London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

This annual event began in 1896 when the law requiring motorists to have a man bearing a red flag preceding their cars was abolished. Car owners celebrated by destroying their flags and setting off for Brighton in the 'Emancipation Run'. The first organised run took place in 1993 and today the event attracts owners of veteran cars built pre-1905 from all over the world. Sunday's 2015 rally is preceded by a display of the cars on Regent Street on Saturday October 31, with drivers in period costume, as part of the Regent Street Motor Show (10.30am-4pm). The run itself takes place on Sunday, when the first car leaves Hyde Park at sunrise (around 6.45am) and the hundreds of drivers taking part attempt to cross the finish line in Madeira Drive, Brighton, before 4.30pm. You need a pass to enter the car enclosure but spectators are very welcome to watch the motors gathering as they rev up for the off.