ORGANISERS have announced changes to the route for one of the county's biggest and best-loved events, the annual Ipswich to Felixstowe Historic Vehicle Run.

ORGANISERS have announced changes to the route for one of the county's biggest and best-loved events, the annual Ipswich to Felixstowe Historic Vehicle Run.

Nearly 600 veteran cars, motorcycles, trucks and buses will take part in the rally on Sunday and crowds are expected to line the streets to see the vehicles en route, and 20,000 visit them before they set off and on the prom at Felixstowe.

The event, sponsored by Ipswich Buses, has had to change its format slightly because of the improvements work in Christchurch Park and sea defence repairs in Felixstowe.

Event organiser Viv Carter said: “In Felixstowe, we will be going to the promenade by two routes which diverge at Garrison Lane, then entering the prom at both ends with vehicles parking the full length of the sea front against the promenade wall.

“After successfully introducing a new route out of Ipswich in 2007, we have decided to continue to leave Christchurch Park via Westerfield road, leading on to Colchester road before regaining the traditional way out of Ipswich in Heath Road.”

The vehicles all have to be over 33 years old to take part.

Star attractions this year include two Stanley Steam powered cars built in 1922, while the oldest are Leon and Panhard cars of 1897.

In contrast the newest cars were built in 1975 and include familiar types such as a Ford Cortina, a Triumph Stag and a Mercedes 280. There are also 30 commercial vehicles, twenty buses, military vehicles and motorcycles.

Mr Carter said: “We hope everyone understands the route changes - necessary to accommodate a bumper 600 vehicle entry.

“We reckon our show is the biggest free event in Suffolk, with no public admission charges. The Ipswich Transport Museum is very grateful for the support of this year's sponsor, Ipswich Buses, without their support it would be very difficult to put on such a massive free event.”

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FASTFACTS: On the road

Vehicles will begin arriving in Christchurch Park from 9.30am and admission is free for people wanting to have close-up look.

They will set off for Felixstowe at 11.30am, with the first expected to line up on the prom from around 12.15pm.

The run leaves by the park's Westerfield Road gate, and will go via Colchester Road, Bixley Road and Heath Road to head out to the coast.

At Felixstowe, the pre war cars and all large vehicles will reach the prom via High Road and Maybush Lane, while all other vehicles will use Garrison Lane, Langer Road and Orford Road.