A WEEKEND of motoring-themed fun is promised by the organisers of a free festival this weekend.

The Motors by the Sea Festival, taking place in Boscombe, mixes events, workshops, exhibitors and a chance to see classic and special vehicles.

Saturday, September 15, will see classic and supercars displayed alongside Boscombe Market, while exhibitors take up residence in the Sovereign Centre. A Car of the Future area will boast a display of electric cars from e-car company R Symons, including the latest Tesla.

Poole-based Wraptastic will be in the precinct showing how a vehicle can be transformed with wrapping films, while Specsavers will offer free eye tests to drivers.

Artist Miroslav Lucan will invite festival visitors to work with him as he constructs a futuristic car from cardboard. Children can take part in Arts2Educate’s workshop where they can design and draw or make their own car of the future. A team of artists from Urban Furniture Perspective will be displaying a range of custom-made, futuristic pram cars.

Headline sponsor headline sponsor Paragon Education & Skills will be advising young people who are considering an apprenticeship in motoring and engineering, at Bournemouth Technical Centre on Ashley Road. The AA will run practical sessions on subjects including fault diagnosis and analysing a breakdown.

On Saturday evening, Tiff Needell, former racing driver and presenter of Fifth Gear, will speak at a dinner at the Hallmark Bournemouth Carlton Hotel.

A presenter for more than 30 years, he has fronted Top Gear as well as being a columnist and feature writer in Top Gear Magazine. He has also worked alongside Murray Walker and on Grandstand and Sky Sports’ American NASCAR and Indycar series.

Paul Clarke, Bournemouth Coastal Business Improvement District chairman and cluster manager for Hallmark Bournemouth Hotels, said: “Boscombe’s business community are delighted to be supporting this inaugural festival. With the involvement of strong local partners, like Paragon Education & Skills, the first Motors By The Sea festival will be a fun-packed weekend.”

Tickets are at bit.ly/2wwnaUO

On Sunday, a line-up at Boscombe Precinct will include vintage, classic and retro cars and motorbikes.

The club Mini Allsorts will showcase nine Minis from 1963-2009 and other models will include an MG B Roadster, Triumph Sports Roadster, Marcos Mantra 400 Skyline, Nissan Skyline R32 GTR, Honda Integra Type R, Porsche 356, Mitsubishi Shogun Sport and L200 and more.

Any owner of a unique sports, GT, classic, custom or race car or motorbike who would like to display it should contact Dominique Wallace at hello@dominiquewallace.co.uk, ring 07949 767096 or register at motorsbythesea.co.uk