HUGE crowds of people gathered to enjoy the first day of the 2024 Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza today (May 4).

The three-day event, which has been running for 39 years, takes over the town’s main roads, and includes street entertainment, vintage rides, modern attractions, stall holders, face painting, and tractors and engines.

North Wales Pioneer: 2024 Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza2024 Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza (Image: Newsquest)

Its opening ceremony was held at 10am this morning, but sadly, for the second year running at this free event, there was no midday parade.

This year’s event also featured a Victorian dress competition, with winners including Millie from Llandudno (children), dressed as a "gothic Queen Victoria", and a man dressed as Dr Watson (men).

North Wales Pioneer: 2024 Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza's Victorian dressing competition2024 Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza's Victorian dressing competition (Image: Newsquest)

Some of the other festivities on the first day of the Victorian Extravaganza included:

  • George Formby Society

North Wales Pioneer: George Formby SocietyGeorge Formby Society (Image: Newsquest)

  • Rock Choir

North Wales Pioneer: Rock ChoirRock Choir (Image: Newsquest)

  • Linzi Grace School of Dance
  • Llandudno Swing Band
  • Mario Morris Outdoor Magic Experience
  • Lady Vee (balloon artist)
  • Dr Diablo's Side Show, whose included showing both how to make his head shrink and "blow up like a balloon".

North Wales Pioneer: Dr Diablo's SideshowDr Diablo's Sideshow (Image: Newsquest)

  • Andrew Van Buren (magic act)

North Wales Pioneer: Andrew Van Buren (magic act)Andrew Van Buren (magic act) (Image: Newsquest)

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service also attended the event, with children able to look inside a fire engine and try on firefighters' hats.

A variety of steam and traction engines were on display at the event, meanwhile, including:

  • Sunrise: 4NHP Burrell Tractor, Works No. 3689, Reg. No. BP5927, built 1915
  • Captain Scott: 8NHP McLaren Road Locomotive, Works No. 1421, Reg. No. BE7518, built 1913
  • Evening Star: 8NHP Fowler Showmans Engine, Works No.14862, Reg. No. DW2235, built 1917

North Wales Pioneer: A steam engine at the extravaganzaA steam engine at the extravaganza (Image: Newsquest)

As usual, the Victorian Extravaganza is being run simultaneously with the Llandudno Transport Festival at Bodafon Fields.

The two events are connected by a free “hop on, hop off” shuttle bus service from Vaughan Street.