Thousands of visitors to Ilkeston Heritage and Classic Vehicle Show

Paul from Larkland Motors being presented a rosette from Erewash Sound presenters Ian Perry and Paul Stacey

First launched in 2013, Ilkeston Heritage and Classic Vehicle Show has over 10 years of experience in putting on a fantastic day for all the family. On Sunday 9th August, the 2026 show welcomed visitors old and new to the town centre for its 12th year running. Crowds of vehicle enthusiasts and families packed into Ilkeston Marketplace in their droves to enjoy the amazing cars and free entertainment under a glorious blue sky.

More than 300 vehicles were on display, ranging from classic cars to motorcycles, buses to tanks, and even steam engines! The event showcased the rich transport and engineering heritage that runs through the local area and community. Vehicle displays, trade stands, charity stalls, entertainment and attractions offered a day packed with events for everyone to enjoy, while live music from Luke BP, food stalls, and the pint pit stop provided a rest stop for guests to enjoy the event at their own pace.

Erewash Museum and the Arts and Craft Fair at Cantelupe Centre offered additional entertainment, along with fantastic afternoon performances by Long Eaton Brass for visitors to enjoy. Crowd favourite the 501st Legion UK Garrison also made an appearance, offering photo opportunities with Star Wars characters throughout the day.

Vehicles began to arrive from 7am for the event which opened officially at 10. A wide variety of vehicles made an appearance, including a Dennis fire engine on display at Pimlico car park. The engine was faithfully restored by ex-firefighter Gary Jones and his son with a fully operational and period accurate interior. During its service, the Dennis was based alongside Gary at Stapleford Fire Station and was one of the many vehicles on display forming a key demonstration of cultural heritage.

Based in Ruddington, the Nottingham Area Bus Society (NABS) preserves the rich passenger transport heritage of Nottingham and the wider East Midlands. Their collection contains transport artefacts, photographs and restored full size buses and coaches, many of which also participated in the show. 18 vehicles, carefully restored, are in their collection from familiar local operators including Barton, Midland general, and Felix.

15 award categories were available for participants, and prizes were awarded to winning cars. Erewash Sound presenter Emma Duthie reflected, “This year, Erewash Sound were honoured to be asked to judge our favourite vehicle! After viewing so many beautiful vehicles we chose a stunning E-type Jaguar owned by Paul of Larklands Motors.”

One of the biggest highlights of the day was the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast, where a Spitfire and a Hurricane dazzled guests with three passes across the cloudless sky. The spectacle is subject to weather conditions, so its arrival was an especially appreciated and memorable event.

So much time, effort, and hard work went into making this day possible. The show’s director, Ian Viles and the Erewash Partnership Events team – a group of volunteer marshals, exhibitors, and the community of local businesses in the surrounding area–are responsible for organising this event. Local businesses and charitable organisations came together to showcase their range of phenomenal products and services and supported the local community through their participation and efforts.

One of these charities includes the Sporting Bears Dream Riders, a group of classic and sports car enthusiasts and Whizzo, the Sporting Bears Mascot. Volunteers offer rides to passengers in stunning vehicles to raise money for children’s charities. For their fifth year at Ilkeston Heritage and Classic Vehicle Show, Sporting Bears championed Ben’s Den, part of the Ben Parker Trust, which supports the families of children fighting leukaemia or cancer. Ben’s Den gifts a free holiday to these fa

milies, allowing them to spend much-needed time together, away from the overwhelming hospital environment. Sporting Bears have raised over £4 million since forming in 1989. For a donation, a Sporting Bears member took passengers on a 20-minute ride in the car of their choice.

Erewash Sound Breakfast Show Presenter, Paul Stacey commented “It’s always a pleasure to take the Erewash Sound team to Ilkeston for the classic vehicle show. We had a fabulous day speaking to listeners whilst handing-out paper flags and brand-new Erewash Sound Bear stickers! We were in the sunshine at the top of Pimlico car park with the radio station’s car Melody, and it was brilliant to see the town centre bustling with visitors all day.”

Erewash Sound is proud to be one of the many event supporters of the Ilkeston Heritage and Classic Vehicle Show and pleased to be part of an amazing community that makes events such as this possible.