Over 500 lovingly maintained veteran, vintage and classic cars, steam engines, utility vehicles and motorcycles will be on show at Groombridge Place, near Tunbridge Wells, for the annual Wings Wheels and Steam event on Sunday 20th July - one of the largest events of its kind in the South East.

Luxury and sports cars of all marques and ages will be alongside cherished family saloons and visitors will be able to talk to their owners, look under the bonnets and admire the coachwork. There will be a special display organised by the Jaguar, Porsche and TVR clubs and for motor racing enthusiasts there will be a Ferrari 355 four-seater racing challenge driving simulator, as used by Damon Hill, The Stig from Top Gear and others.

Also on show will be vintage motorcycles, traction engines, commercial vehicles, tractors, farm vehicles, military transport and much more.

All exhibitors will receive the Groombridge Plaque and have the opportunity to win prizes in a variety of categories. Anyone wishing to exhibit their vehicle must pre-book as no new exhibitors can be accepted on the day. Please call 01892 861444 for an entry form.

There will be a display organised by a model aircraft club as well as breathtaking aerobatic displays performed high above the grounds by skilled pilots flying Russian-built aircraft. Throughout the day there will be musical entertainment.

“This is the largest Wings Wheels and Steam event we have ever put on with more cars this year than ever,” said organiser Jill Todd. “This is also the first time we have had the driving simulator, which I know will be a great attraction.”

Throughout the event all the much loved attractions will be there too, including Adam the zeedonk who is half zebra, half donkey and his friend Peaches the miniature donkey; the challenging Dark Walk obstacle course; giant swings; Romany Camp; hilltop fort and birds of prey flying demonstrations, canal boat rides and much more.

The 17th century formal gardens will be at their peak, with scented roses and honeysuckle, quintessentially English herbaceous borders and perfectly groomed lawns. The Oriental garden will be especially spectacular.

The house and garden featured in the recent Pride and Prejudice film, starring Keira Knightley, as Longbourn, the Bennet’s home, and there is a museum with a collection of photos taken during filming and an exhibition of period. There is also a museum dedicated to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who was a regular visitor at the beginning of the last century.

Entrance tickets are £9.95 adults, £7.95 children and seniors and a family ticket to admit two adults and two children is £32.95. For more information visit www.groombridge.co.uk or call 01892 861444.