Thousands of cars to attend festival at Helmingham Hall

The Festival of Classic and Sports Cars is returning to Helmingham Hall Gardens, near Stowmarket, on Sunday, August 4. 

The new format this year will see displays of general exhibitors grouped by decade from pre-1950s to the early 2000s. 

There will also be rare exhibits on display including a Ford Model T, Alvis TA and Lamborghinis. 

Exhibitors will be grouped by decade (Image: Mark Ward Media)

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Headline sponsors Bridge Classic Cars will be showcasing an '"icon of British motoring", the 1958 Austin Healy 100/6, which is up for grabs for entries into the fundraising raffle.

The Pettistree business is also giving prizes for Best in Decade, Best Club Car Stand, Best Dressed to Impress and the overall Best in Show.

Event supervisor Jo Peck said: "The classic cars are a huge draw, and Helmingham makes such a beautiful setting, but we also have live music, food and drink from dozens of local businesses, birds of prey displays and a packed Children's Area so there really is something for everyone."

The expanded area for children will host a 3D monster truck themed bouncy castle as will as other attractions such as face painting and glitter tattoos.

There will be a variety of competitions for exhibitors to take part in (Image: Mark Ward Media)

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Refreshments will be provided by a range of food stalls including MacStreet Kitchen who will be serving from a '77 Bedford ambulance.

A full programme of classes, drives and competitions will run throughout the day, and tickets also allow entry into the Grade I listed gardens. 

Tickets for the event are on sale now with proceeds being donated to East Anglia's Children's Hospice.

A visitor day ticket for adults costs £10 and the ticket for children over the age of five is £5.