Final preparations are underway for this year’s Herts Auto Show in aid of Rennie Grove, on Sunday, May 21.

The popular annual event is celebrating its 10th anniversary and promises to be a day not to be missed, with something on offer for all the family.  

Neil Castle established the event in 2013 with his wife, Lisa, and it has grown from there over the past 10 years.

Neil says: "It all started as an idea for a small car show in our local area of Stanborough Park, Welwyn Garden City, as there wasn't any other car show in the town at that time.

"I thought it would be nice to hold the event in aid of charity but for me it was more of a hobby and I wasn't even sure that anyone would turn up! 

"That first year Lisa and I put a huge amount of work into planning and organising it then were pleasantly surprised when we had a couple of hundred vehicles turning up on the day.  

"Since then, it has really grown and has become a show for anything with an engine, really, so we can have the widest possible range of vehicles on display. We now usually have around 1,000 vehicles in attendance.  

"Exhibitors who bring their vehicles can enter the various prize categories such as ‘Best in Show’, ‘Best Custom’ or ‘Best Bike’.

"This year’s event will be hosted by Steve Parrish, a British Motorcycle Championship Winner and European and British Truck Racing Championship winner, and he will be judging the bike category.  

"As well as all the vehicles on display we also have a funfair, helicopter pleasure flights, live music, bar and plenty of stalls selling food and other items for sale." 

The popularity of the event means it outgrew its previous location and this year will be hosted at Oaklands College.

Although it has grown over the years, Neil and Lisa are still very hands on with the organising, planning and running of the event.  

Neil added: "In the days running up to the event you’ll find us getting everything ready for the day – such as setting up crowd control barriers, putting out bins and setting up gazebos.

"On the day of the event we help out with everything from litter picking to directing vehicles and derigging afterwards." 

Gemma Ralph, community fundraising manager at Rennie Grove, says: "We’re delighted that Neil and Lisa have chosen to fundraise for Rennie Grove with this year’s show.

"A huge amount of work goes into making the event a success each year and we’re grateful for every penny that is donated to Rennie Grove, to fund vital care for local people living with a life-limiting illness."

To find out more or buy tickets for this year’s show, visit hertsautoshow.co.uk.