Cruising through the countryside in a classic sportscar taking in magnificent mountain views and rugged coastlines, mid-summer aromas infusing the warm breeze air, retro sounds blasting from the stereo and the authentic driving experience of a perfect classic – it’s a bucket list adventure.
RETRO Cannonball is coming to Belfast with the offical start line on Friday June 10th at 10am featuring 100 classic cars, free family, live entertainment and that unique festival atmosphere that Cannonball is renowned for. The cars will be arriving from Thursday evening and spectators can get up close, see some rare classic cars, take photographs, meet the drivers and enjoy the fun as RETRO Cannonball raises funds for The HOPE Foundation, an Irish Charity doing incredible work with the street children of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta). HOPE funds and operates over 60 projects including 11 child protection homes, a hospital, an ambulance, counselling, food and nutrition, education, healthcare and the restoration of childhoods to children.
Registered cars for RETRO Cannonball, sponsored by Galway Bay Brewery, include a Lamborghini Diablo, a Jaguar E-Type, a gorgeous Ferrari 328 GTS, some beautiful Mercedes-Benz SL classics, a Lancia Beta, a BMW 635CSI, a Porsche 911 Carrera and a Porsche 911 Targa, an MG Midget, a Ford Escort Cosworth, a beautiful Chevrolet Corvette, a classic VW Beetle, a Ford Thunderbird, a mini cooper and many more.
RETRO Cannonball starts in Belfast this year on June 10th at at the Titanic Quarter and takes in the whole east coast of Ireland from Antrim to Wexford with proceeds to The HOPE Foundation. The classic car convoy will travel via the A2 passing through towns of Bangor at approx 11am, Groomsport at 11.10am, Donaghadee at 11.15am, passing through the village of Millisle and then leaving the A2 just before Ballywalter at approximately 11.20am. The convoy will then drive to Newtownards for approximately 11.30, go through Comber and then Downpatrick and arrive at Newcastle at 12.30pm for lunch at the Slieve Donard Hotel at appoximately 12.45pm. At 2.30pm the Convoy will leave Slieve Donard and make its way towards the Ferry at Greenore to Carlingford and thentake the forst overnight pitstop at Naas, Co Kildare. On Saturday June 11th the Retro Cannonball Convoy continues down the east coast through Glendalough, the Wicklow Mountains, the Blessington Lakes and it finishes in Wexford Town Centre on Saturday June 11th at 6.30pm.
“We are welcoming cars from the golden era of the 60’s,70’s, 80’s and early 90’s to take in stunning drives and many famous Irish landmarks.” said Cannonball founder Alan Bannon “Classic cars not only appeal to car lovers, but also to lovers of engineering, design, art and history. They retain an incurable romance and that is the reason why people do, and always will, love classic cars.”
Registration is also now open for Cannonball Ireland, the supercar event, taking place on September 8th-10th this year and a firm favourite with both drivers and spectators. RETRO Cannonball is an altogether more laid-back experience but drivers and spectators still enjoy one of the most unique motoring fraternities in the world with breath-taking driving routes, luxurious hospitality and that rare ‘camaraderie’ that makes Cannonball a truly unforgettable experience.
Date: Thursday June 9th from 6pm
Startline: Friday June 10th from 10am
Location: Titanic Quarter
