A BARMAN was on song at the recent Stratford Festival of Motoring.
Albert Clarke was crowned car-aoke king for his rendition of Italian-inspired tune ‘That’s Amore’ – in keeping with this year’s theme of The Italian Job – during the two-day event over the early May Bank Holiday weekend.
More than 45,000 people attended the Stratforward BID-organised event, with many taking time out from looking around the 300-plus cars on show to take part in Stratford’s own version of popular TV show Carpool Karaoke.
And 22-year-old Albert’s version of the 1953 Dean Martin classic was a clear winner with the judges from Stratforward, event sponsor Listers and their chosen charity the Shakespeare Hospice.
He won the use of a car courtesy of Listers for a weekend.
Albert’s win was particularly fitting as he works at Italian restaurant Carluccio’s on Waterside.
He said: “This was my perfect competition. I love cars, I love to sing and I work in an Italian environment. I’m just thrilled I won.
“The Festival of Motoring weekend was crazy busy but it was great to see so many people in Stratford and there was a brilliant atmosphere in town.”
Stratforward BID Director Joe Baconnet was delighted the prize went to a BID business employee.
“Albert’s win is the icing on the cake as far as I am concerned,” said Joe. “This was an amazing event that brought tens of thousands of people into the town, not just to enjoy the sun-drenched weekend and see the fantastic cars on display, but also to explore the best Stratford has to offer in terms of attractions, shops, bars and restaurants.”
“Many of our 450 members have reported great sales figures, some of them record-breaking. This is exactly what the town needed after a long and difficult winter for trading. This event did exactly what it is there to do, showcase our town at the start of the summer season, and I hope this means we are set for a bumper few months.”
“The car-aoke competition was a fun way of getting people involved in what was a great event for the town and its businesses. Anything we can do to get people to Stratford so they can see what a great offering we have plays a part in helping the town’s businesses succeed.”
