UGP Classic car and motorbike parade is a ‘wheely’ big success!

August 7, 2019

Lisburn City Old Vehicle Club’s (LCOVC) Classic Car and Motorbike Parade stepped up a gear on Monday 5 August with one of its biggest turnouts to date. Over 122 classic and vintage cars and 68 motorbikes joined Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council at Lagan Valley Island, raising £1,665.46 for the Mayor’s charity, Air Ambulance NI.

The event was a successful start to the fonaCAB UGP 2019 Bike Week and is the first of many events taking place this week before the final day of racing at the Dundrod Circuit on Saturday 10 August.

Visitors enjoyed the wide variety of vehicles on display, which included some dated as far back as the 1920s. A cavalcade of classic cars and motorbikes then left Lagan Valley Island for a parade lap through Lisburn City Centre before travelling to the Dundrod Circuit.

Chairman of the council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee, Alderman James Tinsley, joined the cavalcade as a passenger in a Bentley owned by LCOVC member, Reg Bell of Spa. While the Mayor and Mayoress of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Alan and Mrs Elizabeth Givan, were driven to Dundrod in a 1960 Rolls Royce owned by Brian Grant of Ballinderry.

Alderman James Tinsley said: “It was fantastic to see the spectacular display of so many classic vehicles. I am delighted that this event attracted a high participation of car and motorcycle enthusiasts, with many residents joining us to see the cars and bikes up close and appreciate the nostalgia of years gone by.”

The Mayor added: “I’m pleased that so many people came and supported this event, helping to raise much needed funds for my chosen charity this year – Air Ambulance NI. This money will go a long way in delivering critical care in emergency situations to people across Northern Ireland. I’d like to thank everyone who took part and gave so generously, as well as LCOVC who organised another fantastic event as part of Bike Week.”

Bike week is currently running to Saturday 10th August, with international road racing taking place on Thursday 8th and Saturday 10th August.  To purchase an entry wristband for the event please visit www.ulstergrandprix.net.