High-octane vintage drag racing spectacle returns to Bridlington

Race The Waves, an internationally recognised vintage motoring spectacular, will bring high-octane drag racing back to Bridlington’s South Bay next month.

Organised by Backfire, in conjunction with Visit East Yorkshire and Yorkshire Coast Bid, the hugely popular event, which first took place in 2019, will see an array of vintage vehicles racing in pairs along a 200-yard course along the beach, against the stunning backdrop of South Bay.

Billed as a tribute to the days when Yorkshire’s beaches were the setting from some of the early land speed record attempts, it’s a truly unique spectacle that will thrill vintage vehicle and motor racing enthusiasts, coastal visitors and local residents alike.

This year’s event will run from Thursday 9 to Sunday 12 May, but the undoubted highlight will be two days of beach racing in South Bay on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May. Attractions will also include a static Auto-Show, organised by Bridlington Lions, on South Marine Drive, directly above the beach racing, where a variety of vintage and classic vehicles will be on display. 

Entertainment will be provided by a Bridlington Gold Radio Roadshow and The Bridlington Red Admirals Majorettes. There will be a selection of refreshment and community-run stalls along Princess Mary Promenade, where visitors can also pick up copies of the limited edition souvenir brochure and other event merchandise.

There’s no charge for visitors to enjoy the beach racing or the Auto-Show. The Auto-Show area offers a great vantage point from which to watch the action on the beach, although the best opportunities are along Princess Mary Promenade. Just minutes away from the Belvedere Park & Ride site and from the town centre, all of the attractions are easily accessible on foot. Please note that car parking will be suspended and there will be a road closure in operation on South Marine Drive/Kingston Road (from the junction of Cardigan Road to Shaftesbury Road) on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May, from 7am to 7pm.

As an added bonus for visitors, The Spa will be hosting the WSW Steampunk Emporium that same weekend, which will be open from 10am to 4pm on the Saturday and Sunday. This fun-filled, family-friendly Steampunk festival will take place in the Royal Hall, where there will be entertainment, presentations, workshops, authors and stalls selling Steampunk accessories. Admission is free. Vintage and Steampunk attire is welcome in all the public areas.

Councillor Barbara Jefferson, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Heritage and Coastal, said: “Set against the stunning backdrop of South Bay, Race The Waves is a real spectacle that’s always a huge hit with vintage vehicle and motoring enthusiasts, as well as with day trippers, holiday makers and residents.

“This year, the Steampunk Emporium event is a fantastic addition to the weekend’s festivities. Visitors are guaranteed a completely free, fun-filled, family day out.”

The programme for Race The Waves 2024 is as follows:

Thursday 9 May, 10.00am to 3pm: There will be a Yesteryears Day vehicle gathering at Burton Fleming Village Hall, supported by a display of rural machinery. At 4.30pm, in conjunction with Bridlington Classic Car Club, there will be a classic vehicle gathering at Flamborough Lighthouse.

Friday 10 May, 10am to 5pm: There will be lots of vehicles and motorcycles to see on Church Green in Bridlington Old Town. This is a great opportunity for local people to meet some of the racers and see the vehicles up close. Bridlington Gold Radio will be providing entertainment. Please note that parking will be suspended and there will a road closure at Church Green and on part of Kirkgate from 6am to 7pm.

Saturday 11 May: The stalls on South Beach Promenade will be open from 10am and the beach racing begins at 11.30am. At 1pm there will be a Cycle Karts Display. 

Sunday 12 May: The stalls will be open from 10am and the racing will begin at 12 noon, subject to conditions on the beach.

Please note, a road closure with also be in place on South Marine Drive from 7am – 7pm across the weekend.

To find out more about Race The Waves, visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RtW.Full.Throttle.Action or follow the Instagram page @racethewaves.beachrace.

To find more about events delivered and supported by East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Visit East Yorkshire Events Team, visit www.visiteastyorkshire.co.uk or follow Visit East Yorkshire on social media channels.