Double Page Spread in Local Press
Huge Feature in the Local Papers - Full Transcript Below:
Powerfest Returns in Style
Pendle Powerfest turned on the style as it welcomed more than 4,000 visitors to the annual family motorshow at Nelson & Colne College.
Organisers based the theme of the family fun day on Sunday, May 29, around The Italian Job, the 1969 classic heist caper starring Michael Caine.
And instead of making off with £4 million of gold bullion through the streets of Turin, the show boasted over £15 million pounds worth of stunning vehicles with three of them topping the £1m mark individually!
“From the classless cool of the 50-year-old Lamborghini Miura to the raw power of the Porsche 918 hypercar, we made a lot of dreams come true,” said Chris Walker, Pendle Powerfest Show Manager. “People from far and wide travelled to our little corner of Pendle to see a unique collection of amazing vehicles. Never before has this area seen such a wide range, from vintage tractors and motorcycles to some of the latest cars on sale today. “The Italian job display really brought something different to the standard car show format with artwork from college students, minis on ramps and The Italian Job bus that thrilled visitors as they were given guided tours of its hidden secrets.”
John Summersgill, the owner of Millennium Limousines who had driven the bus down from its usual home near Redcar, said: “We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Pendle Powerfest as an exhibitor on Sunday. The turnout was amazing. The love for our Italian Job party coach was overwhelming and the queue to have a look inside was never ending. It was a fantastic day and a pleasure to be a part of.”
But The Italian Job was just one part of what delivered a packed day out for petrol heads and families alike. Chris said: “We really worked on the family angle and tried to offer a wide range of activities to suit everyone. From Live Music presented by Tristesse James and DJ Ian Green including local acts Fandjango and Josh Hindle as well as headliners Simon’s Band who had travelled up from London. We had Zorbs and BMXs to Face Painting, Model Railways and lots more. We hope to expand family entertainment much further as the year’s progress.
Julia Kelly, from Sheffield, said: “It was a great day out and fantastic value. Brilliant cars, plus activities to entertain kids. Great music to top it off. Will be back next year. Thanks to all involved.” Lee Tombling, from Fence, added: “What a fantastic day out for all the family with a lovely atmosphere.”
Film and television fans were well served with stars including Knight Rider’s KITT, the Dirty Sanchez Drift Taxi and the premiere of the Mad Max Interceptor. Prop-maker Carl Worsdell, who had transported the Interceptor from his base in Huddersfield, said: “It doesn’t have an engine, brakes or much in the way of steering but I wanted to get it here to make its public debut at the show!”
Motorsport fans were treated with a heritage display of Stock Cars and Speedway Bikes from the Seedhill Racetrack era. Legends Len Wolfenden and Frankie Wainman Snr were in attendance to see their newly restored car. Plus Wendy Mothertrucker from the popular Channel 4 Series popped in to sign autographs. And for visitors new to Pendle, shuttle buses ran through the local Pendle Witch countryside to beauty spot of Barley at the base of the famous Pendle Hill.
The newly appointed Mayor, Councillor Rosemary Carroll, along with the Mayoress and Council Leader Mohammed Iqbal were given a guided tour of the show. Among the highlights demonstrated were an opportunity to sit in a brand new Ferrari on the S.A.S Stand and an Italian Job party bus experience. Councillor Carroll said: “I was delighted to open this year’s Pendle Powerfest. It was a fantastic day which attracted people of all ages. “It’s great to see high profile events like this taking place in the borough. They help us to put Pendle on the map as a premier visitor destination.” Councillor Iqbal, Leader of Pendle Council, added: “We were delighted to support this year’s event. “Not only did it showcase some really interesting vehicles and bring lots of colour to the borough, it raised money for a fantastic cause! “We’ll work with the organisers in the future so we can continue to highlight Pendle and all that it has to offer.”
They also met multiple Guinness World Record Holder; Speed of Sight’s Mike Newman. His charity for disabled drivers is keen to setup one of their special track events in the Pendle area in the near future. Mike said: “It was great to be at Pendle Powerfest again this year and to see the exhibition going from strength to strength. We are grateful for the interest shown in our charity's work and look forward to hearing from our new contacts.”
Proceeds from this year’s Pendle Powerfest will be donated to The Encephalitis Society, a charity which is close to the heart of the organising team behind the festival after one of their members was affected by the condition, an inflammation of the brain, last year. Phillippa Chapman, Director of Operations at The Encephalitis Society, said: “We were thrilled – and honoured - to have been chosen as the official charity of Pendle Powerfest. “It was a fantastic day all round. We had so many people come up to us and say that a family member, friend or even a neighbour had been affected by encephalitis and yet did not know that we existed. “We even had a doctor tell us that he was treating a patient with encephalitis and would put them in touch with us - so the whole day could have a life-changing impact for a lot of people.”
Graham Midgley, the 2015 show manager, said: “This year’s show was outstanding in content and attendance, the sun shone and the people came out, a fantastic showing of vehicles and lots to do for all ages of life. “A lot of people know I contracted Encephalitis last year, survived, and am still recovering from it. “It was great to be part of this and meet Katie Chadwick and her family from Colne who is also a survivor of this horrible and largely unknown virus, which takes no prisoners regardless of who you are or where you come from. “It was fantastic to meet the people from the Encephalitis society and be able to talk with them. I was delighted to be able to make people aware of what they do and hopefully I will continue to do so in any shape or form I can in the future if at all possible.”
Pendle Powerfest Facts and Figures: 250 – The number of vehicles on show 4,000 – The approximate number of visitors to Pendle Powerfest 2016 82 years – The oldest car on show, 1934 Lagonda Rapier 1 day – The youngest car on show the AMG GTS, collected the day before! 48 – Number of Minis on show in the guard of honour 230 Miles – longest distance driven by an exhibitor - in a £1m Lamborghini Miura 1 Year – The amount of time it takes for the team of volunteers to plan the show £1.2m – The most expensive car on show, the Porsche 918 Spyder. 4 – The rarest vehicle, approximate amount left of the Ford Thames bus.
