Mega Wheels Car Show

There was a distinct buzz in the air in and around Newchurch over the weekend of the 26th and 27th April as the Mega Wheels Car Show rolled into town for a second year running.

The now fully established event was once again held on the Garlic Festival site along the main Sandown to Newport road. In addition to harbouring a huge gathering of vintage and classic vehicles, this year's event also boasted several new attractions, including a beer tent, live musical performances from local artists, helicopter trips and extended funfair rides to help keep the youngsters happy.

Mega Wheels roar into action

Whether a budding car enthusiast or inquisitive spectator, you couldn't fail to be have been amazed by the sheer variety of wheel-based appliances on display at Mega Wheels. Representations from every walk and era of life packed the grassy terrain - including vintage buses and lorries, steam vehicles, tractors, cranes, electric bikes, police cars, fire engines and even exhibits from the Isle of Wight Military History Museum.

If you were feeling flush, new car sales were available from Island-based groups Snows BMW, Harwoods Renault and Fiat. The event also provided a hands-on opportunity for residents to promote and sell their used cars, bypassing a succession of telephone calls from interested parties by taking the vehicle straight to them! The makeshift forecourts were engaged with bargain-hunters from 10am right through until when the gates closed at 5:30pm.

High-speed rally cars, smashed-up graffiti-clad vehicles and previous contenders in banger racing exploits were also present, as were the latest in modern-day motoring, including the 'boy racer' fraternity with their sleek exteriors and nifty gadgets. Isle of Wight group Demon Cars put on a fine display of modified motors tuned to suit individual specifications, which proved popular with younger visitors to the show.

Car Clubs chip in to champion a common craze

Other Island and mainland car/bike clubs to contribute to and feature at the Mega Wheels Car Show ranged from the Chopper Club, Towrags Trike & Bike Club IOW, the IOW Car Club, Nein H20 Bug Club, the Harley Davidson Riders Club of Great Britain, the IOW 4x4 Club, Vectis Historic Vehicles Club, IOW Jaguar Enthusiasts Club, Heart & Soul Scooter Club, Wight Classics Car Hire and the No1 American Auto Club UK.

Grass-tracking experts CRASH were also present, as were the IOW Ford RS Owners Club, Rolls Royce and Daimler and Bentley Motor Cars.

John Reynolds Island 4X4 Trailer Centre, Sydenhams, ITS diggers, the Way Ahead School of Motoring represented local businesses and the Shedman from Wootton had a four-wheel surprise to reveal! A bright red shed on wheels that bragged a luxury summerhouse veranda on the back - superb for relaxing and taking in some of the summer sunshine enjoyed by attendees on the Saturday of the event.

All other exhibits were provided for display by local car enthusiasts, who were only too keen to be a part of one of the biggest vehicle gatherings ever to be seen on the Isle of Wight.

Drive for distinction

Another unique highlight of the weekend was the Mega Wheels Ale created by Island Ales in honour of the two-day gathering of motorcar devotees. Along with Ventnor Brewery, they served the very best in local refreshments in the popular beer tent. This was also the hot spot for entertainment with favourite local reggae singer/songwriter Derek Sandy cheering the crowds on Saturday lunchtime with his upbeat lyrics and cheery personality.

For those who found themselves sheltering from the showers on Sunday, the beer tent housed a selection of fascinating Island photographs and newspaper cuttings from days gone by. Other tents and stands offered the chance to purchase or browse through a variety of motor vehicle memorabilia, including toy cars, tee shirts, time-honoured collectables and practical car gadgets. A giant scalextric kept audiences of all ages entertained and the abundance of men queuing up to have a go on the Mad 4 Motorsport remote control petrol cars certainly proved that you're never to old to enjoy playing with mini-motors!

Local food was available from Brook's very own Dunsbury Lamb, along with other familiar catering establishments from Isle of Orange, Dr Beans coffee to The Plaza ice cream.

The event was organised by the Garlic Festival Ltd in conjunction with Isle of Wight Radio, who could be heard broadcasting live across the Island's airwaves throughout the duration of the weekend.

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