A WIDE range of vehicles returned to Llandudno today (May 4) to mark the first day of the town’s annual transport festival returns.
Running for more than 30 years, the festival, at Bodafon Fields, is again taking place concurrently with the town’s Victorian Extravaganza.
As usual, there were a variety of exhibitions, including of lorries, tractors and motorbikes, for visitors to immerse themselves in.
Among its star attractions this year was a replica of the Red Ball Express, used in the Second World War, and a nod to the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings in 1944.
Owner Graham Booth drove to the vehicle to Bodafon Fields from his home in Southport.
Though, due to the overnight rain, its usual Saturday ride, which sees a cavalcade of exhibits leave the showground to go via a heavily marshalled route into Conwy, via Llanrhos and Deganwy, did not go ahead.
The Red Ball Express replica at Llandudno Transport Festival (Image: Newsquest)
Red Ball Express at Llandudno Transport Festival (Image: Newsquest)
Weather-permitting, though, exhibitors may leave the showground tomorrow to tour across Llandudno, ascending Marine Drive and up to the Great Orme.
Jim Ricketts, festival organiser, said: “Today’s been a busy day; it’s recovered well from the rain last night.
“There are about 50 of us who organise it, and we’re all volunteers, at the end of the day.
“If the weather keeps improving, and there’s no more rain, it’s still a possibility that we could crack on around Llandudno tomorrow.
“It gets a following from all over the UK and Ireland, which is phenomenal. Some of them make it an annual sabbatical!”
Vehicles from Kilkenny Motor Club at Llandudno Transport Festival (Image: Newsquest)
At the transport festival, the gates open each day at 9am until late on Saturday and Sunday, and until 5pm on Monday.
Admission to the transport festival costs £8.50 for adults, £2 for children, and £2.50 for car parking.
More vehicles on display at Llandudno Transport Festival (Image: Newsquest)
The transport festival and the Victorian Extravaganza will be connected via a free “hop on, hop off” bus service, running from 10am each day, between the pair of them throughout the weekend.
A free shuttle bus will pick up and drop off from Vaughan Street, Llandudno.
More information can be found on Llandudno Transport Festival’s website.
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