THE 2023 Llandudno Transport Festival got underway today (April 29) with more than 1,000 vehicles for visitors to enjoy on Bodafon Fields.
Now its 31st year, the festival showed off an array of lorries, tractors, motorbikes and more, while its “star attraction” was a replica of the “Rubber Duck” truck, as seen in the 1978 film "Convoy".
Sadly, though, unlike usually on the first day of the festival, a cavalcade of exhibits did not leave the showground for the streets of Conwy due to ongoing roadworks.
It is still hoped, though, that tomorrow will see the vehicles embark on a heavily marshalled route across Llandudno, ascending Marine Drive, and up to the Great Orme.
Weather-permitting, this should take place at about 5.30pm on Sunday.
Festival organiser Jim Ricketts said: “When we opened at 9am, there were queues at the gate, which was nice to see.
“We’ve filled up quite nicely, and everybody seems happy. We’ve had a bit more trade than last year, and more vehicles, by far.
“There are about 190 trucks, 130 modern trucks, 350 cars; you name it – if it’s got a wheel on it, it’s here. We’ve even got a gin bar from a converted ice cream van; there’s something for everyone!
“Planning for this started at the end of November. We sow the seeds in May, provisionally booking it for next year, and then work on it up to this day. A lot of work goes into it behind the scenes.
“The Rubber Duck is our star attraction – it’s the only UK replica from the film. It was apparently quite a sight coming down the A55 yesterday, as you can imagine!
“I can’t thank the family who own it enough for letting us show it off over the weekend.
“Everybody comes for our road runs; it’s part of our arena. We want to show off the area.”
The festival is run in conjunction with Llandudno's Victorian Extravaganza, with a free “hop on, hop off” shuttle bus service from Vaughan Street connecting both events.
The Transport Festival gates open each day at 9am until late on Saturday and Sunday, and 5pm on Monday, with the bus service running all day from 10am.
Admission to the transport festival costs £8.50 for adults, £2 for children, and £2.50 for car parking.
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