Oakham & Rutland News: Classic Wheels Makes a Triumphant Return to Rutland Showground, Oakham, Rutland, Photographs

17 May 2026

Classic Wheels Makes a Triumphant Return to Rutland Showground, Oakham, Rutland, Photographs

By Martin Brookes

The sound of roaring V8 engines and the gleam of impeccably polished chrome took over the Rutland Showground today as Classic Wheels made its highly anticipated return.

Far from just a standard, static vehicle display, today’s event delivered a full-throttle celebration of engineering history and deep-seated personal passion. From early morning onwards, the spacious grounds filled with an eclectic mix of machinery spanning decades and continents. Walking through the vast rows of exhibits felt like stepping directly into a time machine, with more than a thousand meticulously maintained vehicles offering a rich timeline of motoring heritage to satisfy every imaginable taste.

In one corner of the field, impeccably restored vintage automobiles from the golden age of motoring took center stage, reminding attendees of an era when cars were as much about artistic craftsmanship as they were about basic transport. Nearby, the atmosphere shifted to the high-horsepower spirit of American muscle, where the popular "Big Boy Toys" section delivered heavy-duty chrome, iconic silhouettes, and massive, rumbling engines from across the Atlantic.

The diversity extended well beyond traditional four-wheelers. Two-wheel legends enjoyed a massive turnout today, showcasing everything from sleek, retro urban scooters to rugged, custom-built motorcycles.

Classic Wheels proved to be a multi-generational, full-day experience by seamlessly blending automotive excellence with a stellar lineup of live entertainment. Music fans gathered around the main stage all afternoon to enjoy a wave of nostalgic sounds. Motown and Northern Soul star Malcolm Fovargue teamed up with Soul Sister Sandra. Later, the crowd laced up their dancing shoes as The Rewinders took the stage. The powerhouse four-piece band, featuring former members of Edison Lighthouse, The Berries, and The Yarebeats, had the showground twisting and shouting to a vibrant medley of iconic 1960s hits.

The excitement wasn't just contained to the ground displays, as the skies and the main arena provided their own high-octane thrills. Visitors kept their eyes firmly glued upward for a Spitfire flypast courtesy of the legendary Battle of Britain Memorial Flight team. Adrenaline levels spiked during the Extreme Bike Battle. This stunt show fused multiple cycling and motorcycling disciplines into an ultimate action spectacle, where world-class performers pushed their physical limits to execute jaw-dropping tricks and flips that left the crowd completely spellbound.