A LARGE sign has been placed at the entrance to Bournemouth town centre as preparations for the first ever Wheels Festival get under way.

The creation, which was made by the building maintenance team at the borough council, displays the festival’s logo and has been placed near the St Paul’s Roundabout – much like the jet during the air festival – to welcome visitors.

The festival’s primary sponsor is the Coastal Business Improvement District (BID) and chairman Des Simmons said: “We are proud to be the lead sponsor of the new Wheels Festival because we see it as a hugely beneficial addition to Bournemouth’s year-round calendar of amazing events.

“It will introduce a new range of visitors to all that Bournemouth has to offer and we aim to use it as a key theme in the BIDs marketing to attract staying visitors next spring.

“It underlines how well the BID and Bournemouth Tourism can combine to make these innovative ideas actually happen.

“It meets our objective of bringing new off-season business and shows our commitment to helping launch major new events.”

The Bournemouth Wheels Festival is a free three-day family festival taking place from Saturday, May 24, to Monday, May 26.

Crowds can expect to see high energy action across the town and seafront – from beautiful historic classic cars to world-class BMX stunts, monster truck parades and supercars.

There will be four grandstands along the beach to watch demonstrations, as well as evening live entertainment, shopping, food and fireworks.

Find much more on the Bournemouth Wheels Festival in our special section