Record Crowds at Motoring Spectacular
6 May 2009
The south coast's biggest free motoring spectacular set a new record in 2009 as tens of thousands of visitors attended the two-day event on Eastbourne seafront with blazing sunshine over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Magnificent Motors 2009 attracted the biggest crowd in the event's six-year history as Eastbourne's status as sunniest place in the UK was upheld with glorious sunshine across the weekend.
As well as attracting record visitor numbers, the motoring festival also welcomed the highest number of exhibitors this weekend as more than 550 vehicles parked up on the Western Lawns, including oldest exhibits, an 1897 Henriod Duc and 1899 Parisienne Voiturette plus a fine display of Minis celebrating their 50th Birthday.
Director of Tourism for Eastbourne Borough Council, Norman Kinnish said "Magnificent Motors 2009 was the best yet with strong attendance by exhibitors and very positive feedback from visitors. Phones were ringing right up until the weekend with car owners desperate to show off their vehicles at the seafront event. Enjoying very good weather and set on Eastbourne's beautiful coastline, the event was a hit with the whole family and it was brilliant to see the seafront bursting with life."
Magnificent Motors was also joined over the Bank Holiday weekend by the French Market offering a range of continental foods and gifts to those who enjoyed a stroll along the promenade.
With live music, autojumble pitches and funfair rides, there was plenty going on to entertain kids and adults alike.
Eastbourne hotels and guesthouses also enjoyed a busy Bank Holiday weekend with high demand for rooms as visitors booked in to enjoy the May Day festivities.
Marco Giorgi, Chairman of Eastbourne Hospitality Association (EHA) said: "It was wonderful to see the town and, in particular, the seafront so full of people of all ages bathed in Eastbourne sunshine and taking in Magnificent Motors. As the first of many brilliant events scheduled for the year, it ensures that the hotels in the town benefit from some brisk business pre-summer.
"I feel confident that Eastbourne will remain one of the premier seaside resorts in the UK, especially with the Council, Chamber of Commerce, Hospitality and all other strategic partners working closely together."
The warm sunny weather certainly helped ensure Magnificent Motors was a huge success. The majority of EHA member hotels have advised they were fully booked with guests coming from all over the world and commenting how pleased they were to see such a wonderful event on in Eastbourne."
With other attractions in and around the town also hosting transport-themed events, Eastbourne had lots to offer motoring enthusiasts. From Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway offering gentle train journeys for all the family to Eastbourne Speedway enjoying a thrilling match against Ipswich, the resort enjoyed an action-packed few days.
Enjoying great success at this year's Magnificent Motors and keen to attract even more visitors in 2010, event organisers Eastbourne Borough Council are now looking ahead to next year when the motoring spectacular returns from 1-2 May.
For more information about what's on in Eastbourne visit www.visiteastbourne.com or telephone 0871 663 0031. For the latest news on Magnificent Motors visit www.magnificentmotors.co.uk .