Europe's biggest Ford festival gears up at Silverstone

Ford Fair 2011 kicks off on Sunday August 7th in the largest festival for Ford enthusiasts, professionals and the general public on the continent.

Over 18,000 people are expected to descend on Silverstone this weekend for the celebration of the Blue Oval, which is supported by hundreds of motoring clubs and market brands the length and breadth of the country, as well as the UK's two largest Ford magazines and the manufacturer itself.

Among the festivities, this year marks a notable anniversary for the car maker as Ford of Britain celebrates 100 years of service to the UK's car market.

The Ford Heritage Centre will be guest of honour at the fair, displaying a special exhibit of eight of the company's most iconic cars through the ages. From a vintage 1910 Model T or a classic 1968 Ford Cortina MkII, right through to the Sierra, Escort and Focus eras, classic car enthusiasts will be able to see some rare examples up-close.

Cementing its status as Britain's strongest automaker in terms of overall sales, last month the manufacturer released figures showcasing its UK leadership with increased overall market share and units sold, bucking the downward trend of its June and July 2010 figures.

Nigel Sharp, Ford of Britain's managing director, said: "A particularly good indicator for our business is the increase in retail car share, which again underlines both the benefit of our strong dealer network and our best-ever vehicle range."

He added: "Our latest addition - the new Ford Focus Studio, priced at under £14,000 - will help us maintain this momentum as we and our dealers gear up for the September sales rush."

Some of that range has already been on display, however, as for the first time in the event's history, Ford Fair 2011 sees a welcome arrival for the new Power and Style Awards in association with Yokohama.

The honours will showcase some of the country's best examples in sport and performance vehicles of the iconic motoring brand by letting members of the public take the centre stage with their vehicles.

Britons up and down the country have been submitting photos of their cherished motors to the fair's website and judges will be announcing the victor at the festival on Sunday, with the prize winner receiving a set of Yokohama Tyres worth £500.

As year-on-year attendance figures increase by 28 per cent, with 48 per cent of attendees intending to make a purchase while at the fair itself - according to fordfair.co.uk - the summer show arguably presents enthusiasts with a novel opportunity to seek out that specialist Ford product, service or rarity.

The fair also offers the chance for businesses to display a specialist or performance car-orientated trade and gather increased custom.

It's "undoubtedly the very best show for all things Ford", commented Phil Millington of Milltek Sport, one of the many exhibitors due at this year's fair.

"2010 Ford Fair surpassed our expectations in terms of visitor numbers and quality enquiries; August 7th 2011 is already on our calendar," he added.

With specialist sports car insurance providers attending, Ford performance products available and various other bespoke and dedicated services on offer, the Ford Fair could be a very effective way of bagging that individual bargain product that normally would not be available the rest of the year.

Policyholders of specialist sports car insurance who happen to drive an Escort might want to check out some of those stands before they head to the track, however, as Silverstone plays host to some hot-headed racing events including the Ford Fiesta Championship.

One of the UK's longest running one-make track championships, the competition was originally founded in 1997, but in the five years from 2005 the starting grid has seen figures double to well over 40 cars opening the race, according to fordfair.co.uk.

However, it is not just about the events. Europe's largest Ford show is also an auction house for all things Blue Oval. Attendees wishing to part with their Fords will be given a chance to do so provided they hold a valid pass worth £10 available from the gates. A dedicated photographer will also be taking photos of cars available to purchase with more information on how and where to buy the motors appearing in the show guide on the day.

The gates are open from 09:00 BST on August 7th with the fair closing at 17:00. Attendees, if they haven't purchased tickets, will be able to pay at the entrance using either cash or credit and debit cards from 08:00.

While alcohol is not served on site, there will be a dedicated cafeteria and various food stalls set up around the park ready to serve up beverages and hot food for all the Ford fanatics.
 

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