Classic car show raises over £20,000 for charity

Over £20,000 was raised for the Teenage Cancer trust and other charities from a fundraising car show at Culford School, organised by the Rotary Club of Bury St Edmunds Abbey.

After what was the hottest day of the year the club paid thanks to the exhibitors and visitors for their support.

They said many others contributed to the success of the event, held on Sunday, July 18, not least the sponsors and Culford School and their team as this was the first year at the venue after six successful years at Elveden.

Two other car shows on the same day were cancelled at short notice and combined with the fine weather there was a much larger visitor turnout than expected,  but still below the numbers for Covid-19 regulations.

Peter Summers, from the club, said: “We know that the heat caused several visitor’s classic cars to overheat and this did further congest the roads around and through Culford village.

“As an exhibitor said to us – ‘this is the first chance to go to a car show in the area in nearly two years’.  We are sorry that the traffic situation built up quite so badly in the late morning.

“Once inside the show it was a great success and everyone had a good day. The school gave access to the whole park and it was a great opportunity for people to enjoy the lovely grounds.

“The event was run entirely by volunteers, who worked for many months in advance of the show, and on the day itself for no payment whatsoever meaning that all of the proceeds will go to the Teenage Cancer Trust and other charities.”

For six of the last seven years the Rotary Club of Bury St Edmunds Abbey has organised the event, raising over £50,000 for local charities, and had over 500 cars booked in for the event.