The Father’s Day CD – LIVE!

I know Father’s Day has been and gone but…

Remember that rock CD you bought your dad at some stage for him to play when he went out driving with those white leather gloves you’d bought him the year before, and wearing the flat cap from the year before that?

Well now you can actually hear some of them play whilst enjoying some hot car action too at the Silverstone Classic Festival powered by The AA from 20-22 July. Taking place at the world famous Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire just two weeks after the Santander Formula 1 British Grand Prix, the Silverstone Classic is already established as the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival – but with live rock concerts plus a host of other attractions all included in the ticket price.

So that metalheads and petrolheads all together.

“Whether you’re a Glastonbury regular searching for an alternative style of festival or a hardcore motoring enthusiast, the Silverstone Classic has it all,” according to event director Nick Wigley. “By day there’s the glorious roar of some of the world’s finest V8 and V12 engines and then by night the magic of hard driving guitar licks – could there be a more perfect way to spend a weekend? The unique ‘Rocking and Racing’ formula is proving a real hit with the fans and we’ve increased our camping options this year to accommodate the growing number staying at Silverstone throughout the festival.”

Sounds a bit heavy doesn’t it? But looking at the musicline-up only emphasises this!

In previous years there has been Wishbone Ash, Suzi Quatro, Santana, 10cc and the Yardbirds, so there is a lot to live up to this year.

So no pressure then on this year’s performers.

Friday night sees the Taking Care of Elvis Show, rated as one of the best tributes to the ‘King’, Elvis Presley, followed by Roy G Hemmings’ Motown Show. The name may not seem that familiar but the fact that he was one of the original Drifters and that he will be performing many unforgettable chart-topping hits from the likes of The Supremes, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder will bring back memories.

And then the headliners are Mike & Mechanics, fronted by Mike Rutherford, a founding member of ‘prog rock’ giant Genesis and featuring ‘Cuddly Toy’ hitmaker Andrew Roachford.

On Saturday you can rock out to Snakecharmer – a twin guitar supergroup formed by ex-members of Whitesnake – and the Bogus Brothers, one of Europe’s top party bands, before Adam Ant stands and delivers some Ant Music. Get those white stripes ready!.

In addition, the exciting new AA World automotive theme park will boast its own live music shows, while the all-female Tetra Electra Quartet will perform amplified arrangements of classical favourites on Sunday afternoon.

Buying a ticket for any day (or all three) will get you access to race paddocks, trackside grandstands and the live rock concerts and also AA World’s interactive driving experiences, along with a vast number of other attractions.

There are special track parades and displays featuring more than 7000 classic cars, a vintage fun fair (which seems to be de riguer these days) , go-karts, aerial displays with wing walkers, the Parachute Regiment ‘The Red Devils’, hot air balloons, Punch and Judy shows (still going and celebrating after 350 years), Street Car Shootouts and an off-road zone featuring rally and 4×4 passenger rides.

You could even have a massage or a manicure to fit in nicely with the multitude or denim jackets and patches on display as you browse through more than 200 exhibitors presenting a wide range of automobilia, art and photography, autojumble plus gifts for everyone.

And did I mention the food and drink stalls?

To meet the demand or a festival experience there is a wide choice of on-site camping and ‘glamping’ options ranging from tent pitches on the fully serviced circuit-side Woodlands Campsite to unique Snoozebox accommodation; these provide modern and stylish rooms complete with flat screen television, double bed, free WiFi and air conditioning.

Full details are available via the event’s official www.silverstoneclassic.com website.

Rock’n’race is in the house!