CROWDS descended on Bournemouth to enjoy a host of wheels-related activities at the weekend, with something for everyone on offer - from monster trucks to classic cars.

And not only did the promised rain on Saturday fail to materialise after early showers, but Sunday's weather was even better, with blue skies and beaming sunshine throughout the day.

The bank holiday festivities proved popular with visitors, with many praising the event - which continues today - and saying they hoped for another next year.

Charlotte Arnold and Douglas Bryant came with Connor, 10, and Max, five, from New Milton.

Charlotte said: “The boys enjoyed the supercar parade and are looking forward to the monster trucks.

“For me, I am just happy to watch anything fast.”

Teresa Harris brought along daughter Megan, 23, and grandchildren Leon, six, and Lilly, two, from Southbourne.

She said: “I'm a real grand prix fan. I love the Ferraris and Lamborghinis. I also didn't realise there would be older cars here, which is a nice surprise.

“Bournemouth is brilliant. It's really accessible for everyone. It's so nice because nowhere else does it.”

Jess and Darren Whitfield, Lynn Deevow, and children, Alex, nine, and Ben, seven, were holidaying in Sandford.

Darren said: “We just came on holiday to area for the week and didn't even realise it was on.”

Charlie Murphy and Josh Brewer, five, from Ensbury Park, came down for the festival.

Charlie said: “Josh really wanted to see the motorbikes, scooters and some of the supercars. My friend was also down here with her dad's Mustang car.”

Rhys Higgins, seven, from Bournemouth, was excited to see almost everything.

“I'm excited about the motorbike jump over the pier. And I want to see the monster trucks, and the Dakar Rally too.”

The event was just as popular for those who allowed their classic cars to be used as displays on the seafront.

Jenny Brunyee and Ryan Haigh brought their Porsche 912 along for the day.

The car - bought by Ryan seven years ago - had finished being restored just the day before the festival began.

“When I got the car, it was really rusty, there were holes in the floor, and it was a completely different colour,” Ryan said.

“I actually bought it in Boscombe, but it's been with a restoration company for some time, so it's great to have it here today.”

Frank Van Hoof, of Ringwood, brought his VW Beetle and camper van to show to car aficionados at the event.

The J. P. Morgan employee said: “I bought it when I was living in South Africa and brought it back here with me. It used to be a taxi, and it was in terrible condition, but over the years I've restored it all. I love that you can just get in and go - everything's already here.”

He is only the second owner of the car, built in 1962.

Colin and Julie White drove their 1930 Ford Model A Roadster.

Colin, from Ringwood, said: “It's great to come out today and be part of a car festival in Dorset. We'd always have come, no matter what was happening with the weather.

“You have to enjoy it. There's no point having a lovely car and never getting out in it.”

His thoughts were echoed by Brain Toalster, who showed his 1928 Austin Heavy off at the Pavilion.

“It's nice to be able to bring it along to an event like this in Dorset,” he said.

Appropriately-named Alex Senner, five, from Upton, took part in the initial launch event of the Zone 6 Demo Course.

His proud dad, Richard, said: "We're just trying to promote racing for youngsters. At Matchams we are looking to start a Bambino Championship, for which we can take children from as young as four, which is how old Alex was when he started.

“What a lot of people don't realise is that it all starts with karts for a lot of racing drivers.

"I've always been a massive Senna fan and our surnames are spelt differently but pronounced the same. Alex's older brother's first name is Ayrton, and Alex's middle-name is Jenson.

“We tried different sports with him, but this was the only one he really wanted to do. His dream is to one day race for Ferrari.”