THE glamour of motor racing came to Bolton when it proved it could rival its twin town in the glitz stakes over the weekend.

Victoria Square was the venue for Bolton’s first Motorsport Festival to celebrate the Le Mans 24-hour rally.

The two-day event was organised by motorsport enthusiast and actor Jack Marsden.

A total of 150 cars, ranging from high-performance to classic vehicles, went on display leaving shoppers and town centre visitors in awe.

Sergio Sipion, aged 40, of Bolton, said: “I was only meant to pop into town for five minutes and have been here an hour.

“What makes this festival stand out is the classic cars which you only now see on television or big motor shows. They are iconic.

“It is very interesting, and you can see the history of the cars and how they have changed over the years.”

Cars on display included a 1959 Austin A30 Seven, and an Audi Quattro, and visitors had a chance to see the Keating, billed as the fastest production car in the world — designed by University of Bolton student Tony Keating.

In August, the car — which can go from 0-60mph in 1.6 seconds, will driven by Mike Newman, from Sale, to break the blind landspeed record, which he previous held.

Mr Keating, who used to live in Bolton, said: “I studied automotive engineering at the University of Bolton and am now doing my MBA there. I am proud to show off this car in Bolton.”

Mr Newman said: “I love doing this; it is a passion and given me the freedom which I can only achieve occasionally and will be planning for success.”

While most of the cars were showcased in Victoria Square, there was a more gentle feel in Bolton Parish Church car park where gleaming motors from yesteryear went on display.

They included a 1954 Rolls Royce and a 1920s Bentley.

The owner of the Rolls, Peter Bellis, from St Helens, said: “A car like this has the feelgood factor. I do take it out a lot and people do look and appreciate it.”

And, with support from Xbox, the festival staged the world’s first virtual Le Mans 24-hour race, and visitors had a chance to experience life as a Formula One driver by having a drive in the F1 race car simulator.

Mr Marsden said: “The festival has exceeded my expectations.

“We have shown people we have the glitz and glamour of our twin town. We couldn’t accommodate everyone this year and I would like this to become an annual festival which will grow and Bolton will become known for its Motorsport Festival.”

The festival was sponsored by Audi Bolton and Perry’s Peugeot Bolton, which also represent the two top race teams competing at Le Mans.

schaudhari@ theboltonnews.co.uk

More photographs from the event can be seen in our Photo Sales section, click here