ALTON will hit top gear on Saturday with the return of the annual Herald Classic Car Show and Rally.

Organised by the Alton Herald and Alton Town Council, this year’s renewal will be the 15th held in the town and it is already on course to eclipse last year’s show, with more than 190 vehicles booked to exhibit on the day.

The High Street, Market Street, Cross and Pillory Lane and the Market Square will be alive with activity, including market stalls, food, music and, of course, cars.

The motoring line up will include military and emergency vehicles, American classics, veteran motorbikes, and modern motors courtesy of Yeomans Honda, Town and Country Cars at Holybourne (Suzuki), and Winchester Motor Company (Skoda).

Energy Alton will feature among the High Street displays with representatives on hand to answer questions about the practicalities of owning and driving an electric car, Lasham Gliding Society will have a glider on display in the High Street, while Dementia Friendly Alton will be at Alton Assembly Rooms hosting free dance lessons from 12.30pm.

This year’s classic car rally will set off in the morning from Lasham Gliding Club, then travel through Herriard, Upton Grey, South Warnborough and Holybourne before arriving at Anstey Park to lead the parade of vehicles around 10am.

Taking up the whole of the town centre, the vehicles will be on display until 3.30pm, with judging in various categories taking place during the day led by Alton mayor Dean Phillips, with the presentation of prizes taking place at 3pm in the Market Square.

And The Square will host live performances from acts such as The Triple Aces three-piece band, Dance on the Line, the Holybourne Singers Young Voices, Michael Twiddy and Dancing for Dementia.

Broadcaster Paul Le Feuvre will return this year to act as compere for the day, supported by Wey Valley Radio, who will be broadcasting live from the Town Hall.

The Alton Lions will support the town council in marshalling the event and will be selling souvenir programmes for a donation to this year’s chosen charity, the Alton Stroke Group, in memory of Lion Robert Athis.