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Historic Classic Car procession to close Segrave 90th Anniversary week celebrations
36 vintage cars will drive through Southport to close the Festival of Speed celebrations
Thousands of people lined Southport beach to recreate history and watch the re-enactment of Sir Henry Segrave’s land speed record run.
Sir Henry raced along Southport beach at 152.3 mph in March 1926 – setting the record in his classic Sunbeam Tiger car.
His historic motor returned to the town on Wednesday, alongside 27 other classic cars driven by members of the Sunbeam Talbot Darracq vintage car club.
Sir Henry’s nephew Stephen was also on Ainsdale beach to watch the recreation, and said it was great “to see his uncle’s memory brought back to life.”
Stephen Segrave said: “It’s been very special to be able to be part of an event that is retelling a story of my great-uncle who lived a very fast and full-packed life, until he was tragically killed in his late 30s on Lake Windermere.
“Southport was his first land speed record so this is where he moved from major racing to breaking land speed records, he then went on to take three land speed records in total.
“It’s just incredible to touch a piece of history, and for me to be part of it.
“I am amazed by the turnout and the hospitality of the locals, and the knowledge of all the enthusiasts and car owners. I find it quite incredible.”
Hosted by The Atkinson, the Festival of Speed is a week long event celebrating Sir Henry’s achievement from 90 years ago.
Emma Anderson, director at The Atkinson, said she was amazed how many people had braved the windy weather to witness “part of Southport’s heritage”.
“I could not believe it was possible to have the Southport beach lined with people so excited to see these historic cars here today," said Emma.
“And it’s not just people who have a passion for vintage cars – there are families and there are schools who have all come down, because this will never happen again.”
As part of the Festival of Speed, the historic and classic cars involved in the spectacle will be driving in a procession to Kings Gardens , Southport, on Saturday morning at 10am.
Saturday 19 March
Historic and Classic Car Procession
A selection of period vehicles on display in Kings Gardens on Southport Promenade. In the afternoon the vehicles will parade along the length of Lord Street in a beautiful vintage procession. Entries are limited to pre 1975 motor vehicles with the emphasis on cars from pre-war years, especially the 1920’s. Please contact Aintree Circuit Club for more information and entry forms for all car based events here.
Kings Gardens on Southport Promenade, from 10am
Parade begins: 2pm
Arts & Crafts
Get creative with vintage car themed activities.
Children’s Library, 11am – 3pm
Sir Henry Segrave Interactive Performance
Take a journey through The Atkinson with the character of Henry Segrave during this interactive performance for ages 7+. Free, booking essential. To book your place, please click here.
The Atkinson (begins in the Galleries), 2pm
Sunday 20 March
Arts & Crafts
Get creative with vintage car themed activities.
Children’s Library, 11am – 3pm
This exhibition has been made possible as a result of the Government Indemnity Scheme. The Atkinson would like to thank HM Government for providing Government Indemnity and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Arts Council England for arranging the indemnity.
Find out more at Aintree Circuit Club: www.ormskirkmotorfest.com
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