Much-loved Vauxhall, Bedford and Opel cars, trucks and vans on display at Mid-Suffolk Showground

Stonham Barns Park – one of Suffolk’s premier leisure, retail and holiday destinations – has hosted a brand-new show for 2024.

The Vauxfest 2024 event moved from Northampton to Stonham Barns Park and it showcased Vauxhall, Bedford and Opel cars, trucks and vans on the Mid-Suffolk showground (on 22 and 23 June).

Show organisers, Richard Watt and John Ankerman, have been delighted with the move to Suffolk.  Richard explains: ‘Vauxfest is a big show with lots of excitement around the Vauxhall, Bedford and Opel marques with models past and present. As Vauxhall and Opel are one of the oldest established vehicle manufacturers and distribution companies, its cars and vehicles are much collected and sought after by the everyone.  We have families who come to our shows year on year and this show we attracted new Vauxhall, Bedford and Opel followers from the East of England. Once a Vauxhall, Bedford and Opel owner, always an enthusiast.  It’s always a much-loved family marque and it’s good to get the families all together to celebrate it!’

‘It was another great Vauxfest event, this time held for the very first time at Stonham Barns Park in Suffolk.  We had everything from a Lotus Carlton to a Cavalier Mk1 and everything in between.  A good time was had by all who took the time to attend.’

Vauxhall branded vehicles – with the classic advertising phrase Once Driven Forever Smitten – are still produced in the UK as well as in Opel factories in Germany, Spain and Poland.

Lifelong Vauxhall enthusiasts’ father and son David J Walker from Hitcham, and David F Walker from Cockfield, in Suffolk attended the show. They have followed the brand since David senior worked for a Vauxhall dealership in Stowmarket.  The family own a total of 23 Vauxhall cars and are still actively collecting.

As well as the display of vehicles, there was a Trader’s Area and Autojumble to add to the activities over the weekend.