A Look Back at the 2026 St Mawes Concours d’Elegance
The atmosphere throughout the day was simply electric. St Mawes Harbour buzzed with excitement as visitors marvelled at the meticulously preserved vehicles, each telling its own unique story. From vintage beauties to iconic sports cars, the Concours d'Elegance showcased automotive history at its finest, drawing enthusiasts and families alike to enjoy the spectacle.
Previous Concours winners have included iconic vehicles such as the 1953 Ferrari 550MM Carrera Panamerica, a 1950 Fraser Nash Le Mans replica, a 1954 Mercedes Gullwing, and a 1961 Coombs Mk1 Jaguar. This year, the overall winner of the Concours was a stunning Porsche 356 C.

The afternoon began with the arrival of the vehicles onto St Mawes Harbour Quay before judging commenced under the expertise of Automobilia specialist Jonathan Vickers and event organiser Tim Whitaker. The ever-popular 'Best Dressed Couple' competition, themed around pirates this year, brought further entertainment and colour to the harbour front before prize giving took place with Tim Whitaker, Amelia Whitaker, and Mark Willson.
Prior to the awards presentation, invited guests enjoyed a memorable Cockwells luxury boat tour around the bay and harbour with complimentary champagne provided by Hotel Tresanton. The cruise offered spectacular views across St Mawes, St Anthony Headland, and Falmouth Bay, providing a unique perspective of the coastline and waterfront homes before the day concluded with the classic cars parading through the village streets.
A Word from the Organisers
Amelia Whitaker, Event Organiser, commented following the festival: "We had a wonderful week and the St Mawes Car Festival is growing year on year. This year I am particularly delighted to confirm that the Concours and an evening Auction at the Gala Dinner at the boutique Idle Rocks Hotel in St Mawes raised around £20,000. Cornwall Air Ambulance costs approximately £5,000 per shout, so potentially helping save four lives is both humbling and incredibly rewarding."

Mark Willson, Director of H Tiddy and recently acquired Fine & Country Mid West Cornwall, added: "For many years we have been proud sponsors of the Concours as part of the St Mawes Classic Car Festival. The event has grown in popularity and has now firmly established itself as one of the highlights of the village calendar for both residents and classic car enthusiasts alike. This year's Concours was a tremendous success and my sincere thanks go to Tim and Amelia Whitaker for their unrivalled motivation and hard work in organising the event."
Supporting Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust
A central part of the festival continues to be its fundraising support, and this year the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust was chosen. Entirely funded by public donations, the charity provides lifesaving emergency care across some of the region's most remote and challenging locations, ensuring critical treatment can reach patients when every second counts. The success of this year's fundraising effort highlighted the strength of support from both the local community and visitors attending the festival.
Acknowledgements to Our Esteemed Supporters
The success of an event of this magnitude would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors and supporters of the Concours D'Elegance. H Tiddy and Fine & Country Mid West Cornwall extend their heartfelt thanks to all who contributed, including our fellow sponsors: Knightor Winery, known for their exquisite Cornish wines; and Cockwells Luxury Boats, showcasing the pinnacle of marine craftsmanship and Hotel Tresanton.
Organisers of the St Mawes Classic Car Festival, Nearwater Events, continue to grow the festival year on year, delivering a vibrant programme that brings together classic motoring, local businesses, residents, and visitors in support of Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust.
The continued success of the St Mawes Classic Car Festival reflects not only the enduring appeal of classic motoring, but also the strength of community spirit on The Roseland Peninsula. H Tiddy and Fine & Country Mid West Cornwall are proud to continue supporting an event that celebrates heritage, craftsmanship, and the exceptional waterfront lifestyle that defines this remarkable part of Cornwall.