THOUSANDS of car enthusiasts turned up to the city's first Car Fest this weekend.

On Sunday about 10,000 people gathered in the market square for the free event celebrating motor vehicles including rally cars, sports cars, classic vehicles and more.

Exhibitors included Marshall Motor Group, SJS Motorcycles, Army Sports Car Racing and XDR Motors, and there was entertainment and food stalls.

Phil Randall, of XDR motorsand organiser of the event, said it was a "great turnout" with visitors of all ages.

"Salisbury was alive with people, I don't think I have seen so many in town for years," he said.

"I really hope everyone had a great time and enjoyed what Salisbury has to offer.

And Matthew Dean, leader of Salisbury City Council, said he was “really pleased” with how it turned out.

He said: “It was a fantastic day, and it was great to see so many people there and get so much good feedback from how people enjoyed it.

“I noticed how busy town was on a Sunday as a result, it gave a boost to the city centre.”

And he said about 10,000 people turned up, likening the event at the packed-out market square to the popular Christmas lights switch-on evening held each year.

“The square was absolutely heaving,” he added.

“We are really pleased with it, we were lucky with the weather and it was great.”

Cllr Dean and Mr Matthews said ideas are already being discussed for next year’s event, including raising its profile, making the event bigger or even holding two different Car Fests each year.