Returning for its second year, this laid back, family event will remain at its original venue of Greyabbey Village Hall as the sleepy village on Strangford Lough will yet again be awoken to the sounds of classic vehicles.
The Greyabbey Classic Bike and Car Show which takes place on Saturday 2 September 2017 was the brainchild of Kelly Hendry and Paul taggart in 2015 and with the help of David Evans, Philip McDowell, Jim Heslip, Ronald Walker and a small local team, came to inception just last year when the event saw 80 vehicles as well as around 250 spectators attend whilst raising £2000 for various charities.
This year’s show promises to be bigger and better than before and again all monies raised from the event will be in aid of three worthy causes – Cancer Research UK, The Alzheimer’s Society and Greyabbey Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church.
Whilst the event is titled “Classic Bike & Car Show” – organisers welcome all makes and models of interesting vehicles no matter their age and a special treat for anyone attending this year comes in the form of the infamous blue oval.
Organiser Paul Taggart
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Ford Escort Mk1 and as such the event hopes to have a number of these models on display. With this is mind it would be good to see a variety of other Mk 1 examples from various manufacturers on display.
Bearing that in mind – if you happen to have a MK1 model such as VW Golf, Ford Fiesta, SEAT Leon, MG Midget, Mazda MX-5 or maybe even the Toyota MR2 then get the cobwebs off it and come along for a few hours.
Alongside the static display of cars, bikes and even some tractors that are expected to attend you can tap-yer-toe away to the traditional tones of ‘The Low Country Boys’ whilst supping a cuppa tay and getting your dentures in a twist with a sticky bun.
If that isn’t enough to whet your appetite what about a chippy or some pizza that will also be available during the day alongside motoring trade stands, a policing community safety partnership exhibit and also a presence from those involved with road safety.
L-R; Philip McDowell, David Evans and Paul Taggart outside Greyabbey Village Hall with some of the machinery that will on display at the event
Pricing for the show is kept pocket friendly with those wishing to display a vehicle asked for a mere £5 with spectators £3 and children entering are just £1.
Gates open to the public from 11:00 – 16:00 with those on display asked to arrive from 09:00 and be in place no later than 10:45. Pre-entry is not essential for those wishing to display on the day, so arrive and display but it is first come first served and more info can be found on the event Facebook – Greyabbey Classic Bike & Car Show 2017
After several enquiries about it last year – an addition to this year’s event for the two-wheeled fraternity is a short and casual ride-out incorporating a route around the old Carrowdore 100 road-race circuit.
Prizes on the day will be given to those vehicles deemed worthy of some extra recognition and the start prize ballot features and incredible prize, especially for two-wheel fans in the form of a signed helmet by road and track racers (Isle of Man TT & British Superbike riders signatures).
This years event is kindly supported by Mervyn Stewart Skoda – Bangor, Davy’s Bikes – Bangor, Station News – Bangor, Ironside trophies – Lisburn and finally JCS Flooring – Bangor.
Words & Photos: Graham Curry
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