Classic car and bike show draws large crowds to Falinge Park

Date published: 26 July 2024

Falinge Park hosted the Rochdale Rotary Classic Car and Bike Show this month, raising over £5,000 for charity. 

Organised by the Rotary Club of Rochdale and initiated by retired Test cricket umpire John Holder, the annual event drew more than 1,500 visitors, raising funds for crucial causes including Petrus homelessness charity and Rochdale Children's Moorland Home. 

Hosted by Vintage Worx, a Community Development Trust committed to transforming the park and the local community, the event featured not only classic cars and bikes but also stalls offering a variety of products for both adults and children. 

 

 

Additionally, there was a small funfair, a working fire engine, and a presence from the local community police, ensuring there was something for everyone.

Planning for the event began in November, and on the day, over 100 volunteers contributed their time and effort, with significant support from local businesses.

Premier Automotive (Rochdale) and Car Gods Detailing UK providing crucial assistance for the second year running.

 

 

The show featured over 240 registered cars, spanning a range of makes and models including Rolls Royce, Triumph, TVR, Volvo, Cadillac, Dodge, Ford, Austin, Ferrari, Jaguar, and Aston Martin. The oldest car on display was a 1938 Austin Big Seven. 

John Cannell, one of the event organisers, was up bright and early to make the day go smoothly. He said: “I  arrived at 7.00am and wasn’t the first. 

“I had various responsibilities throughout the day, but managed to have a look round. My favourites were the TVRs and the old Triumphs.”

 

 

“I was very impressed with the Car of the Show, a beautiful 1965 Triumph Vitesse. It was better than when it left the factory, and a credit to owner Graham Lomas, who has had the car from 1975."

For the first time, Happy Radio UK provided the PA system, with ‘Disco Di’ interviewing car owners, stall holders, and Deputy Mayor Councillor Janet Emsley, who visited the show and gave her approval. 

John added: "Definitely the best one so far. Roll on 2025."

 

More photos below