2004 ‘FESTIVAL OF MOTORSPORT’ AT AINTREEFriday 19 to Sunday 21 November, Aintree Racecourse, Merseyside, UK
This year’s Festival of Motorsport at Aintree Racecourse, organised by marketing company CCUK Media celebrates 50 years of ‘The Liverpool Circuit’ motor racing facility within the course, and raises money for three local charities. Hosted by Stirling Moss, Tony Brooks and Roy Salvadori, the event takes place on Friday 19 to Sunday 21 November.
On the Friday, a range of motorsports takes over the entire Aintree facility, including the 20,000 capacity stands, hospitality suites, and historic Grand Prix Track. On the Saturday and Sunday, motorsport meets horsepower for an afternoon of static displays combined with the traditional steeplechasing for which Aintree is renowned!
Unlike the Grand National, the Festival of Motorsport is non-competitive. However, for a small fee, guests can bring a vehicle and drive it at speed on the 3 Mile Grand Prix Circuit for the first time in 20 years – to the day! The circuit was first used in 1954 and last in Nov 1984 for The Lombard RAC International Rally.
The Festival of Motorsport offers fun for all the family. Attractions include exhibitions, competitions and displays; colourful parades; vintage, historic, and contemporary vehicles; shopping for racing enthusiasts; games, and a crèche for younger visitors.
The event also provides corporate hospitality options. Two gala dinners, hosted by Stirling Moss, celebrate the occasion and help raise funds for local charities - Liverpool Habitat for Humanity, Give a Child a Chance, and the Echo Sunrise Fund. The VIP Legends Dinner on Friday 19 (£1,000 for table of 12 / £100 for individual ticket) features a champagne reception, a silent auction of motorsport memorabilia, and spectacular prizes. It is followed on Saturday 20 by the Enthusiast Dinner (£490 for table of 12).
Gary Millar of CCUK Media comments: “We’re putting Aintree back on the map as a venue for motoring events throughout the year, rather than simply home of the Grand National. Our aim is to run the Festival annually and, ultimately, reopen the circuit for motor racing. In 1954, a journalist from the Daily Telegraph wrote, ‘Aintree – a Mecca of motor sport’. To revisit this 50 years on would be a poignant and fitting achievement!”
The major names in motoring - Bentley, Mercedes, Jaguar Racing, MG, Austin Healey, TVR, Lotus, etc. – are confirmed as attending this year’s Festival of Motorsport. The event will be the first of five annual Festivals, leading up to 2008.
Those who are interested in sponsorship and hospitality packages or bringing a vehicle to the event should visit afms.info or contact Mike Ashcroft on 07821 230961 / email mja@afms.info.
