families wishing to avail of the popular fun-filled day out, arrive in droves.

The event is split over outdoor and indoor areas, and as with any outdoor event, it is always a gamble, especially in Northern Ireland, but luck was on the side of the organisers, with Saturday’s weather being only what can be described as a summer’s day with temperatures touching 23 Celsius at times.

Young children who possibly don’t have a keen interest in cars, were catered for by having fun throughout the day in the form of a BMX ‘flatland’ display and kids Disco, alongside ‘rep-tails’ – a reptile experience. This certainly kept any boredom away.

The show opened its doors at 11:00hrs (closing at 17:30hrs) and I arrived once the event was in full swing, right in the middle of its schedule – I have to say though; I wish I could have arrived earlier, as there is lot’s to see and take-in.

Having grown up in the era of the ‘Modified Car Show Scene’ I can safely say, gone are the days of enjoying car shows with fire-breathing, scantily-clad ladies alongside clouds of burning rubber, as cars were driven in anger within a drift arena.

Car shows now, and most certainly those organised by the churches, are proper family experiences and I am starting to enjoy the more varied, slower pace of these events, with The Elim Car Show being one of my favourites to attend!

If you’ve not been before, why ever not? Make sure to keep a note of the dates, once released for next year, you won’t be disappointed.

It is a very affordable day out (Adults £5, Kids £3, Families £10), with the entry fee going to cover the costs of putting the show on, and the burger BBQ raising money for missionary work, it is a worthwhile visit.

A show cannot work without a team of well appointed organisers and volunteers,  and Bangor Elim certainly has this, but Sponsors a valued piece in the jigsaw for these shows and this year’s event had a valuable list on-board including; Stenaline, Yamaha , Charles Hurst, Trust Ford, Grants Estate Agents, PJ Taxi’s and Hirestore Plant and Tool Hire.

I look forward to many more years of this successful show and bringing my family to it.

Words and Photos: GRAHAM BAALHAM-CURRY
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