The organiser of a popular autoshow expects this year’s event to be the biggest yet.
Included on the bill for the fifth instalment of the Cumbria Autoshow is motorsport heavyweight Paul Swift, who has appeared on TV shows such as Top Gear and Fifth Gear as well being a a seven-time British Motorsport Champion.
The Paul Swift Precision Driving Team, formed by Paul after he called time on his motorsport career, will perform jaw-dropping stunts for an audience expected to be in the thousands at Borderway Auction Mart in Carlisle on Sunday.
There will be 850 cars on display at the event, an increase on the 650 at last year’s show.
“There is a huge demand for tickets with people wanting to come to Cumbria,” said Hannah Powell, the show’s organiser.
“We sold out (the display spaces) in 48 hours, which is a record for the site.
“We are capped at 4,000 due to COVID restrictions, which was a last minute change we had to make, but we are confident we can keep everyone safe.
“Cars by default cause people to distance because they are bigger than two metres, which helps us keep people safe.
“I don’t think we’ll get 4,000, but I expect it to be the biggest show we have ever held in Carlisle.”
Going from strength to strength
The show continues to go from strength to strength, but it started from very humble beginnings.
“I used to run the Cumbria Ford Meet which was an annual drive through the Lakes,” said Hannah.
“At the last event, in 2015, we had 180 cars driving around the Lake District, which was a little bit crazy.
“Ultimately the event outgrew itself and it was dangerous to have that many cars. We had to make it a static event. It is open to all makes and models, everything from a young person’s first car to a McClaren and everything in between.
“It is great to see how it has grown.”
Also performing at the event will be Jonny Davies of JD Stunts, who hold the world record for the fastest motorcycle handle bar wheelie at 109.2mph.
Coronavirus safety measures will be in force at the event, including hand sanitising stations, an extra food van and additional toilets to allow for social distancing, a cleaner, extra marshals and groups of no more than 30 will be allowed to attend.
The whole event will also be outdoors for the first time.
Tickets are priced at £10 and are free for anyone under the age of 16. They can be bought online or at the gate.
