On Sunday 21st September, the Headway Essex Classic Vehicle Show returned to the Lower Castle Park in Colchester. This nostalgic event organised by local brain injury charity Headway Essex raises vital funds to help adults living with an acquired brain injury in Essex.
Over 250 Vehicles, spanning nine decades of motoring history, graced the beautiful setting of Colchester Castle Park. The event was a great success and attracted over 2,000 visitors, raising in excess of £12,000 for the charity.
While the cars are undoubtedly the stars of the show, what makes this event truly special is the community of people behind it. The event attracts great support from the vehicle owners, friends of Headway Essex, the traders and entertainers and of course our visitors who help make this celebration of motoring a force for good. Through the hard work of all involved and the generosity of those who attend, the show raises funds for people of Essex whose lives have been greatly impacted by a brain injury.
The show drew in motoring enthusiasts from far and wide who were able to admire the stunning vehicles on show, talk to the vehicle owners and see the dedication, passion and craftmanship that goes into owning a classic vehicle. The vehicles on show included iconic vehicles such as the rare British classic Jensen 541R, a beautifully restored Bentley MK IV Special, Rolls Royce Silver Shadow Series 1, Aston Martin DBS and American giants, Lincoln Continental and Chrysler New Yorkers. The show also featured rag tops, modern classics trucks vans and bikes.
Trophies were awarded in various categories including Best Pre-War and Best Vehicle in show.
- Best Pre-War awarded to Peter Pearson with his 1939 Jaguar SS Drophead Coupe
- Best American awarded to Mike Churchill with his 1973 Lincoln Continental MK IV
- Best British awarded to John Prior with his 1969 Ford Cortina 1600E
- Best Modern Classic awarded to Donna Ironmonger with her 1999 MG TF
- Best Dressed Driver awarded to Mike Frost alongside his 1929 Austin 12/4 Burnham Saloon
- Best Vintage Style – a special category to mark Headway Essex’s 40th Anniversary, which is open to drivers and spectators – awarded to Tara Brooks
- Best in Show awarded to Henry Walls for his 1991 Mini Mayfair Special
The show was a draw for all the family and there was entertainment throughout the day, including Parkour displays from Team Kinetix, who have become a popular fixture at the event. The team produced a fantastic spectacle with their high-flying parkour, daring stunts, and adrenaline-fuelled performances.
Music and dance were provided by Memphis influenced band The Kingsmen, with their high-energy live music and LJ’s Jive School. Local dance duo Mark and Lin Vincent and their talented Jive dancers from LJ’s Jive School brought the real feel of the fifties to the day.
Kelly Le Friant Headway Essex Fund Raising Manager said:
“We couldn’t have asked for a better turnout at this year’s event. The vehicles on display were truly stunning and our visitors thoroughly enjoyed the day.
We would like to thank the many volunteers who work tirelessly for this event, including local Police Cadets, Colchester Rotarians, Headway volunteers, LJ’s Jive School, the Kingsmen, Team Kinetix and to this year’s sponsor, Blackwater Law. None of this would be possible without their help.
The proceeds raised will go to ensure that Headway Essex can continue to provide rehabilitation and support for brain injury survivors and their families and carers in Essex. Local support for the charity is critical as we rely on fundraising to provide our services that help over 700 people a year in Essex.
We are incredibly proud of this event and the funds it raises for Headway Essex and we can’t thank everyone enough for making it such a successful day. Planning for next year is already underway, and we look forward to building on this year’s success.”
