THE sight of Ferraris and Formula 1 racing cars roaring around Ormskirk's streets could happen again after the local council hailed Ormskirk's MotorFest as a boost to the region.
The local authority said the MotorFest attracted around 10,000 visitors to Ormskirk town centre and Coronation Park on Sunday, August 28, and said that it was looking at the possibility of holding a similar event.
Councillor Ian Grant, leader of West Lancashire Borough Council, said: "This was a fantastic event which really put Ormskirk - and the whole of West Lancashire - on the map. Not only did it attract thousands of visitors into the town during a bank holiday weekend, but it proved a bonus for local businesses, who had a real boost to their trade.
"It was a great day out for people of all ages and the council is incredibly proud to have supported it and look forward to the possibility of another similar event in the future."
The event, which was free to attend, saw more than 230 cars ranging from a 1915 Model T Ford to a Ferrari Enzo formerly owned by Rod Stewart taking part, with the highlight of the event being the closure of the town's one-way system to allow a series of parades along the streets of the market town.
The event, organised by Aintree Circuit Club with the backing of the borough council, had been billed as a one-off event, but entrants, visitors and West Lancashire councillors have overwhelmingly told The Champion they would like to see the event happening again, including some who feel it should become an annual event.
John Bailie, MotorFest co-ordinator, said: "This was a real demonstration of civic pride at a local level. With the support of West Lancashire Borough Council and the superb co-operation of the police and involvement of local businesses, we were able to put on an access-all-areas event which might normally be expected to take place at a conventional motorsport venue or the grounds of a stately home...we did it on the streets of a vibrant Lancashire market town.
“The feedback we are receiving from participants and spectators is very positive, and it seems that we've hit on a formula that works. The aim was to bring all aspects of motor sport and motoring literally to the man in the street, and it proved most effective. Over 90% of the participants were from Lancashire.”
In the third and final Life On Cars video from the event, enjoy these stunning images Champion photographer Martyn Snape took on the day. See if you can spot your pride and joy...
Did you participate in the MotorFest? Aintree Circuit Club is inviting any drivers, riders or event marshals/stewards to join them at an informal evening next Tuesday (September 13) looking back at the success of the event, which will see the club showing videos from YouTube and photos from Flickr on a big screen for all to see.
The evening starts at the club usual meeting venue at 8.00pm in the newly refurbished Aintree Suite at The Park Hotel, Dunningsbridge Road, Netherton. For more information visit www.aintree.org.uk
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