Nostalgia Night Starts the Ulster Grand Prix

August 8, 2018

The Classic Car & Bike Rally was once again a successful start to the MCE Insurance UGP Bike Week when over 116 classic and vintage cars and 65 motorcycles joined Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and the Lisburn City Old Vehicle Club (LCOVC) on Monday 6th August at Lagan Valley Island.

£1,375 was raised in entry fees from the participants for the Mayoral Charity, Cancer Fund for Children.  There was also a bucket collection on the night. A cheque will be presented to the Mayor, Councillor Uel Mackin in due course for the overall total by LCOVC. 

The cavalcade of vintage and classic cars along with motorcycles left Lagan Valley Island for a Parade Lap through Lisburn City Centre before travelling on to the Dundrod Circuit.  The Mayor joined the cavalcade as a passenger in LCOVC member, Norman Watts’ Alvis car.  The vehicles then remained on display at the UGP Paddock at Dundrod.

Alderman Paul Porter, Chairman of the Council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee, speaking about the enjoyable evening, said: “It was great to see the spectacular display of so many vintage and classic vehicles at Lagan Valley Island.  I am delighted that this event attracted a high participation of car and motorcycle enthusiasts to mark the start of the Ulster Grand Prix.  Alongside the participants many residents came along to see the cars and bikes up close and join myself and the Mayor as we started them on their journey to the UGP circuit.

“It was lovely to meet old friends and make new ones as I walked around the site. This local event marked the start of the 2018 MCE Insurance UGP Bike Week, which will see many of the world’s leading road racers come to the Dundrod Circuit in the Lisburn Castlereagh area to experience the world's oldest road race course.  On behalf of the Council I wish everyone a successful and safe UGP experience,” concluded Alderman Paul Porter.

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council would like to remind all spectators attending the Ulster Grand Prix this year to travel safely and ‘Keep the Race in Its Place’.