IT may be an event that celebrates the city’s seafaring heritage but Southampton Maritime Festival will also have one or two vintage vehicles on dry land.

This year’s event will mark three important anniversaries – Southampton’s 50 years as a city, 70 years since the Second World War D-Day landings and the 100th anniversary of the First World War.

Fittingly, a number of Second World War vessels will appear at the show, including the harbour defence motor launch HMS Medusa and the ST Challenge, which took part in the evacuation of British troops from Dunkirk in 1940.

There is also a packed programme of entertainment throughout the event, with Saturday’s youth-oriented line-up featuring X-Factor boy band Kingsland Road and national Teenstar finalists Lucy Smith and Issie B.

The following day will feature sea shanty singers, choirs, pipe bands and ukuleles.

The festival has previously featured local historical societies displaying ships, trams and buses, but this year will also feature clubs and private owners wanting to display vintage cars and motorcycles.

Anyone attending the show with a vintage vehicle will gain automatic free entry to the show, and be able to enter the Best Vintage Vehicle competition, where the public will vote for their favourite.

Any vehicle up to the 1970s will be welcome.

Show organiser Garry Momber said: “The region has so many heritage vehicles tucked away in garages and barns that need to be seen more.

“Southampton Maritime Festival, as a community led event, is the ideal place for these hidden treasures to be appreciated by the public. I can’t wait to see what Hampshire’s car enthusiasts bring along.”

Southampton Maritime Festival will take place on August 22 and 23 in the port’s Ocean Terminal.

Space will be limited, so anyone intending to take a vehicle should register at southamptonmaritimefestival.com.

Tickets, priced £5 for adults and £1 for children, are now on sale on the festival website.