Mega Wheels Classic Car Show

It was believed to have been the biggest and best car show ever to be seen on the Isle of Wight - the first ever Mega Wheels Classic Car Show roared into Newchurch over the weekend of April 28th and 29th.

Anticipated car enthusiasts and spectators alike took advantage of yet another fine weekend of blisteringly hot sunshine to make their way down to the open terrain of the Garlic Festival Site.

Once through the gates, visitors to the event were free to stroll around the huge field at their leisure, marvelling at the variety of vintage and classic vehicles on display. The sheer size of the display was very much down to local and mainland car clubs including Jaguar, Ford, Austin, BMC, Aston Martin, Jensen, MG and not to mention individual motor enthusiasts too, who kindly bequeathed their vehicles to form a part of the two-day gathering.

Absolutely everything & anything imaginable on wheels!

The Mega Wheels Classic Car Show was organised by the Garlic Festival Ltd in conjunction with Isle of Wight Radio, who could be heard broadcasting live across the Island's airwaves throughout the duration of the weekend. Successfully managing to fill a void in the Island's social calendar by taking place in a month that is traditionally quiet, it is now hoped that Mega Wheels will become an established annual event and permanent key date for Islanders and visitors alike to remember.

It is fair to say that everything one could possibly imaginable on wheels was present at the Mega Wheels Classic Car Show, from vintage buses and lorries, steam vehicles, tractors, Island cranes, electric bikes, police cars, fire engines and even the military. The tank museum was also present, as were a selection of Harley Davidson Motor Cycles, classic motorcycles, ITS diggers, the Classic Hearse Register RS Owners Club, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Saint Volvo, Rolls Royce and Daimler. High-speed rally cars and smashed-up graffiti-clad vehicles that had previously taken part in banger racing exploits were also present, as were the latest in modern-day motoring; souped-up boy racer cars with flashy hubcaps and exaggerated rear spoilers to equal the bass level of their stereo systems.

Hard-hitting entertainment with a serious edge

Further to this, several sideshows took place throughout the course of the weekend; one of which on a more serious note allowed spectators the opportunity to witness a re-enactment of a real-life road traffic accident. The scenario was one that is sadly becoming all-too common on the Island's roads. It followed the events of four teenagers who were out for a spin when the driver (also under the influence of an unauthorised substance) lost control of the vehicle and swerved off of the road, colliding with a tree.

A member of the police force accompanied by a road safety officer talked the audience through the procedure that followed, including the arrival of both police, fire and ambulance forces onto the scene. This demonstration was followed by the airing of a tape recording of an Island mother talking about the death of her teenage son in a similar incident on the Downs Road; poignantly reminding us of the fact that whilst constituting beautiful exhibits, cars can also have very serious consequences if concentration levels dwindle.

New & used car sales, nostalgic memorabilia & fun for everyone

For Islanders who didn't have a car to show, many still brought their vehicles down to the event in the hope of selling them! The new and used car sales area of the site was bustling all weekend long, with several spectators managing to drive away with an unexpected bargain. The makeshift forecourt mirrored the classic car exhibition in terms of the range of gleaming vehicles on display.

To enable visitors to the site to really 'make a day of it' The Mega Wheels Classic Car Show, which was also supported by Southern Vectis and the IOW Bus Museum, boasted several food stalls, ice cream, fun fair rides and children's entertainment, auto jumble and the chance to purchase or just simply browse through a variety of motor vehicle memorabilia. Items ranged from children's toys, to tee shirts, time-honoured collectables to the more practical car gadget. A number of Island traders were also present displaying their unique art and craft work.

Look out for Cruise the Wight...

Volunteers from the Earl Mountbatten Hospice were present over the weekend to take the details of those car owners interested in registering to take part in an all-new fundraising event, which has been formed off the back of the Mega Wheels and Classic Car Show. In addition to the now well-established Walk the Wight, Cycle the Wight and Sail the Wight, 'Cruise the Wight' which is currently scheduled to take place in September, will see a host of classic cars take to the Island's roads to raise money for the hospice. More details will follow shortly.

Even if you were unable to attend the Mega Wheels Classic Car Show, you can still play witness to this event by viewing our special flash gallery, which captures the spirit and diversity of the weekend. Please click on the 'Photo Gallery' tab above to view the best of what the Island has to offer in vintage and classic motors.

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