HOLLYWOOD ICONS DRAW CROWDS AT LANCASHIRE CHARITY MOTORSHOW

On Sunday, under a baking sun, Pendle Powerfest transformed Nelson & Colne College into a sea of spectacular vehicles of all types for the public to enjoy at their annual motorshow. Celebrating Bullitt & Herbie’s 50th Birthdays, this year’s show brought the motorised stars of the small and large screen to Lancashire for the large crowds to enjoy, along with live music and family entertainment.

The show's aim was raise funds and awareness of the charities Once Upon a Smile and GOPI3KS.

Once Upon a Smile provide emotional, practical & financial support to bereaved families at their time of need and GoPI3Ks help people with the exceptionally rare segmental overgrowth in the PIK gene. 

 

 “Daniel Jillings, co-founder of Once Upon a Smile, said: “We are only a small charity who make a big impact,  the money raised at Pendle Powerfest is so important for us so we can continue to offer the support we do to our families.”

Mandy Sellars the founder of GoPI3ks  said: “As a small & newly registered charity we are very grateful to Pendle Powerfest.  As a smaller charity it can be difficult to gain exposure, raise funds & get our message across to the general public & Pendle Powerfest has given us the platform to be able to do this. Increasing our exposure & funds means that we will be able to help more people who live with segmental overgrowth caused by a mutation in the PIK gene. This overgrowth can affect any part of the body causing (but not limited to) mobility problems, loss of function of effected limb, developmental issues & blood clotting issues. We had a fantastic day meeting people at the event and took over £200 just on our stall.”

2018 Marks the 50th Birthday’s of both Bullitt and The Love Bug so a mock film set was created featuring the star cars from these films. Pulling in the crowds was a range of famous cars including Smokey & The Bandit, Dukes of Hazzard, Cars, Transformers and The Italian Job. Several American police cars and uniformed officers entertained the crowds throughout the event.

“We had such a good day, the sun shone, the crowds were huge and the atmosphere was fantastic. All the vehicles looked stunning, the bands and DJ sounded great and people enjoyed what we had to offer this year. It was great to fill the showground with interesting vehicles; some at very short notice.” said Organiser, Chris Walker.

If all of this wasn’t exciting enough, top Lancashire based racing team Ciceley Motorsport brought a display of their world class winning cars along. The even ran a demonstration with their championship leading BTCC Mercedes A-Class in front of the huge crowds that gathered. The team work 40 weekends a year racing all over the world so this was a real coup for them to give up their time to support the event.  The grins on their teams faces as some of the exhibitor vehicles filed past their stand was testament to how much they had enjoyed themselves.

“We are delighted to be able to have the time to support a local event and help raise money for good causes. We’ve had a fantastic day and will do our best to support the organisers in future” Said team boss Norman Burgess.

A huge range of cars of all types made up the main showground including such rarities as a Lancia Stratos valued at £500,000 and the only racing Triumph Vitesse in the country. Complimenting this was a significantly beefed up motorbike section, including a Batman Bike, that all looked amazing glinting in the sun.

The show was hosted from the Lloyd Colne Stage by Tristesse James with three live bands: Inner Frenzy, Little Victories and The Jonny Oates Band plus DJ Bob Sickness. This was all framed by a plethora of BMWs and MINIs from the range offered by the sponsors with the bonus of Spiderman on his own little red carpet entertaining the assembled crowds.

The Swing City Big Band also enjoyed entertaining crowds seated on hay bales in the new Family Chillout Area with a particular highlight of a stormtrooper taking over conducting duties! See the Pendle Powerfest Facebook Page for the video.

On top of all this Zorbs, a Glider, a Radio Controlled Truck Display, F1 simluator, Birds of Prey and lots more entertained families from all over.

Pendle Powerfest is run by a group of volunteers on a not-for-profit basis, who dedicate their time and resources to make this event possible for people from far and wide to enjoy. Donations will be made in due course once all monies are accounted for.