A family fuelled day out

Organisers of Classic Stony are gearing up for their biggest ever event to mark its 15th birthday. Sammy Jones belted up and discovered more about the journey so far…

Classic car fans will be driven crazy with 100s of examples parked up for inspection at the event which unites the community and makes for a fabulous, free day out.

Described as ‘a festival of all things motoring,’ Classic Stony will get everyone revved up on June 2, consuming the whole of the picturesque old town with some wheelie terrific cars and bikes.

“It is a relaxed, informal free day out for the family and car and bike fans, run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts,” said event spokesman Adrian Cole, “There is always something quirky and interesting to see – from a Henry Ford Model T from the roaring 20s to a time travelling replica of the DeLorean car from Back to the Future, which isn’t quite an official ‘classic’ but is great fun and always proves popular.”

The event – a sister to the annual New Year’s Day Vintage Stony show which attracts more than 400 cars and bikes – will be inviting visitors to look to the sky this time too.

“We are mindful that within a week of our event the nation will be coming together to remember the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings so we have asked the Lancaster Bomber from WW2 memorial fleet to fly over the festival as a small contribution towards recognising the importance of the landings to the country,” Adrian said.

Classic Stony was founded by Stony Stratford Business Association members Ray Cobley and Andrew Freestone, themselves keen car and bike enthusiasts and – pandemic aside – it has been a staple event ever since.

Sadly, Andrew passed away a few years ago but his invaluable contribution to the event is remembered with the Best in Show trophy named in his honour. Today, the committee of volunteers is headed by event chair David Storer, and the numbers of visitors and participants keeps on rising.

Attending doesn’t incur an entry fee, but everyone is invited to dig deep for loose change and those crinkly bits of paper for charity.
“Thanks to our sponsors and the general public, to date Classic Stony has raised more than £100,000 for Willen Hospice, and we look forward to adding to that figure this year,” Adrian added.

The event also steers the economy too, with local businesses opening their doors to hungry and thirsty visitors. Whether you want to do a spot of shopping, grab a lunch or have a swift half, you’ll have plenty of choices.

Classic Stony happens as part of the established Stony Live Week of entertainment in the town, and the Market Square stage will deliver live music across the day.

“Stony Stratford is a great place to have a coffee, or something a bit stronger, and a bite to eat, so you can spend the day with us, enjoying all that the event and the town has to offer.

“We can promise you a fun, relaxed time and the chance to enjoy some amazing cars, bikes and military vehicles and you can speak to their owners. It might even inspire you to start your own journey with classic modes of transport,” he added, “The only thing we can’t guarantee is fine weather, but that’s what windscreen wipers are for!”

Classic Stony will run from 9.30am-4pm on Sunday, June 2.
If you would like to display your vehicle, prices start from just £5. Visit classicstony.co.uk for more information.