Folkestone
Airshow Rally
Saturday 8th June 2013
Following the success of last year's Diamond Jubilee Airshow Rally on The Leas here, we have again been invited to stage a rally, this time for up to 96 cars.
The current contemplation is to accommodate eight clubs, each with twelve cars, and for a representative example of a member's car which will be in attendance to be featured in a souvenir catalogue - there is a link near the top left of this page to last year's catalogue which concentrated on the cars then entered, but this year it is intended not only to present chosen vehicles but also to have details of their clubs.
Attached - click here - is a prospective site plan showing eight vehicle ranks facing the sea and airshow, each allowing five metres width per car with generous space between the rows, not only for visitors to view the cars but also for exhibitors to sit, lie or lounge around their vehicles. Incidentally, this arrangement is at right angles to the Oldtimer Rallies of recent years, in order to directly face the airshow
If desired, several clubs could share a twelve car rank..
You might notice from the plan that the area in front of the adjacent Metropole to the west is not as yet spoken for - it is possible that the local council may allow this to be used for extra attendees, but this is by no means agreed as yet.
In addition to The Grand's normal facilities, a snack bar and drinks will be available adjacent to the Rally as shown on the plan.
Further information as it becomes available on the Airshow is to be found at www.FolkestoneAirshow.com.
Our annual rally on The Leas in front of The Grand in Folkestone, which has attracted 300+ entrants in recent years, is as ever planned for the late summer bank holiday, and Folkestone Town Council has again kindly agreed to sponsor the entrants’ plaques and prizes.
Links to the Rally Programmes for the last two years are near the top left of this page.
The Oldtimer Rally on The Leas, Folkestone, is a free annual classic car festival on August Bank Holiday Monday which attracts over 300 entrants, including a Continental contingent.
‘Oldtimer’ is the modern Continental English for ‘classic car’. Car rallies have been held here at least since 1896; the first one marque car rally ever was held here in 1933, for Rileys (one of the Riley brothers lived locally); in 1964 there were more Rolls-Royces per head of population in Folkestone than any other town in the world, and in the 70s the rally became established as the Rolls-Royce Parade. In the 80s & 90s it became part of the local authority sponsored Shepway Airshow.
In the new century as the Oldtimer Rally it has reverted to its roots – a good day out for participants and anyone else who wants to come and have a look and enjoy the atmosphere.
Its situation, on The Leas in front of The Grand, is probably one of the finest such spots anywhere in the world, with a backdrop of majestic late Victorian and Edwardian buildings and views across the busy shipping lanes of the English Channel to France on clear days. And clear days they are – quite remarkably since the summer heat waves of the mid 70 there has always been fine weather on the day of the rally.
But should it rain, The Grand’s Palm Court glazed terrace overlooking the rally site couldn’t be a finer retreat. As can be seen from the links to this page, refreshments and meals are readily available there and in the adjacent accommodation which also contains rooms and apartments for those who wish to make more than a day’s outing for the annual occasions.
August Bank Holiday Monday 2012 saw the latest annual Oldtimer Rally take place on The Leas Folkestone. Organised by The Grand, this event was again well supported by numerous classic cars and took place in glorious sunshine with thousands of spectators and enthusiasts alike admiring the exhibits.
Classic Cars Weekly 19th Sep 2012
Kentish Express 30th August 2012 Oldtimer
http://www.retro-speed.co.uk/showreports
Folkestone Herald 6th September 2012
One more reason to 'Discover Folkestone' and enjoy the numerous events taking place throughout the year. The following 2011 clip from Colin Baggot comes courtesy of Discover Folkestone, Folkestone’s independent visitor attraction agency:
Chairman Michael Stainer
Secretary Eileen Watling