Bay to Birdwood 2020 event given SA Health approval to go ahead, despite COVID-19
In good news for SA’s motoring enthusiasts, the Bay to Birdwood will celebrate its 40th anniversary next month. But unlike previous years, spectators are being urged to watch a live stream of the event from home, rather than line its route.
Adelaide Hills
Don't miss out on the headlines from Adelaide Hills. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Christmas events cancelled across South Australia amid coronavirus social gathering concerns
- The Advertiser +Rewards – giveaways, offers and competitions
Motoring enthusiasts, rejoice. SA Health has given the go-ahead for the much-loved Bay to Birdwood to be held next month.
But, this year, the tens of thousands of spectators who usually line the 72km route from West Beach to Birdwood are being encouraged to watch a live stream from home.
About 1400 vehicles will take part in the parade – the largest, continually held historic motoring event in the world – when it celebrates its 40th anniversary on Sunday, September 27. Bay to Birdwood chairman Michael Neale said organisers had developed a comprehensive COVID-safe plan to ensure everyone could enjoy the event while remaining safe.
“All the action of the day will be live streamed and accessible from anywhere in the world via our various digital platforms,” Mr Neale said.
He said only registered participants would be allowed at the event’s start and finish sites.
Roxann Legg, of Plympton Park, will drive her 1949 Rover P3 75, that she bought two years ago.
Her husband, Christian Legg, will join her in the passenger seat. Mrs Legg is no stranger to the display of motoring history – she sat beside her dad when he drove his 1925 Model A Four-Door Tourer in the inaugural Bay to Birdwood in 1980.
As such, she knows full well how much it means to South Australians.
“It’s not until you’re actually an entrant in the Bay to Birdwood that you see the thousands of people lined up along the entire route that you realise how exciting it is for the general public,” Mrs Legg, 50, said.
Mrs Legg has taken part in seven Bay to Birdwoods and last year took out the trophy for best dressed. She said her love for vintage cars was about the “preservation of history”.
The Bay to Birdwood parade will this year celebrate all decades of motoring history.
It will leave Barratt Reserve, West Beach, at staggered times from 7.30am, and head to the National Motor Museum at Birdwood.
Participants will then be encouraged to explore and support the Adelaide Hills wineries, restaurants, pubs and visitor attractions.
Click here for more details.