SKIPTON Car Show at the weekend has been declared a great success, but with an appeal from the organiser that financial help will be needed if it is to be held again next year.

True to form, there was wall to wall sunshine and clear blue skies for Sunday’s event with thousands of people descending on the town’s High Street which was specially closed for the day.

The event, which returned after a three-year break and with a new organiser behind the wheel, saw hundreds of classic, vintage and super cars filling the High Street which was packed with enthusiasts, families and others just out for a good, free day out in the sunshine.

North Yorkshire Police were there offering a never-ending line of excited children the chance to put on some ‘high vis’, get inside a vehicle and turn on the ‘blues and twos’.

Skipton Fire Station was also there letting children take a look inside the cab of a fire engine and to demonstrate how quickly they can cut up a car.

There was also street entertainment and plenty of refreshments along with the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association and the West Yorkshire 4x4 volunteers, who amongst other services help hospitals in times of bad weather.

While, over in the canal basin there was the first market specifically for young traders offering loaded fries, goats milk products and jewellery, and much more.

Best in show was Darren Barnes with his lovingly restored Jenson 541; while runners-up were Malcolm and Freda Gallagher with their 1958 Thunderbird Convertible.

Car Show organiser, Mark Dale, who laid on the event with the help of Skipton BID and Skipton Town Council thanked everyone who made the event a success while Sarah Howsen, Skipton BID manager, said it had ‘exceeded all expectations’.

One of the exhibitors, there with a prize winning Mini Sprite said she had been to the last three events in Skipton and it was ‘aways sunny’.

“It really makes it when it is like this, rather than sitting in the cars sheltering from the rain, we can all sit outside and talk to everyone; its been a really good day,” she said.

Another, sitting very close to his Lotus sports car, was nervously making sure no one got too close to his gleaming vehicle. “It’s good seeing so many people, but sometimes people can get a bit close for comfort,” he said.

Chris Dawson, from Bingley, said: “Its been an unforgettable day, there are some fantastic cars from all eras, the weather has been great and there’s a fantastic atmosphere. I even spotted a car like the first car I ever owned - a BMW Coupe from the 1960s.”

Jason Smith, who previously organised the event, and put it on for the first time in 2015, described Sunday’s event as ‘amazing’.

“The job Mark and the guys did was fantastic. Not one criticism. A massive pat on the back to all.”

Sarah Howsen, Skipton BID manager said: “Skipton BID is proud to have been able to support the return of Skipton Car Show. The event exceeded all expectations and the town had a vibrancy we haven’t seen in a while.

“Mark Dale approached us earlier in the year and asked if we could support the event so it could return to Skipton, he has done an amazing job in a short time and delivered a first-class event.

“The show brought a huge amount of benefit to the businesses and has definitely shown a return on investment for our contribution.”

Louise Close, chief officer of Skipton Town Council, added: “The return of Skipton Car Show was gratefully received and enjoyed by record numbers of visitors. The weather was perfect, and the atmosphere was buzzing.

“We were very proud to work with Skipton BID towards the return of this event by managing the road closure, and we are grateful for the time that Sarah at the BID spent with the organisers to ensure that this event happened.

“We would like to thank Mark who organised the return and congratulate him for organising a great day.”

Organiser, Mark Dale, said there had been positive feedback about the event, but warned if it was to continue again next year, it would need financial backing and possibly a charge to get in.

He said: “It was great to bring back the car show, and see support on the day from some local businesses, show car attendees and visitors. Overall, we’ve had very positive feedback, and it would be great to bring this back as an annual event, but, as this year we were generously funded one time, by Skipton BID, to make a return, to ensure we can do it next year, we’d need much more support from donations, sponsorship and trade stands.

“As it is a free event to attend; for example, if every visitor had donated £1 we’d be well placed to plan ahead and improve on the event.”

If anyone is interested in donating, sponsoring or supporting the event, email: admin@skiptoncarshow.co.uk or via the website www.skiptoncarshow.co.uk”

 

Car Show Results:

Best in Show as chosen by Andrew Mear, Julian Hotchkiss and Peter Watson of main sponsors Skipton BID Darren Barnes with his Jenson 541

Runner up: Malcolm and Freda Gallagher with their 1958 Thunderbird Convertible

Other winners chosen by:

Mayor Sheila Bentley: Simon Whittaker with his Series 1 Land Rover

Mark Stone, Drystone Radio and Podcaster: David Griffin with his Amilcar Community Child Phoebe Rose Bullock: Darren Wilson with his Kap Escort Cosworth

Jay Smith previous show organiser: Sally Holmes with her Maestro