THOUSANDS of people will flock to Bolton to enjoy the glamour, style and prestige of the world famous Le Mans 24-hour race.

It is the third time the Motorsport Festival has driven into town.

And three new models will be unveiled for the first time in the UK at the spectacular event.

The event celebrates Bolton’s twin town status with Le Mans and the 24- hour race, which this year is even closer to home as a local team is taking part.

RLR in Blackburn Road will be running the Murphy’s Prototype Fuels race car. Bolton Mazda Motorpark will also construct a 25-metre, two-storey mobile car showroom to launch its new Sky Blue “Sky Activ”

Mazda Cx-5 and Perry’s Peugeot will unveil the new Peugeot 208 model.

Gordons Ford will complete the triple whammy with the launch of the Ford Ranger utility vehicle. The black Ranger is the only one in the UK and this is the first time it will be seen by the public.

Jack Marsden, festival director, said: “The festival grows every year with more people wanting to be a part of it. With the launch of three cars, it will attract national attention.”

More than 50,000 visitors are expected in Bolton this weekend. The festival, which costs £1.5 million to stage, is said to bring £3 million into the town.

There will be the F1 Paddock in The Market Place, allowing shoppers to get close to F1 cars and the latest Kia models.

The Buskers Trail will take visitors down to historic Churchgate, where there will be a host of classic cars.

Performers will take to the Buskers Stage, hosted by Booth’s Music and the Man and Scythe Pub. There will also be dance troupes and singers performing throughout the weekend.

The festival, which has been organised in partnership with the University of Bolton, will be opened by the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr guy Harkin, tomorrow at 10.30am and it will run until 4pm on Sunday.