classic car - Stratford Festival of Motoring on Stratfordblog

Stratford Festival of Motoring

Stratford Festival of Motoring is an annual event in Stratford-upon-Avon, attracting hundreds of motors and thousands of motoring enthusiasts to the streets of the historic town centre.

So when does the next festival come to Stratford-upon-Avon and what can you expect to see and do?

When is the Stratford Festival of Motoring?

In 2019, the Stratford Festival of Motoring takes place on Sunday May 5, and Bank Holiday Monday, May 6.

See highlights of 2018’s Stratford Festival of Motoring.

During the Stratford Festival of Motoring, the streets of Stratford-upon-Avon are closed to regular traffic as hundreds of cars – from gleaming classic cars and vintage motors to sleek supercars – turn the streets of Stratford into an outdoor motor museum.

What’s on during the Stratford Festival of Motoring?

2019’s main theme is the Mini, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.

Stratford-upon-Avon Picturehouse will be showing Mad Max on Sunday evening as part of the festival.

Family fun during the Stratford Festival of Motoring takes the form of an activities/demo area at Rother Street Market (plus a fire engine), crafts with Escape Arts at The Old Slaughterhouse, and, of course, seeing the cars arrive in town between around 9.30am and noon on both Sunday and Monday (the finishing arch is in Wood Street).

Elsewhere, there is live music in Bell Court and Bridge Street, motoring exhibitions at Whitewall Galleries, and festival specials offered by The One Elm (Guild Street; including 2 for 1 on main meals on Monday) and The Townhouse (Church Street).

Which streets are closed to public traffic?

For 2019’s Stratford Festival of Motoring, the following streets are closed and will be hosting car displays: Wood Street, Meer Street, Henley Street, Union Street, Bridge Street, Waterside, Sheep Street and High Street. There are also displays in Rother Street Market Square and Bell Court.

More info on the Stratford Festival of Motoring

Festival patron, motoring journalist and TV presenter Quentin Willson, said: “2019 will carry on the tradition of a friendly, all-encompassing, and un-sniffy event in the heart of historic Stratford-upon-Avon. We’d love to see cars of all types – from that 1970s Allegro through to Ferraris and historic Jaguars. And we’re certain to see a lot of minis as 2019 is the 60th anniversary of Alec Issigonis’ landmark creation.”

For information on getting into Stratford-upon-Avon and car parking, visit Stratford-upon-Avon: the basics.

Sign up to get the latest Stratfordblog posts on email and make the most of your time in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Information correct at date of publication