Classic car show 2026 hailed as the “best ever yet”

A total of 356 vehicles were on display, with an estimated 20,000 visitors attending throughout the day to admire the stunning collection of classic vehicles, enjoy live music and refreshments, and soak up the atmosphere of one of the district's most popular free events. 

Organised by Harborough Live Events in partnership with Harborough District Council, the show featured vehicles dating from as early as 1900 through to 1990. 

Visitors were treated to an impressive array of marques including Fiat, Plymouth, Ford, Triumph, Riley, Dodge, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, alongside many rare and unusual vehicles and motorcycles, all lovingly maintained and restored by their owners. 

Steve Crook, event organiser, said: “Thank you to everyone who came along and supported what has to be one of the best classic car shows in the East Midlands. The quality of the vehicles on display, and the distance some owners have travelled to be here, is testament to the fantastic reputation this event has within the classic car community. It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces among both visitors and vehicle owners.” 

Vehicles were displayed throughout the town centre, helping to create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. With local shops, cafés and businesses opening their doors to visitors, the event brought a significant boost to the town and showcased Market Harborough at its very best. 

Adding to the excitement, charitable organisation Sporting Bears Motor Club attended the event and offered passenger rides in a range of performance vehicles, including a Ferrari, Ariel Atom and AC Cobra, in exchange for donations. The group raised more than £2,500 to support children's charities across the UK. 

A team of judges faced the difficult task of selecting winners from the outstanding vehicles on display across six award categories.  

Chairman of Harborough District Council, Cllr Buddy Anderson, attended the event to present the awards. 

Award winners were as follows: 

• Best in Show - Harley-Davidson motorcycle, Slobodan Carrovic 
• Best in Show (runner up) - Triumph GT6, Craig Morrow  
• Pride of Ownership - Vanden Plas, John Washington 
• Best Classic Vehicle (pre-1940) - Riley, Craig Ainge  
• Best Classic Vehicle (post-1940) - AC Cobra, Mark Bennett 
• Steffan’s Best Car in Show - Porsche, Geoff Royle 

Cllr Buddy Anderson said: “What an impressive display at this year's Market Harborough Classic Car Show. Once again, it proved to be a hugely popular event, attracting visitors from across the region and bringing our community together. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this the most successful year yet.” 

Following the success of this year's event, planning is already underway for the 2027 classic car show, with organisers hoping to build on another record-breaking year. 

More photographs from the event can be viewed on the Visit Harborough Facebook page: 
https://www.facebook.com/VisitHarborough