The Festival of Classic and Sports Cars

Sunday 2nd August 2026

Held in association with the Suffolk Vehicle Enthusiasts Club (SVEC)

Join us on Sunday 2nd August as we welcome over 1200 cars on display in association with SVEC and Bridge Classic Cars. More than just a car show, the day includes entertainment, a market, food, drink and entry to our gardens.

The Festival of Classic and
Sports Cars

2nd August 2026

Join us for one of the region’s most celebrated motoring events, held in association with the Suffolk Vehicle Enthusiasts Club (SVEC) and sponsored by Bridge Classic Cars.

Admission including entry into the grade 1 listed gardens:
Tickets brought in advance to the event
: Adult £12, Child (5-15 years old) £6, Under 5’s Free, Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children 5-15 years) £30
On the day admission: Adult £14, Child (5-15 years old) £7, Under 5’s Free, Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children 5-15 years) £35

To exhibit your vehicle or enter the Tollemache T110 please scroll down this page. 

In 2025 we welcomed over 8,000 visitors and more than 1,200 vehicles. Explore an exceptional display of classic and sports cars spanning the last ten decades of motoring history. There is something for everyone, from a 1928 Ford Model A to much-loved favourites including the Ford Thunderbird, Morris Marina, Jaguar E-Type all the way through to modern Sports Cars like the Ferrari Roma and Lamborghini.

More than just a car show the festival includes our famous driveway runs, two runs showcasing vehicles from across the eras and giving visitors an up-close view of these remarkable cars in action.

The festival is a fantastic family day out, with children’s activities, live music and entertainment, birds of prey, swing and jive dancing, a number of craft and trade stalls, plus an abundance of local food, drink and new commentary throughout the day.

We’d love you to also take part in the voting during the day, there will be a voting slip included in the programme of which you can pick your favourite vehicle from each era and best overall.

Tickets also include entry to our Grade I Listed gardens and we encourage you to take in the beauty of the gardens during the day.

  • Well-behaved dogs are welcome!
  • We are wheelchair accessible but the event is a 5 minute walk from the car park
  • Car parking is on our fields, so please be aware should you have a lower than standard car
  • Discount vouchers and Historic House memberships are not valid on event days

Want early access to our event tickets?

Our Annual Membership gives you access to our Gardens,
all year long plus benefits with our events and at the Café.
It’s the perfect gift for horticulturalists too!

Get your pass today

Upcoming events

20th March 2026

Music by Moonlight – Magic of Mozart

Music By Moonlight

20th March 2026

Adults - £45 (plus booking fee)

Enjoy a night of musical entertainment under the stars

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20th March 2026

Music by Moonlight – Pink Floyd

Music By Moonlight

20th March 2026

Adults - £45 (plus booking fee)

Enjoy a night of musical entertainment under the stars

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24 May 2026 - 25 May 2026

Spring Plant Fair – with Artisan Market

Plant Fairs

24 May 2026 - 25 May 2026

Adults - £10.00 in advance, £12.00 on the day. Children 15 and under - Free

With specialist nurseries, artisan products, conservation zone, entertainment and children’s activities, we’ll have something for every taste and age.

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29 May 2026

Theatre in the Gardens

Theatre in the Garden

29 May 2026

Adults - £23.88, Under 18 - £13.16, Under 5 FREE

The Three Inch Fools present an epic tale of Arthurian adventure and medieval mayhem.

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7 June 2026

Music in the Gardens – J.S. & Lockerbillies

Music in the Gardens

7 June 2026

Adults - £10.66, Child - £5.34 (5-15 years, under 5s free)

Enjoy an afternoon exploring the gardens followed by live music in beautiful surroundings!

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21 June 2026

Music in the Gardens – Bond Appétit

Music in the Gardens

21 June 2026

Adults - £10.66, Child - £5.34 (5-15 years, under 5s free)

Enjoy an afternoon exploring the gardens followed by live music in beautiful surroundings!

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25 June 2026 - 13 August 2026

Midsummer Nights

Midsummer Nights

25 June 2026 - 13 August 2026

Adults - £10, Child - £5 (5-15 years, under 5s free)

Enjoy Helmingham Hall Gardens on one of our special evening openings.

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12 July 2026

Music in the Gardens – Jax & Co

Music in the Gardens

12 July 2026

Adults - £10.66, Child - £5.34 (5-15 years, under 5s free)

Enjoy an afternoon exploring the gardens followed by live music in beautiful surroundings!

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26 July 2026

Music in the Gardens – Sarah Mai

Music in the Gardens

26 July 2026

Adults - £10.66, Child - £5.34 (5-15 years, under 5s free)

Enjoy an afternoon exploring the gardens followed by live music in beautiful surroundings!

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2 August 2026

General Exhibitor – Festival of Classic and Sports Cars

Car Shows

2 August 2026

£10 per vehicle (two occupants)

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