Classic Fest returns this July
Following on from the success of Classic Fest ‘22 in Galway Racecourse last July, the organiser, Irish Vintage Scene has just announced the event will return on 2nd July this year to the same venue.
The 2022 show saw over 5,000 people flock to Galway Racecourse to enjoy a huge display of over 800 vintage and classic vehicles as well as a day filled with entertainment, from live music to magic shows and lots of free kids’ fun.
The 2022 event was an instant success, with over €9,000 raised for the two chosen charities, and this year will be no different, with the charity partners to be announced shortly.
For 2023 the organiser has added even more attractions to the line-up, with many improvements to the show and its layout going on behind the scenes in the run up to 2nd July.
And word is spreading quickly, with over 20 club stands booked within 48 hours of opening the online registration for classic and vintage vehicles. There are already 300 individual vehicles registered too, so Classic Fest 2023 is shaping up to be even bigger than last year’s.
Indeed, Classic Fest has fast become the show that all clubs and enthusiasts want to attend, and already it looks like at least 28 of the 32 counties of Ireland will be represented on the day by cars, tractors, motorcycles, steam engines and more. So, lots horsepower in store for the home of horses in Galway this July.
In addition to all of the free family entertainment that was on offer last year, 2023 will add an animal farm, owls and traditional farming displays, as well as the spectacle of the sheaf-throwing competition.
The Road Safety Authority will be joining the event with its safety shuttle bus, and the Civil Defence will display a fire appliance that will be coming from Dublin.
At present there are a large number of other attractions in the pipeline to be confirmed shortly, and these along with other updates will be announced on Irish Vintage Scene’s Facebook page, so check in there regularly to keep up to date.
One of the most talked-about elements of Classic Fest ’22 (other than the vehicles!) was the live music act The Lewd Tunes; this seven-piece band really got the public’s attention. Well, they are coming back and will be on stage from midday, followed by another great local five-piece, Sean Slattery & The Connections, who sure know how to get the crowd going. There will also be some impromptu pop-up music around the venue, so watch out for that.
The model show will be back again for 2023, once again headed up by the Galway Model Club, who has asked for double the space it had last year, with a number of special train display builds already in progress.
Another act to watch for is the stilt-walkers, who were so much fun last year, as was the Galway Karting Centre area. Also new for 2023 is a food court, where there will be a wide array of vendors offering all kinds of food options and delicious treats. So it’s not all cars – there is just so much more to do.
Event organiser Thomas Heavey of Irish Vintage Scene from Oranmore said: “We are really excited to be returning to Galway Racecourse on the 2nd of July for Classic Fest after such a successful show last year, which generated over €9,000 for our chosen charities. We are delighted to be putting on such a big event for Galway.
“While the foundation of the show, and my personal passion, is in vintage and classic vehicles, we are now building on so many other aspects of the show to have something for everyone that comes along and make this the best family day out in the west.
“So I hope to see you all again in Galway Racecourse on the 2nd of July for a fun-filled day, all the time raising much-needed funds for charity.”
For more details, see www.irishvintagescene.ie or follow the Facebook page.
