Annual car show enjoys record year

Spectacular weather led to a record attendance at the annual Darling Buds of May Classic Car Show on Sunday.

Buss Farm at Bethersden, where the hit TV show was filmed, was bursting with thousands of visitors and more than 1,000 vehicles, plus other attractions.

Paul Mill, from organisers the Rover P5 Alive Club, said: “It was a superb day. I think we have broken our attendance record.

“Our main criteria is that we do it for charity so we hope to make substantial donations to the Kent Air Ambulance and Demelza House children’s hospice.”

There were more than 1,000 vehicles on display, the air ambulance visited, there were stalls selling local produce and a children’s corner.

Members of the 7th Ashford Scouts and Cubs washed visitors’ cars to raise money for their new headquarters appeal.

“We had some lovely comments which makes it all worthwhile,” said Mr Mill. “Everyone gives their time for free to organise and run this.”

It was the 18th classic car show at the farm. Mr Mill thanked Buss Farm’s new owner Simon Coulson for his support in allowing them to use the place for free and for printing the publicity and setting up a dedicated website.

Earlier, it was feared increasing red tape could threaten the future of the show.

Mr Mill said for the first time, they had had to do a traffic management plan for the county council.

He added: “At the moment, there will be another show next year.”

Mr Coulson has submitted a planning application to use farm buildings as holiday accommodation, aimed at Darling Buds fans.