WALLINGFORD’S Vehicle Rally and Parade has proved so popular this year that organisers have laid on an overflow car park.

The annual parade, now in its ninth year, looks set to be the biggest to date.

Organisers of the event on Sunday have been flooded with entries from owners wanting to take part with their vehicles, including classic cars and lorries.

Following a parade around the town, vehicles park on the Kinecroft.

All 250 spaces for the Kinecroft have now been allocated but because of the demand from drivers wanting to take part an overflow car park is being provided on a playing field next to St George’s Road. Drivers turning up on the day can take part in the parade if they turn up at Wallingford Sports Park and register at 9am.

Event deputy chairman Neal Reed said: “The demand has been huge this year so we have had to create an overflow car park.

“As well as the 250 vehicles which are registered we could easily get another 100 vehicles turning up on the day, so there could be 350 vehicles in the parade.

“The rally is going from strength to strength and has become a very popular fixture in Wallingford’s calendar.

“The oldest car on display will be a 1909 Ford Model T and then there will be cars that are brand new.

“Some new people have joined our organising committee and we are already planning for a really special 10th year next year.”

One of the main vehicle displays will be a celebration of 100 years of car production at the Cowley car plant in Oxford.

The parade will leave Wallingford Sports Park in Hithercroft Road at 11am and travel through the town centre before arriving at the Kinecroft, where there will be displays and food stalls.

The event will raise money for Oxford-based charity SeeSaw, which helps children and families following bereavement.

Money will also be raised for local charities including The Treehouse School in Cholsey.

TV presenter Mike Brewer will be at the rally and will talk to owners about their vehicles Mr Reed said: “Last year we raised £7,000 for SeeSaw and the other charities and we are hoping to match that amount.

“Our sponsors cover costs so all the money donated on the day will go to the charities.”

Town mayor Ros Lester said: “This is a fantastic event for Wallingford and draws people into the town from miles around. I’m not sure yet what vehicle I’m going to be in but I’m really looking forward to it, and I’m hoping for plenty of sunshine.”

For further information visit the website wallingfordcarrally.org.uk