Wadebridge Wheels 2026 doubles fundraising total to £34,000

More than a thousand engines rolled onto the Royal Cornwall Showground this summer, and by the end of the day the collecting buckets told their own story: this was the biggest Wadebridge Wheels yet.

A record turnout in the Cornish sunshine

Organised by Wadebridge Rotary, Wadebridge Wheels attracted more than 1,000 vehicles and a huge crowd to the showground on Sunday 19 July. Glorious summer weather is credited with helping create the most successful Wheels event to date, a sharp turnaround from 2025, when rain kept the numbers down.

The event has now raised more than £34,000 for good causes, more than double the £16,000 raised by last year’s rain-affected show.

Elizabeth Davey, from Wadebridge Rotary, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who brought their vehicles to Wheels 2026 and to the thousands who came along and enjoyed the day.”

“The weather was absolutely perfect and it was fantastic to see the showground so busy, with so many people enjoying the incredible range of vehicles on display.”

Vincents, tractors and a record gathering of Porsches

The line-up covered decades and categories in equal measure. Classic cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, tractors, military vehicles, stationary engines and historic trucks all took their place on the showground. A special celebration of Porsche brought together more than 100 examples of the German marque, the largest collection of Porsches ever seen in Cornwall.

📷The Peter Marsh Cup for Best in Show is awarded to Grant Latham for his Lotus Evora S, built in 2010. Credit: Rtn. Liz Davey

A cup for a 2010 Lotus, and thanks all round

The Peter Marsh Cup for Best in Show went to Grant Latham for his Lotus Evora S, built in 2010.

Elizabeth added: “We’re delighted that the event was such a roaring success and, most importantly, that we have been able to raise more than £34,000 for good causes.”

“Wadebridge Wheels simply wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our exhibitors, our visitors, our volunteers and everyone who helps to make the event happen. We are incredibly grateful.”

Wadebridge Rotary will decide which local good causes receive the money at its meeting next month, with the beneficiaries announced once those decisions have been made.

Trade stands, auto jumble and a date for next July

This year’s event also featured trade stands, auto jumble stalls and a wide range of food and drink, rounding out a full day out for motoring enthusiasts and families alike.

Elizabeth said: “We’re already looking forward to next year and hope we can build on the success of Wheels 2026. For now, though, we’re delighted to have raised such a fantastic amount for local charities and would like to thank everyone who played their part.”

The 2027 Wadebridge Wheels is set for Sunday 18 July. More details are at wadebridgewheels.co.uk.