The paintwork gleamed and the chrome sparkled as more than a hundred classic cars converged in Swanage, Dorset, for a bumper day out.
The Main Beach car park in the centre of town was packed for the Swanage Carnival Classic Car Show with a wide range of vehicles from every motoring era on Sunday 26th April 2026.
Brightly coloured vehicles catch the eye
Marking thirty years with impressive turnout
The event, which has been going strong for thirty years, is now organised by the Swanage Carnival team and this year attracted around 140 entrants, which was more than in 2025.
Visitors were asked to choose the vehicle which they thought was the best in show. The results for 2026 were:
- First place: Julian Kemp – Jaguar XK150
- Runner up: Colin Hobbs – Ford Gran Torino
- Third place: Mark Kirby – Alvis Crested Eagle Charlsworth
Julian Kemp from West Moors in Dorset (right) receives the cup for best in show from event sponsors Nick and Sarah Rowley of Moonfleet Cars in Victoria Avenue
Julian bought the 1959 Jaguar XK150 two years ago and along with his wife, has enjoyed driving the stunning motor on trips over to France
Curtain raiser for Swanage Carnival’s summer event
Local resident Jenny Lazenbury started the classic car show in 1996 and it soon became an established attraction on the Swanage calendar but after 26 years, Jenny took the decision to hand over the organisation of the event.
Jenny was helped in running the event in 2022 by Swanage resident Culvin Milmer and his son Eddie, and together they agreed for the classic car show to become a Swanage Carnival event.
It continues to raise money for local good causes and acts as an exciting curtain raiser to the carnival’s main eight days of festivities which take place this summer from Saturday 25th July to Saturday 1st August 2026.
Lots to admire in the Main Beach car park
Event organiser Jeff Soulsby was pleased with the increase in the number of entrants this year
“Fantastic turnout and a great atmosphere”
Swanage Carnival volunteer and event organiser Jeff Soulsby said
“It’s been an excellent event and as you can see there’s an unbelievable variety of vehicles from the really old vintage ones to the modern classics.
“We’ve had people arriving here in their cars from Weymouth, New Forest and Poole as well as quite a few locals. One chap just came down from Sandford.
“There’s about 20 Morris Minors and I understand some are from Weymouth and others from Poole and they agreed to meet in the middle here in Swanage!
“It’s been a fantastic turnout and a great atmosphere. I think for many it’s been the first car show of the year so there’s been quite a few reunions of car enthusiasts now that winter is over.
“The classic car show will definitely be back for 2027 – we’re part of the furniture now and a firm fixture in Swanage’s event calendar!”
Local charities set up stalls and add to the carnival atmosphere
Plenty took the opportunity for a classic picnic in a car park!
Further information
- More about Swanage Carnival and the classic car show
More photos
Morris Minors converge on Swanage from Weymouth and Poole
Always good to see what’s under the bonnet
A vehicle that you’ll never lose in a car park!
Classic scooters and mopeds also joined in the action
A classic Rolls Royce for a wedding!
The place buzzed with a great atmosphere as the sun shined
Best in show – the Jaguar XK150 turns heads
Definitely a classic day out!
