Over 6,500 people attended the first ever Pentillie Festival of Speed in the Tamar Valley, South East Cornwall, during the Bank Holiday Weekend.

Organisers have formally thanked competitors, volunteers, spectators and local residents for their huge support during the spectacular motoring event.

“It was a fantastic event,” said founder Ted Coryton, owner of Pentillie Castle, and founder of Pentlllie’s Festival of Speed. “The cars were terrific and the action exciting and exhilarating. A massive thanks to everyone took part including our wonderful team of volunteers, competitors – without which it couldn’t have happened – local residents, and of course the Plymouth Motor Club, who did a brilliant job at managing a brand new hill.

It was our first ever event and of course threw up challenges – not the least of which was the weather – but we look forward to listening to feedback and making next year’s even better.”

A stunning range of over 100 classic and modern cars vied to be fastest car to conquer the hill climb along the historic, waterside drive through the Cornish Estate.

Another 200 cars were on display including the classic Whistling Billy a 1905 steam powered racing car, a W196 Streamliner, and 1939 MX Derby Bentley, 1920 Silver Ghost Rolls Royce and a Mercedes SSL. Sponsors Vospers displayed an exciting range of 30 new cars including an MX5-GT Concept, and other event sponsors Roger Young Land Rover delighted visitors by taking them on demonstration runs through the woods, that after Saturday’s rain, were suitably muddy and challenging. Visitors were also delighted by a Subaru S12 World Rally Car, which used to be owned by Peta Solberg and driven by Steve Furzeland.

Fastest time of the day was Mike Lee who climbed the hill in a OMS 2000m in 35.65 seconds, with best lady driver’s performance by Jo Hodgson in a Lotus Elan, 41.65 seconds.

The first day attracted over 1000 people including Lord Bath and TV’s Caroline Quentin, with second day’s sunshine attracting much larger crowds who enjoyed the motor action along with scalextrix displays, archery, and clay pigeon shooting.