ALL records were smashed at the annual Cars at the Spa festival in Leamington on Sunday.
There were more classic cars, some 300, more people and more money raised than ever before.
Show committee chairman Simon Evans, of organisers Leamington Rotary Club said: “It was definitely our biggest show yet. There was an amazing turnout of classic cars from across the midlands and huge and enthusiastic crowds.
“There was plenty of entertainment on the bandstand, as well as drinks and snacks stands and our new picnic area on the grass by the river.
“We haven’t got a final total yet as money is still coming in but it’s already more than the previous best of £11,000 plus we raised last year.
“We are grateful to all those who helped us in the preparations for this event and, of course, all the classic car owners who have generously supported us, enabling the show to be such a success.
“I would like to express our thanks for the wonderful sponsorship we have received from a number of local companies, including our two headline sponsors, Startin Kia – Warwick and Motor Hub Warwick, as well as Leamington BID.”
Mr Evans also thanked all those who advertised in the programme, the army of Rotary volunteers and programme sellers, and those members of the public who donated money on the day.
The beneficiary for this year – and next year’s show – is Achieving Results in Communities (ARC) which works with more than 500 people each year, supporting some of the most vulnerable members of the local community; its programmes help people struggling with mental or physical health challenges, social isolation and addiction recovery.
Kath Pasteur, director of ARC, said: “The majority of our beneficiaries and projects are local to Leamington, and we pride ourselves on supporting people who are often marginalised or isolated.
“Our Wellbeing in Nature programme encourages people to reconnect with others and with the outdoors, while our community gardening groups and Children’s Forest project involve people of all ages across the town.
“The support from Cars at the Spa over the next two years will make a tremendous difference to our work and will help us expand programmes that are already in high demand.”
Richard Roberts, dealer at sponsor Startin Kia Warwick, said: “Leamington Rotary Club does a tremendous amount of work in raising money for charity and has established CATS as a major annual event for the town. We are very proud to have been a headline sponsor again this year at an event that has drawn more visitors than ever.”
Jim McClean, chief executive of Motor Hub Warwick, a storage facility for cars ranging from vintage classics to modern supercars, was co-sponsor for the second year running.
He added: “It was an amazing event which featured some really stunning classic cars and has raised thousands of pounds for a tremendous charity. How fitting that a record sum was raised this year, when Leamington Rotary Club is celebrating its centenary.”
