Horsham’s iconic AmeriCARna celebration of all things American makes a welcome return on Sunday 29 September expanding right across the town centre to include the newly redeveloped Piries Place and the whole of Horsham Park.
Photo Credit Toby Phillips and Horsham District Council
The event is brought to you by Horsham District Council and a variety of partners who have donated their time and talents to help make the day a success.
Here’s the line -up of events, sights and exhibits and where to find them.
The Customs and Hot Rods Zone, curated by partners, Mid-Surrey Roadsters will be displayed in Park Place, Piries Place and the Forum in addition to East Street and the Market Square. With a brief to build on previous displays, expect to see some of the most exciting street cars in the South East.
Look out for vehicle owners offering opportunities to have a photo in their car in return for donations to St. Catherine’s Hospice.
500 plus vehicles
With over 500 cars and bikes registered at the show, this event is set to showcase some serious ‘petrol head’ icons. There are over 50 pre 1973 Mustangs registered alone.
In addition to the street cars, visit The Berkeley Homes Pick Up Truck Zone near the St. Catherine’s shop at the Bishopric Stream, for a nostalgic look at many example of this unique American vehicle style.
Classic Cruisers once again take pride of place in the Carfax but will also have their display extended in Horsham Park alongside Classic and Modern Muscle Cars. Additional displays of 10 American car enthusiast clubs led by local event partner, Oddballs, have been added to the west side of Horsham Park pond, along with funfair rides and lots of outdoor eateries.
Commenting on the return of the event Horsham District Council’s Cabinet Member for the Local Economy Cllr Paul Clarke said:
“It’s great news that this popular event is back for its third year. As one of our newer events it has certainly grown in popularity year on year.
“I am particularly pleased that the town’s newly redeveloped area Piries Place and Park Place are going to be showcasing some of the many cars on display and also that so many of our local shops, cafes, restaurants and bars are entering into the fun with American themed offers and discounts.
“Our thanks go out to the many partners who have worked with us to pull off this event which I am sure will be a great success.
“Please do come along to our last event of the summer and enjoy the spectacle.”
Guildford Harley Davidson are sponsoring the American Bike Zone around the pond alongside Custom Bike specialists, P&D and Public Enemy Customs from Slinfold. Some of the very latest Harley Davidson’s will be on display alongside a large gathering of affiliated and independent bike owners.
Horsham Car Centre will be presenting a JEEP Zone in Horsham Park packed full of the latest JEEP models, customised customer cars and Military Jeeps from partners’ the Capel Military Show.
Motion Picture and police cars on parade
Up to 50 movie featured and police cars have been brought together by Motion Picture Motors and friends which will be presented in Horsham Park between the pond and Park House. Of these, the highlight for many will be a set of Transformers movie vehicles and it is hoped many will join the Great Cruise Out from 4.30pm.
NASCARS
Once again Nascars of West Sussex have assembled a terrific collection of active and classic race cars for display in our Race Paddock at The Rec Rooms, conveniently located mid- way between the town centre and Horsham Park based displays – which are all within a 10 minute walk. The NASCARS are extremely loud when fired up so please beware of this when in the area.
Best in Show Awards – Winners Enclosure, Horsham Park 2pm to 3pm.
From 2pm nominated vehicles gather for the 2019 Best in Show Awards. With 15 categories sponsored by Pilgrim Motorsports & MuscleCar.uk Small Dole based Pilgrim are rapidly becoming one of the UK’s top centres for classic Mustang and Muscle Car imports and servicing. Best Production Bike by Guildford Harley Davidson and Best Custom Bike by P&D Customs. Cote Restaurants Horsham are also sponsoring a Best Display award for clubs and businesses at the show.
The Great Horsham AmeriCARna Cruise Out from 4pm
The renowned Carfax car and bike departure parade just got extended! This year cars and bikes will be directed to travel out through North Street giving even more vantage points for visitors looking to see the cars and bikes cruising out from the show. The extra space should particularly suit photographers and people wanting to view the parade that have been in Horsham Park. Don’t forget the Park Music Finale Act, Odyssey from 5pm brought to us by The Rec Rooms.
American Sports
Brighton based Sussex Thunder American Football Club will be on hand to give demos and information about joining the club, with local baseball/softball, basketball and boxing clubs invited to join in. Indoors at The REC Rooms there will be ten pin bowling, pool and US Open Golf.
A broader American themed music mix
Thanks to partners, The Rec Rooms, there is an amazing Truck Stage in the Park with TV Screen and an impressive line- up including local rising star, Josie Proto, some serious rock and leading Nashville bands, a Blues Brothers tribute act and those ‘Native New Yorkers’, Odyssey.
The Carfax has live entertainment throughout the day hosted by DJ Mike on the bandstand kicking off with a rousing Special Guest act and including the Groove Aces, John Stapleton and Toto Perello with a finale from the legendary Almost Elvis Band. The Amphitheatre stage features Eight Beat Jive, local Community performers and Chris Eaton and friends who has composed some signature tunes for the event in an Americana style.
More things to see and do
St. Catherines Hospice Fun Zone – Event Charity
Visit the St. Catherine’s Hospice area in Horsham Park for fun children’s activities, show souvenirs, St. Catherine’s merchandise and lots of information about the great work this charity does.
Activities will include, ‘Spot the bot’ to win children’s prizes and a bottle tombola for adults.
This will also be a key destination for vehicle display participants operating the driver bag pick up and biker’s helmet and leathers store.
Sporting Bears ride outs
Don’t just see it – ride in it! The Sporting Bears offer ride-outs in return for donations to St. Catherine’s Children’s services. Book your ‘Dream Ride’ from sponsor Brock Taylor on the corner of East Street and Market Square. Operating from 10.30am to 4.00pm.
LEGO car building
Master Builder Club in Swan Walk Shopping Centre will host LEGO car building and racing from 10.30am. Look out for Pemberton Hague our American themed street theatre for comedy and surprises.
Win travel accommodation worth £500+ in the heart of Elvis country with local specialists Travel PA and Memphis and Mississippi Tourism.
Horsham AmeriCARna – Town Businesses
Many of our local shops cafes and restaurants are joining in the fun of the day with American themed promotions on their food and drink offerings. Look out for businesses around the town displaying American balloons.
For media queries please email press@horsham.gov.uk
