THE organiser of a popular longrunning Bradford car show is excited to return after the pandemic put paid to last year’s event.

The Bradford Classic is an annual event where more than 100 vehicles are displayed in City Park.

Unfortunately, Covid-19 meant the 2020 event could not go ahead, but it will be back with a bang this year as 120 classic cars are expected to be on show in the city centre.

International technology company Huawei have come on board as title sponsor and the event enjoys the continued support of many local partners.

Prizes will be given for Best in Show and runner up, determined by a panel of judges from the automotive and classic car world.

The response of classic car enthusiasts has been remarkable, with 90 per cent of display places booked within three days.

A small number of places remain and owners wishing to exhibit can book in via the Eventbrite website, just search for the ‘Bradford Classic’.

Mike Cowlam, owner of Classic Events (Bradford) Ltd, organisers of the Bradford Classic which has been going for 17 years, is pleased to be back putting on a show for everyone in the city once again.

He said: “It has been a very challenging year for event organisers and it was disappointing to have to cancel last year’s event due to Covid.

“I know all the car enthusiasts in this area are just looking forward to the opportunity to get together.

“When we first did it we only had Centenary Square, that could fit like 30 cars. Now because we have got City Park too we have about 120 cars.

“It is very different to other car shows which tend to be held in exhibition centres.

“We get a broad range of local communities, all the different minority groups and a big age range even amongst the exhibitors. The youngest we had was 15 and his dad brought the car then you have got people in their seventies and eighties, it is a hugely mixed environment.

“Some of the people don’t get to go to car shows because they are not part of that world. It is on a hard standing unlike those on fields so the weather does not really effect. It means it is also good for wheelchair users.

“The earliest car is about 1930. Sixties and seventies are the dominate areas. We do have a few modern performance cars that come as well.

“There is something for everybody. Families come and the youngsters might spot a Ferrari and dad might spot a car he wanted when he was younger.

“It is a real chance to share your car history with your children and the rest of your family.”

Mike, who owns five classic cars himself, added: “We have always operated on the principal of free to visit, free to exhibit.

“We don’t charge people to bring the cars in or for people to attend which means the role of the sponsors is crucial because it is not a cheap event to put on.

“We are delighted that Huawei have come on board this year as sponsors as it would not have been possible to put the show on without their support.

“The response by classic car fans has been tremendous and it shows that there is a pent-up demand for events. We look forward to seeing them all at the show.”

This year’s event will take place between 10am and 4pm on Saturday, September 11.