WITH less than a week to go until the Benromach Vintage Vehicle Theme Day in Forres on Sunday 6May, organisers are confident that this year’s event will be the biggest yet.
The Vintage Vehicle Theme Day attracts thousands of people each year, with owners of vintage and classic vehicles displaying their pride and joy throughout Grant Park, Forres. The most cared-for cars in Scotland are then judged by category, with the most coveted prize being the Rarest Vehicle in Show accolade. With entries from across Scotland and the north of England, the event will be a spectacle for the people of Forres.
This year families, local residents and vintage aficionados will enjoy some additional entertainment: the inaugural Forres Theme Day Pipe Band Contest. Pipe bands from across the north east will compete in eight categories, including Best Novice Juvenile Band. Points from placings will count towards a ‘Champion of Champions’ award at the close of the pipe season in August.
Grant Park in Forres will play host to the event Photo: Ann Harrison
The introduction of a pipe band competition to the Vintage Vehicle Day is a ‘warm up’ event for the prestigious European Pipe Band Championships, ensuring the town is prepared for the summer 2013 event.
Gordon & MacPhail, owners of Benromach, led the three year bid project which resulted in the town’s selection as host of the European Pipe Band Championships and will lead to huge opportunities for the local community and local businesses.
David Urquhart, Joint Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, commented: “With one week until the Vintage Vehicle Theme day, we’re all confident that it will once again be the highlight of the Spirit of Speyside festival.
“Events like the Vintage Vehicle Theme Day and the European Pipe Band Championships are putting Forres on the map as a destination and we are proud to be sponsoring both.
“The pipe band test march will give everyone in Forres an idea of what to expect when the championships come to town in 2013 – although that will be at least five times bigger, with over 100 bands competing.”
Robbie Paterson, Chair of the Vintage Vehicle Theme Day, commented: “It really is something to see all the vintage cars on display in Grant Park while enjoying all the food stalls and entertainment on offer. The addition of the pipe bands this year will certainly move the event up a gear.
“Thousands of people came along to last year’s Vintage Vehicle Theme Day and, along with our sponsors Benromach, we’re expecting this year to be even bigger and better.”
The festivities on Sunday 6 May will begin at 9am when the vintage cars, tractors and military vehicles will start to assemble in Grant Park. Winners will be announced at 4pm.
To enter a vehicle in the Vintage Vehicle Theme Day, visit www.vintageforres.com
