Families and lovers of planes, trains and automobiles are being invited to help a long-running charity gear up to re-open in 2026 by attending a fun day out at Derby’s premier heritage motoring site.
The ‘Planes, Trains & Automobiles’ event is being held at Great Northern Classics on Osmaston Road on Saturday May 9 and will feature a range of fun activities including FI racing simulators and giant slot car racing.
The famous Rolls-Royce Merlin engine which powered Spitfires and Hurricanes during World War Two and helped win the Battle of Britain is being provided for the day so it can be fired up live at regular intervals.
The Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club will be coming along and there will be a big range of stunning classic cars for visitors to admire, as well as a train simulator for those who always fancied having a go at driving along the tracks.
Refreshments including breakfasts, pizzas, nachos, hot dogs, sweet treats and drinks will be served throughout the day and all profits will go towards The Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre, which is preparing to re-open in May to give young people in need of a break a great week by the seaside.
Mike Copestake, who chairs the charity and is the co-founder and director of Great Northern Classics, said: “We’re holding what promises to be another fantastic fun day at Great Northern Classics following a very successful event last year. Visitors who love cars will be able to see some real stunners and we’ve got lots for the whole family to enjoy including slot car racing and our fantastic Formula 1 and train simulator experience.”
The £3m ‘auto repair shop’, Great Northern Classics, is home to iconic vehicles including a Rolls-Royce Armstrong Siddeley collection spanning from 1904 to the 1950s; the last surviving Derby Corporation No 1 Tram, a GMC 1926 beer lorry, and a Bentley Turbo R and Derby’s famous one-off vehicle: the famous Rollerboot car formerly used to promote Rollerworld.
The heritage motor centre also holds regular ‘auto meet’ events for enthusiasts.
Charity CEO Janine Holmes added: “We’re delighted that Great Northern Classics is supporting our charity once again with a brilliant automobile-themed fundraiser. Last year it was a great day out for the whole family and we are hoping even more people will come down to join us this year as we prepare to open up at the end of May once again.”
The Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre has been going since 1891 and provides free holidays at its specialist centre in Skegness for children who would otherwise not get a break, due to financial hardship or a range of other issues including bereavement or caring for relatives.
After pausing for holidays in 2025 for a strategic re-direction and a major fundraising campaign, the centre is re-opening in 2026, allowing children to enjoy holidays there once again.
The family fun day at Great Northern Classics is being sponsored by L.E.A.D. IT Services and Manthorpe Engineering.
L.E.A.D. IT Services director Lee Jepson, who is a trustee of the charity and attended himself as a child, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Planes, Trains & Automobiles event at Great Northern Classics. This is a charity which means a lot to me and which I’ve supported a lot over the years so it’s a pleasure to be helping this great event. I hope lots of people come down and enjoy themselves – there will be so much to see and do.”
Paul Pochciol, founder and chief executive of Derbyshire-based precision engineering specialist Manthorpe Engineering said: “As a company rooted in Derbyshire’s engineering tradition, we’re committed to developing the next generation of talent. By supporting Planes, Trains & Automobiles and the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre, we help young people broaden their horizons, build confidence, and connect with Derbyshire’s engineering heritage.”
The Planes, Trains & Automobiles Day is being held on May 9 for a 10am start. Entry per car is £15 and with limited spaces it is advisable to book in advance. Pedestrian tickets are £3 with under-16s going free. See https://www.greatnorthernclassics.co.uk/planes-trains-automobiles/ to book.
This story was written and shared on behalf of the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre by Lucy Stephens. Can we share your news and get you in the headlines too? Find out how we can help by getting in touch.
