North Devon Festival of Transport is set to be bigger and better than ever

A full-throttle day of family fun and entertainment is promised as the North Devon Festival of Transport returns to Bideford on Sunday, August 10.

The charity event at Victoria Park is a celebration of motoring heritage with an array of vehicles from vintage, classic and sports cars through to motorcycles, commercial vehicles and more than a few automotive oddities too!

Among them will be legendary steam waggon Sentinel Waggon 8850, affectionately known as ‘The Lion’, which began its working life in Bideford in the 1930s for the Devon Trading Co Ltd.

Above: The Lion steam waggon.

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The festival runs from 10am to 4pm and in addition to the many vehicles on display and working, there will be plenty of family entertainment, live music, activities, games, stalls, go-karts for under 10s, a bar and food stalls.

Entry is £5 per person and accompanied children aged under 16 get in free.

Above and below: The festival will host a wide range of vehicles from across the decades and in all manner of genres.

Now in its third year, the idea for a family friendly charity car event came about from an informal conversation between Tim Hatcher, then chair of the North Devon Sports and Classic Car Club (NDSCCC) and Don Adams of Bideford Bridge Rotary Club.

Their enthusiasm soon found fertile ground as members from both the NDSCCC and Bideford Bridge Rotary rallied behind the idea, rolling up their sleeves to craft an event plan, then once Torridge District Council and Bideford Rugby club were on board with the use of their field, all systems were go.

The first festival in 2023 was intentionally modest in scale—a pilot event designed to test the waters, gauge public interest and refine the blueprint without risking a significant financial outlay to ensure the maximum could be raised for charity.

It exceeded all expectations, drawing crowds of car enthusiasts, families and curious onlookers alike. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and the festival’s reputation quickly grew, raising more than £26,000 for charity to date.

The North Devon Festival of Transport has blossomed into a major attraction for locals and holidaymakers, under the guidance of Don Adams and Mark Coles (current chair of the NDSCCC). 

According to Clare Kane, NDFT secretary, this year’s event is set to be better than ever, thanks in large part to a new main sponsor, Surf Bay Leisure and a host of local businesses who have thrown their support behind the festival.

She said: “This year’s show really will be bringing something for everyone.

“We have more fantastic vehicles, more caterers, more stalls and music throughout the day from The Voice 2. There’s an electric atmosphere building already and we’re hoping for good weather and to smash last year’s fundraising effort with support from the North Devon communities and holidaymakers alike.”

Live music will fill the air throughout the day, courtesy of The Voice 2, Nothing but Treble and The Applecorers.

Younger visitors can unleash their energy on the bouncy castle, take a spin on go karts designed for under 10s, or marvel at the miniature steam train rides, as well as having a boogie with event mascot Bentley Bear. With games, stalls, tasty treats, bar in the rugby club and a grand charity raffle, there’s plenty to keep all the family entertained.

Above: There will be miniature steam traction engine rides too.

Clare added: “The support from local businesses, volunteers, and our sponsors means we can keep raising the bar.

“Every pound raised makes a real difference to our chosen charities and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who comes along and joins in the fun.”

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