America's "most patriotic town" is about to be invaded by the British — again. This time should have a more peaceful outcome.

At a time when Bristolians are preparing to honor America in the oldest Fourth of July celebration in the country, they will first celebrate the mother country when all makes of British cars roar into town for the first British Motorcar Festival June 11-14.

More than just a car show, the festival is "an upscale British lifestyle event," according to organizer Michael Gaetano. "We're inviting the public to come dressed in traditional British attire. This is an event we believe will be national because it's so unique."

Based on the annual "British Invasion" car show in Stowe, Vermont, the motorcar festival features all makes of British automobiles — brands like Rolls Royce, Bentley, Astin Martin and Jaguar. As many as 400 cars are expected to be on display along the waterfront at Colt State Park.

In addition to the show, professional judges from Rolls Royce and Jaguar clubs around the country will scrutinize the vehicles, ultimately awarding "The Bristol Cup" to the top entry. The cars are judged on a variety of factors including appearance, the quality of the engine and other parts "under the bonnet," and originality and difficulty of restoration.

"We look at each car against the standard of what it would have been when it was new," Mr. Gaetano said.

All ages of cars will be on display, from brand new to upwards of 60 years old. Mr. Gaetano will have his own car on display — a 1947 Bentley.

The main festival is scheduled for Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14 beginning at 9 a.m. when the show field opens to attendees. But the festival actually begins Thursday with a 100-mile drive throughout the East Bay to Horseneck Beach in Westport, Mass., through back roads in Tiverton and Little Compton, ending back at Colt State Park.

The festival really gets started Friday night with a street party at Independence Park, 6:30-9:30 p.m., featuring live music by Beatles tribute band Abbey Road. The party will be preceded by a parade of the featured cars from Colt State Park to Independence Park, beginning at 5:45 p.m. A Bristol Merchants Association scavenger hunt is also planned June 12, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Back at Colt State Park Saturday and Sunday, visitors can mill around gazing at the exotic cars and speaking to car owners. Those who want to do more than kick the tires are invited to buy select cars in the British Car Corral. There will also be a British Racing Paddock featuring race cars, and a marketplace with British products, food and even car parts.

Attendees are invited to dress in their finest British attire, and could even win a prize. Judges will be keeping an eye out for the best costumes and the best ladies hats. Other events throughout the festival include a tailgate competition, a competition of colors pitting like-colored cars against each other, and the winner's drive-by on June 14 featuring the winners from Saturday.

Organizers are hoping to attract as many as 5,000 visitors to the weekend show. Tickets are $15 for both Saturday and Sunday, $10 for Sunday only. Children under 12 are free. Tickets are available at the gate. There is also a $5 parking fee that will benefit Explore Bristol, which is partnering on the event. The Friday Night Street Party is free.

Organizers are hoping to make the festival an annual event and involve Bristol residents in welcoming car owners from all around the country.

"One of the things I'd like to do is involve the community in the event," said Michael Byrnes, director of Explore Bristol. "When you're putting your American flag out to celebrate the 4th, put out a British flag, too. We really want to encourage Bristol residents and businesses to get decked our with British flags and bunting and displays as a way of welcoming the classic British car owners to Bristol."

For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit www.britishmotorcarfestival.com.