Massive shake-up shock for town's top attraction

The cost of the annual motor festival has reached 90,000 and will be replaced by a yet unnamed classic car show in June 2003.

The new date aims to cut the ties of the Bexhill 100 and create a balance for a twice-yearly event.

By choosing a twice-yearly show, last seen in the town in 1954, organisers aim to give double the opportunity for enthusiasts to visit the town for the sport it piloted in 1902: motor racing.

The Bexhill 100 format is now 13 years old. Ever-expanding costs have been met by sponsors, stand space, advertising and programme sales, as the public are not charged for entrance.

Organisers have now found there is no way to keep the festival in the Bexhill 100 style.

A re-style will mean expenses can be decreased.

Event chairman, Malcolm Mitcheson said: "The format of the Bexhill 100, with road closure orders and massive motorbikes as part of the show required very stringent safety requirements and insurance cover. The change of format will make the cars the stars.

"The event reached its centenary and this seemed like an opportune time to change the format.

"First there will be a big event in June 2003 and if that is successful there will be two every year from 2004 onwards."

Together with exhibitions and tours of the replica serpollet, produced in collaboration between the Festivals of Motoring and Bexhill Motor Heritage Group, news of the format change will be widespread.

This type of event was last held in the town in 1954.

Organisers aim to attract quality classic cars which will compete for valuable sponsored prizes.

But this will not mean the crowd-pleasing novelty cars are excluded.

Malcolm said: "Plans are not yet finalised but we are thinking of themed events."

Ideas include an international theme, with classic cars from France and Germany.

"Then perhaps we will focus on old sports cars. We will be ringing the changes."

It will still be an event to attract families from all over the country - in the thirteen years the event has been run Bexhill 100 it has brought over a million visitors to the seafront.

"We are going back to getting some really spectacular cars here. There will be something for the family too, with a fair becoming one of the main features."