Crowds flocked to Llandudno as the second day of the resort’s Victorian Extravaganza took place.
The three-day event, held from April 30 to May 2 this year, dates back 35 years, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, returned this year for the first time since 2019.
One of Llandudno’s most prominent and popular weekends of the year, the event celebrates the Victorian history of the seaside resort, which was largely developed during that era, with much of the town’s architecture built during Queen Victoria’s reign.
On Day Two, a variety of performers came together, from magicians to mimics to musical bands.
Just after midday, as is the case on each day of the festival, a Parade took place in which classic old vehicles from the nearby Llandudno Transport Festival were part of a procession along the Promenade alongside brass bands, bagpipes and people dressed up in Victorian-era clothing.
The Extravaganza, which takes over the town’s main streets, includes street entertainers, stalls, full-size live steam traction engines, shop window displays and much more.
Among the different events today were:
- Doctor Diablo’s Sideshow in which the magician involves members of the public in his awe-inspiring routines
- Professor Jon’s Flea Circus
- A daily parade at 12pm, with all traction engines, vintage vehicles, Victorian dressers and entertainers taking part in the parade.
- Competitions for window dressing, Victorian dresses and best-dressed stall
- Mario Morris’ award-winning outdoor magic comedy show (each day of the event outside Llandudno Library, Mostyn Street at 11am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm)
- Lady Vee, an expert in balloon twisting (each day of the event outside Llandudno Library, Mostyn Street at 11.30am, 2.30pm and 4pm)
- The Cambria Band (performing in the daily parade at 12pm, and in the main arena by the main stage on St George's Place at 2.45pm, each day of the event)
Businesses from the region and elsewhere in Wales set up stalls beside Mostyn Street, with Cartrefi Conwy, Conwy Candle Company and Ridiculously Rich by Alana and many others.
The event's return follows the success of “Christmas Extravaganza”, organised by the same people, in the town last November.
The extravaganza is being run simultaenously along with the Llandudno Transport Festival at Bodafon Fields.
The events are connected via a free “hop on, hop off” shuttle bus service from Vaughan Street.
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