CUMBRIA'S international motor show will nearly double in size when it returns this year.

The Elite Sports and Performance Car Club's annual event arrives on Sunday May 14, and will welcome more of the world's finest vehicles than ever before.

The site at Westmorland Show Ground, just off Junction 36 of the M6, has been increased in size for 2017, meaning that there will be close to twice as many top cars on display.

Not just a car show though, the event - now in its sixth year - is a major attraction for families across the north of England, with entertainment and leading traders' stalls also filling the field.

Club director and event organiser David Robinson says: "It has nearly doubled in size since last year, so where some dealerships were bringing two cars, now they're bringing four and a hospitality suite.


"It was wonderful last year, and couldn't really have gone any better. I remember looking at the site this time last year and wondering if we could fill it - now I'm thinking it might be a struggle to fit everything in!"

There will be millions of pounds worth of motors on show, with sports car dealerships such as Porsche and Tesla will be bringing a clutch of their finest models, and new for 2017 will be the Dream Car Garage - a paddock of 30 supercars, featuring the likes of Lamborghini, Ferrari, Aston Martin and many more.

As well as an array of children's entertainment, the Game store will be in attendance with their Virtual Reality unit, and a talk from author Dr Keith Mitchell - an expert on Bluebird and Donald Campbell's record-breaking attempts.

For those that prefer two wheels, there will be an opportunity to test out new electric motorbikes, and Barrow road racer Danny Shaw will be bringing his brand-new Ducati 959 Panigale, which he will be using in the support class for the British Superbikes this season.

Music this year comes from leading South Cumbrian acoustic duo Paper Cranes, who have played all over the UK and at some of the region's top festivals, with Megan Doherty returning after a well-received appearance last year, and young Kendal musician Michael Elliott also featuring.
David Robinson

David continues: "I think that a lot of people in the car world already know about the show, and even though it still feels like early days, this year's show is really impressive.

"Porsche, for example, are bringing their hospitality stage, which will be the first time it's been in the north as it very rarely leaves Silverstone - it shows off the best of their range, and the fact that's coming is incredible.

"But ever since our first show I've wanted it to be not just about the cars, but a lifestyle event. People come here for a full day out, and they travel from all over the place to the show.

"I've always been a big believer in the saying that you need to learn to walk before you can run, but the amount of people that are wanting to come means that we are expanding each year.

"There's a lot of work to do before May, but I can't wait."

The event runs from 11am to 5pm on Sunday May 14 at Westmorland Show Ground, and tickets are available in advance from the Brewery Arts Centre box office in Kendal, or from the Evening Mail office, in Abbey Road, Barrow.

Alternatively, visit www.espcarclub.co.uk for ticket details and to register your own car for the event.