The Oldtimer Rally on The Leas, Folkestone, is a free annual classic car festival on August Bank Holiday Monday which attracts about 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 over the last 30+ years 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 2011 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.

One more reason to Discover Folkestone and enjoy the numerous events taking place throughout the year.
From Colin Baggot, courtesy of Discover Folkestone, Folkestone’s independent visitor attraction agency