SUFFOLK is set to host Britain's biggest car cruise.The massive event, which will bring thousands of hot rod and customised car owners to the county, is set to be a big money-spinner for traders.

SUFFOLK is set to host Britain's biggest car cruise.

The massive event, which will bring thousands of hot rod and customised car owners to the county, is set to be a big money-spinner for traders.

And cruising into the county along with the cars will be 70's rock band Slade to entertain the thousands of visitors set to turn up.

Tourism chiefs have been negotiating for months to host the 30th anniversary of the Street Rod Nationals and preparations are well in hand.

The event – to be held over the Bank Holiday weekend of August 27-30 – will see thousands of wild and wonderful vehicles converge on the county from all over the country and Europe.

They will be based at the 250-acre Suffolk Showground on the edge of Ipswich, and the rally will include up to 400 of them taking part in a car run to Felixstowe and a parade on the prom.

The event is organised by the National Association of Street Clubs (NASC), an umbrella organisation for smaller Hot Rod, American and dragster car clubs.

Chairman Mark Ashman said it would be "four days of Hot Rod heaven".

He said: "We have members all over the world and the event will be attended by people from all over Britain and some from Europe.

"It's the biggest event we hold each year and everyone is really looking forward to it, and hope that we will be bringing this event not just this year but for many years to come.

"The cars are a fantastic sight – many British ones as well as American and unusual ones. They are the owners' pride and joy and people spend hours, as well as a small fortune, on them – it's an obsession."

Much of the weekend's event are for NASC members only and will include live bands and a host of other activities.

On the Sunday there will be a Show 'n' Shine event when the public are able to visit to see the cars, enjoy fairground rides, an art exhibition, children's activities, and a host of other attractions.

The Saturday will see 300 to 400 of the cars making their way to Felixstowe, lining up on the prom for the afternoon for the public to enjoy and meet the owners and find out more about the cars and the work involved in customising.

Mr Ashman said: "The local council and tourist board have been fantastic and local traders on the seafront I have spoken to have greeted us with open arms.

"This warm and enthusiastic welcome has made me more sure than ever that bringing the nationals to Felixstowe and making Suffolk our new home was the right decision."

WEBLINK: www.rodandcustom.co.uk