It’s been twenty five years since the very first historic festival at Silverstone, and the 2015 edition of the Silverstone Classic (24-26 July) celebrated the Silver Jubilee in record-breaking fashion.
On the first day, the rain failed to deter enthusiasts as the show began its 25th birthday celebrations. Things kicked off with a high-octane blend of fast-and-furious track action and family-friendly track side entertainment.
Thousands of hardy fans turned out in force to enjoy 14 qualifying sessions and a well-received ‘Legends of Modern Formula One’ demonstration – a new feature for 2015, bringing together iconic cars raced by the likes of multiple world champions Michael Schumacher and Nelson Piquet.
For those who attended on Saturday, wall-to-wall sunshine marked a welcome contrast from Friday’s conditions and it set the scene for 11 rip-roaring races and two demonstrations featuring cars spanning the past century.
The on-track thrills ‘n’ spills were enjoyed by a record single-day crowd, putting the event well on-track to break through the 100,000 barrier over the weekend for the first time in its quarter-century history.
The racing was complemented by a wide array of off-track entertainment including a sensational Spitfire aerial display – to commemorate the 75th year since the Battle of Britain – the JET Village Green, Adrenaline Zone, Giant Wheel, ever-popular 2CV Tin Snail Challenge and a headlining evening set from rock legends Status Quo.
On the Sunday, the return of the rain failed to dampen the mood of the fans who turned up, as the 25th anniversary of the Silverstone Classic came to a close with a riot of racing on a distinctly unseasonal summer’s day.
In celebration of the event’s huge milestone, a special Silver Sunday Parade brought together more than 200 silver cars from Land Rovers to Lexus’, MGs to Mercedes and Saabs to Ssangyongs – the Classic’s official car partner – on the hallowed Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit.
In addition to the Retro Run and other anniversary parades over the course of the weekend, that meant almost 1,500 privately-owned road cars took to the track, whilst fittingly at the legendary ‘Home of British Motor Sport’, the packed programme of racing delivered victories for iconic British marques Jaguar, Lotus and Aston Martin.
I can honestly say the Silverstone Classic 25 was one of, if not the best car show I’ve ever attended. Whilst it was unfortunate that the weather was less than ideal on the Friday and Sunday, the organisers and those who attended the show, more than made up for this fact.
The quality of cars that were involved in the racing were phenomenal and this high standard was also maintained for the show cars that were on display throughout the huge 800 acre playground that is the Silverstone circuit.
The attendance from the wide array of owners clubs should be applauded, and there really was something for everyone with almost every marque under the sun well represented. The huge amount of family-friendly off-track activities was also really well put together and would have made a great day out for any family that had an interest in cars or aviation.
If you’ve never been to Silverstone Classic before, I’d highly recommend you free up some space on your calender for next years event, the date of which will be announced later this year.
To see our full gallery of pics from Silverstone Classic 25 click here.
