The last weekend in July 2017 has been confirmed as the date for the first North East Festival of Transport in Sunderland.
The event, which is being spearheaded by groups including the North East Bus Preservation Trust and Sunderland and District Classic Vehicle Society, with support from Sunderland City Council, the event looks to bring together vintage buses, traction engines and commercial vehicles, classic cars and motorbikes at a prime location on Sunderland’s sea front.
The event organisers are aiming to fulfil a long held wish of transport enthusiasts in the region to have a major showcase event similar to those held elsewhere in the country. The weekend of July 29 and 30 has been chosen for the inaugural festival.
Initial interest has been high, with hundreds of vehicles expected on the show fields.
Chairman of the North East Bus Preservation Trust, Peter Elliott, said: “We, like many other groups, spend a huge amount of time restoring vintage vehicles from the North East and hold our own events for the public.
“The aim of this event is to create a critical mass of interest in all forms of transport heritage to allow us to really tell the story of North East transport.”
Ian Davison, from Sunderland & District Classic Vehicle Society, said: “We are very proud and excited to be involved in this new transport festival for the north east.
“We are looking to make this North East Transport Festival, the biggest classic transport event in the North East.”
Entry to the event is being opened up to any vehicle built before 2000, whether powered by steam, internal combustion or battery; as well as specialist vehicles from current transport operators. Exhibitors and up to three passengers will gain free entry to the event.
An invitation has also been extended to any transport heritage groups who would like to become involved in the organisation of the event.
