SCREECHING tyres could be heard in Bournemouth as Michael Schumacher’s F1 championship car sped through the Lower Gardens for a Wheels Festival demonstration.

A Bigfoot Monster Truck, James Bond Aston Martin DB5 and sleek yellow Lamborghini Murcialago joined the magnificent Benetton Formula One car as part of the taster showcase. The world’s first International Wheels Festival will be held in Bournemouth between Saturday, May 24 and Monday, May 26, 2014 – and it is predicted to bring a £9million boost to the economy.

Director of Bournemouth Tourism Mark Smith said: “The announcement of this new event is already creating a buzz amongst local businesses because it will be based on a similar business model to the tremendously successful Bournemouth Air Festival.

“This major new festival will further cement Bournemouth’s reputation as a premier destination.”

Brum the children’s car also made an appearance at the launch joined by a freestyle motocross stunt bike, a Penny-farthing and a Dakar rally car.

The world-class event, which has been hailed as Britain’s biggest free wheels themed festival, is expected to attract around 360,000 people to the town and create 150 new jobs. Chair of the Bournemouth Tourism Management Board, Andrew Francis said: “Local businesses are very excited about having another high profile event in the town, helping to boost trade and increase footfall in Bournemouth.

“This event will be spread across various pockets of the town with town centre shows and parades and will hugely benefit local businesses.”

Aimed at families, organisers are promising thrills and spills, with displays from classic cars, hot rods, stunt motorbikes, cycling and customised cars.