THE rich motoring history in and around Bromyard is to be celebrated.

An inaugural Bromyard Speed Festival event will take place in the town on Sunday, April 3 and will focus on Bromyard as the birthplace of the Morgan Motoring Company.

Around 100 to 120 historic, vintage and public interest vehicles relevant to Bromyard will take part in a street parade through the town centre, from the Town Square on Broad Street, returning via Rowberry Street. Each class of 10 to 12 vehicles will drive around the circuit for between 15 and 20 minutes, with commentary provided from a public address system.

And when not on parade, the cars will be held in paddocks in the town’s two main car parks where they will be open for the public to view.

Trade stands and other attractions will also be provided.

“Bromyard and its immediate locality has been linked to the British Motor Industry since the birth of the motorcar,” said Tony May, press officer for the Bromyard Speed Festival.

“The chairmen of the Austin, Bean and Morgan motor manufacturers all lived in the surrounding parishes and frequented this attractive market town.

“Automotive engineering was first started in Bromyard by the Pettifer family, who manufactured chassis components for the iconic Morgan Three Wheeler in 1910, prior to the building of the Malvern factories.

“For this, our first year, Morgan, who are proud to be the world’s oldest privately owned motor manufacturer, will be featured, in line with their special association with Bromyard.

“Morgan Cars will have a major presence with specific classes dedicated to this ever popular marque, as well as a factory display in Market Square.

“There will be a class for Morgan cars through the ages and a separate class for competition Morgan cars. In addition, Morgan will be celebrating 80 years of the Morgan 4/4 Series, creating a record for the longest production run for any single car model.”

Around 2,500 visitors are expected on the day, with the event taking place between 10am and 4.30pm.

For more information about the festival, including how to enter a vehicle, please visit bromyardspeedfestival.co.uk.