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Eastbourne Celebrates Biggest Motoring Spectacular on the South Coast Brand new event Magnificent Motors pulled the crowds into Eastbourne over the Bank Holiday weekend. With 22,000 visitors attending the free two day festival, the event proved to be one of the biggest motoring spectaculars on the South Coast. Brand new event Magnificent Motors pulled the crowds into Eastbourne over the Bank Holiday weekend. With 22,000 visitors attending the free two day festival, the event proved to be one of the biggest motoring spectaculars on the South Coast. Hotels reported successes too, with some filling up to capacity, thanks to soaring temperatures and a varied events programme, which also included events at Sovereign Harbour and Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway. Peter Hawley, Chairman of the Eastbourne Hotels� Association said �Despite poor weather forecasts prior to the weekend, most hotels filled up at the last minute, with many of the guests enjoying the variety of events on offer. Most hotels reported at least 90% occupancy over the weekend, providing an excellent start to the summer events programme.� John Wishman, General Manager of TJ Hughes department store said �We saw a significant increase in sales over the weekend compared to this time last year, it was great to see so many Bank Holiday visitors in the town.� Over 470 vintage and classic cars, motorbikes, buses, steam traction engines, commercial and military vehicles displayed on and around the seafront Western Lawns, in the free two day motoring spectacular. The vintage vehicle cavalcade marked the start of the festival with over 140 historical vehicles rolling along the seafront and a live music stage got Bank Holiday revellers dancing on the Western Lawns. The Sunday evening also provided a music and firework spectacular on the Bandstand, with local bands The Riverboys and Lost 4 Words getting people on their feet. The new event organised by Eastbourne Borough Council, was developed in association with various groups including Eastbourne Historic Vehicle Club, East Sussex Omnibus Society, Eastbourne Buses and sponsorship from East Lancs Coachbuilders and Transbus. Organisers are planning to build on their success, developing the event over 10 years into one of the biggest free motoring festivals in Europe. The festival is part of an Events Strategy designed to build one new event each year, eventually reaching the same success in 10 years as current crowd puller Airbourne, and providing at least six major events each year. Magnificent Motors joins the ticket sell out success of last years new event, the Eastbourne Beer Festival, which Eastbourne Tourism hope to expand in future years to incorporate international food, dance and music in a celebration of global culture. Councillor Mike Thompson, Spokesperson for Culture said �Despite wet weather forecasts, the weekend events proved to be another first class draw. With hotels practically full, a busy bustling seafront, and typical Eastbourne sunshine for most of the time, visitors and residents alike enjoyed the ambience that is Eastbourne at its best, there was something for everyone. If the season continues like this, the town will be set for a record year!" For further information on the Eastbourne events programme telephone 01323 411400 or visit www.visiteastbourne.com/events. For details of sponsorship packages for all events contact 01323 415442. |
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