The main aspect of the Concours takes place at the rear of the Hall where around 50 motor cars are displayed on the grass terraces. It is a unique and marvellous way to view the cars, showcasing them from a variety of uncommon angles as well as the more straightforward, head-on views. On the grounds next to this, the historic aeroplanes are parked up for inspection, and at times during the day, one of these may be seen flying overhead. Out beyond this central location at the Hall, many other activities, big and small, take place during the weekend, the most evident of these being the Heveningham Country Fair, which attracts more than 20,000 visitors throughout the course of the weekend. Nearby, a variety of cars charge up Horsepower Hill, watched from the start line by hundreds of spectators.
There are four automotive categories:
…and one aviation trophy:
Each trophy is made in bronze by renowned local artist Laurence Edwards using the lost wax process, a 6,500-year-old method by which a duplicate metal sculpture (in this case bronze) is cast from an original sculpture, resulting in true intricate works of art. These trophies really do represent an authentic ‘piece’ of Heveningham Hall as Laurence has made many works for the estate and is known for his connection to, and deep understanding of, the locality.
Taking place on Friday 7th July, Heveningham Tour is a 50-mile route for owners and guests through the Suffolk countryside. The route stops for lunch at a secret location mid-way before returning to Heveningham Hall ahead of a dinner for entrants. The drive takes in pretty country lanes and idyllic villages, and all entrants in the Tour receive specially-commissioned plaques and decals.
Horsepower Hill, a timed 1/8 mile ‘drag race’ for owners and guests along the estate’s main drive was launched in 2018. The event, which proved popular with owners and spectators alike, attracts a wide range of classic and contemporary supercars. Previous participants have included a Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, Eagle E-Type Speedster, a Ferrari 250 GTO, a Lamborghini Huracán, and a Pagani Zonda to name a few. Horsepower Hill returns this year along with its paddock and ‘doughnut ring’ where visitors can watch the entrants burn some rubber. Spectators can get up close to the cars trackside and watch all the action in grandstands on either side of the main drive.
Heveningham Concours takes place at the same time as the estate’s long-standing charity Heveningham Country Fair which attracts over 20,000 visitors annually to the Capability Brown-designed parkland.
There is everything one would expect of a traditional English Country Fair – dog shows, agricultural vehicles and local arts and crafts – plus much more, such as aerobatic displays, Spitfire flypasts and F1 power boats.
Also expect lots of live music and entertainment, a Wall of Death, 4×4 off-roading and much, much more.
Thunderdrome is a new event for Heveningham Concours having been tested in Summer 2020. It is essentially an oval flat-track around a central bowl. Two cars will race each other having lined up on opposite sides of the track. The race is complete once one competitor catches the other. This all sounds fairly straightforward until you you imagine the levels of dust that get kicked up from a raging Ferrari F40 screaming sideways through the dirt.