GLEAMING cars will take centre stage in Centenary Square from tomorrow as the Bradford Classic gets underway.

Organisers say this year's event is set to be the biggest and best show yet.

For the opening night, The Light Cinema in The Broadway is showing the iconic car film, The Italian Job.

On Saturday, 140 cars are booked into the show and for the first time, entries have had to close before the event. The British cars on show range from the Bradford built Jowett to the E-Type Jaguar.There will also be huge American cars and sleek Japanese cars.

Not all cars are classics - there'll also be an opportunity to see custom builds or Kit cars.

Bradford Made is also bringing its market to City Park, with visitors able to sample some culinary delights as well toys, vintage and automobilia.

And as part of the show's celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Mini, The Best of British documentary will be shown on big screen, showcasing the story of the Mini from where it all began to the last production run.

Also appearing on the big screen will be the Great Race from 1969 which tells a story about a race from New York to Paris at the very dawn of the automotive era.

Sunbridge Wells will once again host a pop-up gallery of Jowett photographs from the Woods collection.

Throughout the weekend there will be classic music on Ivegate with Ska and Reggae on Friday night, a Mod show on Saturday night and fifties crooning on Sunday.

For the first time at the Classic, The Sporting Bears will be running passenger rides in a choice of 10 classic and exotic cars. Visitors can make a donation to enjoy a 10-mile passenger ride, with all proceeds going to the Bradford Royal Infirmary's neonatal unit.

Visitors just need to look out for the yellow Sporting Bears gazebo and booking desk.
Sporting Bears event organiser Jo Harris shared his story behind bringing Dream Rides to the Bradford Classic.

He said: "Our son was cared for on the special care baby unit at the BRI in 2016 after getting an infection at birth that progressed rapidly to meningitis.

"The unit’s doctors and nurses saved his life. We experienced first-hand the amazing job they do and what a great facility we have here in Bradford. We also learnt that the Bradford Hospitals’ Charity does an enormous amount to support the care of poorly babies, and also to make these very difficult experiences a bit easier for their families.

"The charity funds a range of enhancements - from the latest technology incubators for premature babies, to comfortable cot-side facilities so that mums can express milk on site, and family rooms that are made to feel homely so that parents can stay near their little ones 24 hours a day.

“We have been so fortunate - our son is now a happy, healthy and energetic lad. We and many other local families owe so much to the unit and this is a chance to support this important local charity whilst having some fun too.

"We’ve got a great selection of classic and sports cars and we'll have the potential to raise as much as £2,000 for the charity on the day.

"This will contribute to the new rest facilities and overnight accommodation for families, and enable the unit to pay for activities and equipment to occupy siblings, who spend a great deal of time there.” 

Dream Rides will be available between 10am and 4pm on Saturday.

It's advised people get there early to avoid disappointment.

Car photographer Jonathan Taylor will also be exhibiting photographs from his book series Cars of the World on the big screen.

Meanwhile, The Broadway shopping centre will host Classics on the Broadway, a collection of modern and classic racing cars from a wide range of motorsport disciplines.

Ian Ward, General Manager at The Broadway,said: “We’re thrilled to be hosting such an exciting event. Our summer programme is bursting with entertainment for all ages and has so much to offer families in the area looking for a great day out.

“This year’s Classic car show will be the biggest and best yet with more opportunities for people to get involved than ever before, including on-site advice from motorsport experts and the chance to become a marshal.

“The showcase is a great way to recognise and celebrate the best of British cars."

The special guest for 2019 is Mike Wood, who was an international rally co-driver from 1955 to 1998. Mike has competed in more than 100 international events taking seven outright wins and many class wins. During his career he has partnered with world class drivers including Timo Makinen, Rauno Aaltonen, Tony Fall, Hannu Mikola and Tony Pond.

He will be judging cars for the Best in Show as well as hosting a number of special events.

Most events at the Bradford Classic are free to attend.