A popular event that some members have attended for a number of years to be held on Sunday 28th July. If five or more members’ cars are attending, we can park together as a club. Phil will need to receive confirmation of those wishing to attend ASAP as demand for exhibitor places is high. I have now received the club entry pack. NOTE: There is no minimum age cut-off for vehicles if displaying as a club. Phil will be collecting entry fees of £8 per car from now until mid-May as we will need to get the entry in quickly to claim our pitch. There is an outside chance of entry on the day at £13 per car but this is not guaranteed.

From the event website:

TOWC organises the Riviera Classic Car Show in late July every year on the first Sunday of the Paignton Festival, which lasts for 9 days.  The Festival was formerly called Torbay Carnival and has been held since 1908. It was given its new name in 2016 and still includes the Torbay Carnival procession on the Wednesday evening. The show is an important part of the Festival week and was first held by us in 1994. It raises funds for the Festival, which are used entirely to support local charities and community organisations. In 2022 we were proud to donate £7,000, bringing the running total raised to well over £66,000. Amazingly, almost half of this has been since 2016.

​The Show takes place on the north section of Paignton Green, alongside the beach and Paignton Pier. 

There have been some changes to the layout of the show in recent years. Originally the whole of the Green was available, but things began to change in about 2009.  Firstly a seasonal license was granted by the local council to a roller coaster ride located on the site from July to September which reduced the space.  Then in 2012 a large new adventure playground opened on the adjacent middle green.  This meant that there was no longer room there for the marquees and stage which are part of the Festival.  The only option was to re-site them on the North Green, further reducing the space left for the vehicle display. But it’s not all negative, as you’ll see. 

With the current layout the show is more a part of the Festival than ever.  The display of fabulous vehicles is complemented by stage entertainment through the day, food outlets, a craft marquee and licensed bar.  We’re still able to accommodate around 400 vehicles and the result is a unique event which has developed its own very special relaxed and friendly atmosphere.  Such is its popularity that we now have exhibitors bringing their vehicles from over much of England and South Wales, and bookings for spaces are full some months in advance.  Some of our entries are individuals, whilst we also have clubs taking their own stand spaces. The range of vehicles is something to behold.  There are a few rare examples from the early part of the 1900s, lots of classics from the 50s to 70s or even a bit later.  There’s also a sprinkling of modern custom and supercars, commercial vehicles, scooters and motorbikes.

The show site is right at the heart of one of the most popular and busiest parts of Torbay and is always enjoyed by families on holiday as well as locals who make a point of visiting us every year. With so much to see and do, it’s a great day out for all the family. The site postcode is TQ4 6BW.

Riviera Classic Car Show | Paignton Festival | Torbay Old Wheels Club (towc.club)