May Bank Holiday sets two records for Eastbourne

Record crowds of more than 30,000, a record 550 vehicle exhibitors on Eastbourne’s Western Lawns, plus glorious sunshine gave Magnificent Motors a Birthday to remember as the transport spectacular celebrated its 5th year. Boosted by the brilliant Bank Holiday weather, Magnificent Motors, set two records in 2008 and welcomed more than 30,000 visitors alongside 550 vehicles to the Western Lawns over the two days; the highest crowd and exhibitor numbers in the event’s 5-year history.

The motoring festival set on Eastbourne seafront saw a real variety of vehicles on show; from the oldest 1908 Caffyn Wolseley to the more contemporary Morris Minors celebrating their 60th anniversary, plus crowd favourites, the Lone Star Auto Club with their impressive classic American cars.

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said “I visited Magnificent Motors over the weekend and it was brilliant to see so many people enjoying themselves. The event is certainly very popular and is growing from strength to strength each year. Phones were ringing right up until the day itself with exhibitors desperate to show off their vehicles on Eastbourne’s Western Lawns and the event is a hit with adults and children alike.

“The weather was fantastic for the Bank Holiday and with the vast array of vehicles, funfair rides, French Market, bands on the Magnificent Motors stage there was plenty to keep everybody entertained for what is a unique weekend on the south coast. The entrants to the ‘Top gear of the year’ were fantastic and I enjoyed judging the competition.”

The sun came out for all three days over the Bank Holiday with the town clearly enjoying its status as sunniest place in the UK.

Hotels in the town experienced high demand for rooms over the Bank Holiday with visitors booking in to enjoy Eastbourne’s bumper packed weekend.

Marco Giorgi, Vice-Chairman of Eastbourne Hospitality Association (EHA) said:

“The warm sunny weather certainly helped ensure Magnificent Motors was a huge success. The majority of EHA member hotels have advised they were fully booked with guests coming from all over the world and commenting how pleased they were to see such a wonderful event on in Eastbourne.”

The Bandstand was in full swing this Bank Holiday too, with the Eastbourne Silver Band on Sunday and South West Surrey Concert Band on Monday as it kicked off a month of traditional concerts that will continue throughout May, before the full entertainment programme gets underway in June. With the French Market taking place on the middle promenade between the pier and Bandstand, the audience was boosted with over 200 visitors making the most of the entertainment on offer and enjoying the afternoon sun.

Spurred by the success of this year’s Magnificent Motors and keen to attract even more visitors in 2009, event organisers, Eastbourne Borough Council, are looking ahead to next year when the motoring spectacular returns from 2-3 May 2009.

For more information about what’s on in Eastbourne visit Visiteastbourne.com.