Bocholt blooms

Around 350 vehicles were parked on the squares and in the streets of the city centre - similar to the last three years. "The weather has been stable and very nice all week and the event is well established in the classic car scene, so many classic car drivers have decided to come to Bocholt's city centre. It's always a great atmosphere in the city centre," says Ludger Dieckhues from City Marketing.

The many vehicles, all of which are more than 25 years old, could be admired in spring-like temperatures and glorious sunshine in the Liebfrauenviertel, on the market square, on St.-Georg-Platz, on Neutorplatz, at the Ostermarkt, on Crispinusplatz, in various streets and at the shopping centres - and the city visitors did so in large numbers from as early as 12 noon. "We really freed up every square metre in the city centre for the classic cars and also packed them in tightly to accommodate them all. That was pretty much perfect." explains Ludger Dieckhues. "The people from the Grenzland Classic classic car club and the THW youth did an excellent job".

Parade and award ceremony

At 3 p.m., a motorcade led by Grenzland Classic started from Neutorplatz and one from Liebfrauenplatz, before crossing the ramp in front of the historic town hall and being introduced to the interested public by expert presenter Georg Meyering. "We are delighted that so many classic cars found their way into the city centre of Bocholt. It was once again a successful and very nice event", said Dieter Niemann from Grenzland Classic. This was followed by the award ceremony in three categories at 4 pm. Stephan Lennartz was delighted to receive the trophy for the most original vehicle - the Heinkel cabin scooter from 1959 was a real eye-catcher. Gerd Seelwische was delighted to accept the trophy for the most original vehicle - an MG A, built in 1956. And the prize for the most harmonious overall concept of car and driver went to Jochen Weyers with his Ford Model A from 1931.

Vintage fire engines and tractors in Neustadt

The Barlo tractor club and the Bocholt fire brigade provided the attractions in the south of the city centre: the interest group for the preservation of historical fire service technology in the Bocholt city fire brigade association set up the "Emma" turntable ladder truck and several other old emergency vehicles on Neutor-Platz. The Barlo tractor club set up numerous exhibits as well as a number of tramp tractors for the young visitors in front of the shopping arcades. "Nice tractors and lots going on - both here in the shopping arcades and in the city centre! And it was great that the people of Barlo took part despite their own "Wunderbarlo" event" Heiko Wagner, centre manager of the arcades, was delighted.

Sunday open for business

The city buses were very busy, as were the bicycle stands. People thronged through the city centre streets and the shopping centres, as the afternoon attracted people to look at classic cars, stroll around, visit cafés, meet people and also go shopping: the shops were open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. to coincide with the classic car meeting. Ice cream parlours and cafés were full throughout. Visitors were often to be found in the shops, while many visitors were interested in the classic cars. "That's exactly what we want - the event and shopping complement each other perfectly", said Mechtild Hoffs from the ISG Altstadt.

All in all, simply a great spring Sunday for the whole family!