SPECIAL REPORT
Classic car show attendance figures have bounced back to pre-Covid levels, with organisers reporting record numbers of cars and visitors in 2023
Turnouts at classic shows have recovered to levels seen before the pandemic despite the ongoing cost of living crisis, event organisers have told Classic Car Weekly.
The after-effects of the Covid-19 lockdowns continued to be felt among clubs and show organisers dependent on the revenue generated by events that were either postponed or cancelled due to the 2020 pandemic long after restrictions on public gatherings were lifted.
However, classic enthusiasts’ keenness to get out after Covid has led to show attendance figures returning to pre-pandemic levels, with many shows reporting record numbers of visitors in 2023.
It was a record-breaking year for this year’s Isle of White Classic Car Extravaganza, for example. Paddy
McHugh took over organising the event after founder Vic Gallucci passed away in May. Paddy told CCW: ‘Vic kept everything to himself but figures this year were 578 on the Saturday and 542 on the Sunday, which we think are slightly up from previous years and probably an all-time record.’
And a spokesperson from A-ME Event Management, which organises the Bromley Pageant, said: ‘The 2022 Bromley Pageant was much bigger than pre-pandemic levels with just over 2000 cars booked in. In 2023 we again had more than 2000 cars booked in and had to turn away bookings as we had reached our limit as to what we felt was suitable for access without classic cars sitting in traffic queues.
‘Separate to Bromley Pageant we have been at a couple of events later in 2023 with one of our clients and there was a clear increase in international attendance with the events having a feel of how they were a year or two pre-pandemic, with a return of the atmosphere and buzz they used to have.’
A total of 71,290 enthusiasts headed to Birmingham’s NEC for the recent Classic Motor Show, which is a three per cent increase on 2022. Lee
Masters said: ‘There was a fantastic atmosphere in the halls from the minute the doors opened. After some tough years for the events industry, there was a much more positive vibe. Talking to exhibitors, they were thrilled to see more people, more spending and more confidence as the economy stabilises.’
CCW is also aware of a record turnout of vehic
