To mark Rolls Royce’s centenary, workers are going on strike, but celebrations are going on regardless. I thought the weather was going to be crap all day, so I didn’t take my camera in to get any pictures. This is a double shame as I was treated to the sight of a Lancaster passing over UMIST main building when I popped out for lunch. I could see it for maybe ten seconds, but it was glorious nonetheless.

20 Rolls Royce facts

Or so I’ve been told, more than a few times. Who knows, they may not have been lying.

Two very different types of automotive fun. The Museum of Science and industry celebrated Rolls Royce’s centenary by having a banging out ceremony for their 1904 Roller. It was supposed to drive to the Midland Hotel, but they couldn’t get the motor started. Rolls’ truly are silent runners when they’re being powered by a man pushing them.

The stock cars were pure petrolhead fun. The only real disappointment was that there were only Metro Bangers, and not many of them. Crowd favourite ‘Shovy’ didn’t even last long enough to make it into the final Demolition Derby.

Jenny found out how I can learn to be a stock car driver.