CHANGES have been made to the route of this year's historic vehicle run from Ipswich to Felixstowe - because of the refurbishment work taking place in Christchurch Park.
CHANGES have been made to the route of this year's historic vehicle run from Ipswich to Felixstowe - because of the refurbishment work taking place in Christchurch Park.
There will also be some changes to the event when it reaches the seaside - where it is expected to attract 20,000 people to see the huge range of vintage vehicles - because of repair work to the prom.
More than 600 veteran cars, motorcycles, trucks and buses will take part in the 37th annual Ipswich to Felixstowe Historic Vehicle Run on Sunday May 6.
Rally organiser Viv Carter said: “Vehicles will travel along Westerfield Road, Colchester Road, Bixley Road and Heath Road, avoiding the town centre as we cannot use the Sloane Street exit to Christchurch Park.
“In Felixstowe, we will be using the pier car park as principle entrance to the promenade instead of Maybush lane, and vehicles will park the full length of the seafront.
“Following consultation with the local councils, car clubs and police we decided to change the established route, mainly as a result of changes in Christchurch Park.
“It should also reduce traffic congestion in the Woodbridge Road area of Ipswich.”
The run, sponsored by Debach Enterprises, is organised by volunteers from the Ipswich Transport Museum
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 vehicles all have to be over 32 years old to take part in the event. Star attractions this year include two Stanley Steam powered cars built in 1922, while the oldest vehicle taking part will be a 1913 built Foden steam lorry.
In contrast the newest cars are a Ford Cortina and a Triumph Stag built in 1975.
The Mayor of Ipswich will inspect vehicles in Christchurch Park, where they gather from 9.30am, before they depart for Felixstowe at noon. The first vehicles are expected to line up on Felixstowe promenade from around 12.45pm.
What do you think of the route changes? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk
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