Classic Wheels on The Parade will bring motoring heritage, European friendship and Watford’s historic connection with Mainz to the town centre on Sunday 20 September.
Watford Town Centre will welcome a very special collection of classic vehicles this September, as Wheels for Europe brings eight cars from mainland Europe to The Parade on Sunday 20 September 2026.
Taking place from 11am to 4pm, Classic Wheels on The Parade will give residents and visitors the opportunity to see the vehicles up close, meet their owners and take photographs with their favourites. The event is free to attend and open to everyone.
The showcase, organised by Watford Town Centre BID and Wheels for Europe, forms part of a visit celebrating friendship, motoring heritage and Watford’s long-standing relationship with Mainz, Germany.
Wheels for Europe is a German association that brings people of different generations and backgrounds together through a shared passion for vehicles and European friendship. Its members travel across Europe in classic vehicles, motorcycles and electric cars, visiting towns and cities and creating opportunities for cultural exchange and lasting international connections.
The visit has particular significance in 2026, which marks 70 years since Watford and Mainz officially became twin towns in 1956. While the formal twinning arrangement is no longer active, links between the two communities have continued through friendships, cultural activities, sport, music, tourism and community exchanges.
Kara Mesiano, CEO of Watford BID, said: “We are extremely thrilled to welcome Wheels for Europe and their eight classic vehicles to The Parade in Watford Town Centre. We know there is a huge amount of interest locally in classic vehicles, and we expect this showcase to bring car enthusiasts and local families to our town to see these wonderful cars up close.”
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “Classic Wheels on The Parade is a great opportunity to celebrate our long-standing connection with Mainz. It is especially poignant this year as we mark 70 years since Watford and Mainz officially became twin towns. Although our formal twinning is no longer in place, it is through events such as this that we keep our connection and friendship alive.”
For those travelling from Germany, the visit is also an opportunity to renew personal connections with Watford stretching back many years.
Pia Schreiber-Gerlach from Wheels for Europe said: “I have been to Watford in my early twenties together with my basketball team from Mainz University. Some games later I had made friends with a girl from Watford, and we kept that friendship for quite some years, visiting whenever there was an opportunity. Watford therefore is a dear memory of mine.”
Visitors to Classic Wheels on The Parade will be able to enjoy the vehicles at their leisure, speak to the people who have driven them to Watford and discover more about the friendships and stories behind the journey.
Event details
Classic Wheels on The Parade
Date: Sunday 20 September 2026
Time: 11:00am–4:00pm
Location: The Parade, Watford Town Centre
Admission: FREE and open to the public
More information is available on the Watford Town Centre website: Classic Wheels on The Parade event page.
