THOUSANDS of people turned out for the first day of the annual Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza today (April 29).

The three-day event, which has been running for about 35 years, takes over the town’s main roads, and includes street entertainers, stalls, full-size live steam traction engines, shop window displays and more.

This year's event also sees a return of the “Steam Arena”, a window dressing competition, a new-look Victorian dress contest, and a best-dressed stall competition.

There are stalls for businesses such as Jim's Ices, Ridiculously Rich by Alana, Sisarikg Crafts, Tammy’s Face Painting, and more.

Some of the festivities on the first day of the Victorian Extravaganza (pictures to be updated throughout the day):

  • Mario Morris Magic
  • Lady Vee Balloon Artist
  • Doctor Diablo's Sideshow

North Wales Pioneer: Doctor Diablo's SideshowDoctor Diablo's Sideshow (Image: Newsquest)

  • Ghostbuskers

North Wales Pioneer: GhostbuskersGhostbuskers (Image: Newsquest)

  • Andrew Van Buren Circus Workshop and Magic Shows

North Wales Pioneer: Andrew Van Buren Circus Workshop and Magic ShowsAndrew Van Buren Circus Workshop and Magic Shows (Image: Newsquest)

  • Côr Meibion Maelgwn

North Wales Pioneer: Côr Meibion MaelgwnCôr Meibion Maelgwn (Image: Newsquest)

  • The George Formby Society

North Wales Pioneer: The George Formby SocietyThe George Formby Society (Image: Newsquest)

  • Poems by Margaret Mary Hoggard

North Wales Pioneer: Poems by Margaret Mary HoggardPoems by Margaret Mary Hoggard (Image: Newsquest)

  • The P.U.G.S
  • Linzi Grace School of Dance

  • Conwy Buskers
  • Steam Arena Traction Engine and Exhibits

North Wales Pioneer: Some of the exhibits at the Steam ArenaSome of the exhibits at the Steam Arena (Image: Newsquest)

  • The Cambria Band

North Wales Pioneer: The Cambria BandThe Cambria Band (Image: Newsquest)

Sadly, though, this year's extravaganza will not feature its usual daily midday parade due to a lack of “money and manpower”.

Often attracting more than 200,000 people across the weekend, the extravaganza is also hosting its first fringe festival this year, with 13 different comedy and magic events.

Where you can catch the fringe festival

  • The Magic Bar Live (first floor of The New Alexandra Hotel, 11 Clonmel Street, LL30 2LE)
  • The New Alexandra Hotel Sports Bar (first floor of The New Alexandra Hotel, 11 Clonmel Street, LL30 2LE)
  • Blend (14 Clonmel Steet, LL30 2LE)
  • Providero (112 Upper Mostyn Street, LL30 2SW)
  • Taylor's Cafe Bar (19 Lloyd Street, LL30 2UU)

What you can enjoy at the fringe festival

  • Griffin & Jones Idiot Magicians
  • Nightmare Magic
  • Amsterdam Magic Show
  • Pete Heat (magic/comedy)
  • An Evening of Insane Magic
  • Instant Magic
  • Aaron Wood and Friends (comedy)
  • Eddie Fortune is Single (comedy)
  • LIAR (magic)
  • Immature Magic
  • Cameron Gibson (magic)
  • Magic in a Jiffy
  • Doomed (comedy)

As usual, the Victorian Extravaganza is being run simultaenously 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.