THOUSANDS of people are expected to flock to Lymington for the return of an annual Italian festival on Sunday.

Lymington and Pennington Town Council plan the event which is all about Italian cars, quality food and gifts.

Described by organisers as a “fun family day out”, it is raising money for Honeypot Children’s Charity, which supports young carers and vulnerable children.

The day will begin at 10am when 50 Ferrari owners from the Wessex Ferrari Owners’ Club will meet with their vehicles at Lymington’s Yacht Haven.

At around midday, they will set off in convoy to Pennington Cross, then travel up to Stanford Hill, along Southampton Road, down Avenue Road and along Gosport Street, before entering the High Street.

Once there, the cars will be parked in the centre of town, which will be pedestrianised so people can admire them and talk with the owners.

Mayor of Lymington and Pennington, Anne Corbridge, said: “I want to thank all our sponsors and volunteers whose time, effort and generosity make the Lymington Italia Festival such a memorable day out.

“We have some really special raffle prizes to give away thanks to local businesses, and we look forward to welcoming as many people as possible to the high street.

“My special thanks go to Barclays, which is match-funding the raffle again this year.”

Visitors will also be able to enjoy a taste of Italy thanks to a market, which will offer a variety of Mediterranean foods.

This will include olives, vinegar, antipasti, pesto, bread, cheeses, desserts, salami, macarons, ice cream and fudge.

There will be pizzas, traditional Italian street food and a hog roast.

In addition, traders will be selling Italian clothes, handbags, model cars and artisan gifts.

Lymington’s 100-strong rock choir will be performing a medley of songs in the centre of the high street at 2pm.

Meanwhile, a raffle, with prizes including a ride in a Ferrari, will be match-funded up to £1,000 by Barclays.

Fundraiser for the Honeypot Children’s Charity, Viv Carter, said: “We would like to thank everyone involved in organising the event and supporting Honeypot so that young carers can simply be children, have fun with new friends and create memories to cherish.”

Honeypot support also ensures young carers are visited in their local community three times a year by the Honeypot Outreach Play Team and receive a birthday card and Christmas present.

Last year’s event raised £2,500 for the New Forest branch of the MS Society.