Hovercraft drivers from across Europe descend on Lancashire

Drivers from all over the continent descended on Magnolls Farm in Oswaldtwistle - with 2024 marking the first time the tournament has been held in north west England.

The action celebrated two decades of cushion-of-racing at the farm, with organisers describing the sport as “growing in popularity".

Races varied from junior categories all the way up to "Formula One" where there’s no limit to crafts’ engine power.

One competitor was 16-year-old Elliott Folland who had travelled from Leicestershire with his family, taking part in his first senior race weekend.

The teenager – who represents the third generation of craft drivers in his family, after his dad and grandad - described going toe-to-toe with drivers, some more than double his age, as “scary but good".

The event was Elliott's first go at senior racing (Image: Newsquest)

Hovercraft racing is entirely unpaid, and the vehicles are usually built by the competitors themselves.

World champion, Damian Rhodes, arrived with his "carbon fibre speedster", which has a combined engine power of nearly 300 horsepower.

Speaking in his tent after just finishing a race, he said: “It’s quite a fast course, but also quite a technical course.  It’s really windy at the top of the hill, you’ve got to watch out for that.”

The meet was the European Championship’s second event of the season, entrants take part in multiple races over a weekend that all contribute towards their final score.

Rhodes’ mechanic and Magnolls’ owner, Charlie Peach, said: “We’ve had a variety of people come down to watch, people from the local area and people that follow the sport around the country.

“A lot of families and kids which is great because we’re spreading the word and keeping the sport alive.

“The crowd have loved it, we’re very pleased with the turnout.”

Damian Rhodes, pictured left, and his mechanic and Magnolls' owner, Charlie Peach, pictured right., Charlie (Image: NQ Staff)

Some of the weekend’s satisfied punters were the Wilcox family.

Mum and dad, Hannah and Kris, came with their three children, 10-year-old Eva, eight-year-old Bee, and six-year-old Freyja, along with grandad, Graham.

The Wilcox family often watch the racing when it's in town (Image: NQ Staff)

Mrs Wilcox said they often make the effort to come down and watch the crafts race when they’re in the area, because of the “exciting and exhilarating” nature, plus its “affordable” pricing.

Hovercraft racing’s future seemed in good hands as Bee, Eva and Freyja all expressed an interest in taking to the track when they grow up.

Newbies to the scene, the Hillman family, comprising adults Rachael and Nick, and seven-year-old Macie, were glad they’d given watching the sport a try.

Mr Hillman said: “We saw the sign so thought we’d come down, and we’re glad we did.  It’s been very thrilling to see.”

The Hillman family enjoyed watching their first hovercraft race (Image: NQ Staff)

Hovercraft racing, unlike many sports, isn’t segregated by gender, which F50 second-in-the-world, Hannah Deacon, says creates an “inclusive community".

Ms Deacon added: “Another great part is that most motorsports are all about time trials, whereas in this we’re all next to each and head-to-head.”