BOURNEMOUTH was described as 'the best playground in the world' during the launch of the Echo-backed Wheels Festival.

Running from May 29 to 31, Bournemouth Tourism and their fellow organisers of the free entry event expect even bigger crowds than the 500,000 people who visited the first year in 2014 and plenty more wheels on the ground.

Richard Grafton from Historic Promotions Ltd, who helps to put the Wheels Festival together, said: “The company organises motoring events around the world and we have found that there is nowhere quite like Bournemouth.”

He added: “What we're trying to do is bring a host of worldclass cars to the event.”

He added that, like last year, there will be Le Mans cars, rally cars, super cars, vintage and classic vehicles on the demonstration straight.

“The difference with this event is that you are closer to the action than any other event featuring F1 cars, you get to talk to the drivers and share the experience.”

More highlights include families donning brightly coloured lights for the Big Community Bike Night Glow, stunt driver Paul Smith will be attempting to travel the whole of East Overcliff Drive on two wheels and Team Extreme will return to display bike and BMX tricks.

The monster truck arena on the sand will be twice the size of last year and motocross stunts will be performed in the action sports area on Bournemouth's west beach.

Lorina McLaughlin, one of the UK's most successful female drivers, said: “It was such a brilliant event and people loved the supercars, which I was personally involved with.

“Everyone loves Bournemouth with its beautiful beaches and hotels and what I have found is that a lot of people who came to the Wheels Festival last year are coming back to the area for a weekend again.”

Des Simmons, chair of Bournemouth Tourism Management Board (BTMB), said: “There are not many events that can be held with such a backdrop as we have in Bournemouth.”

He also announced that a shuttle bus service will run between Hot Rocks cafe by Bournemouth Pier Approach to Boscombe Pier to transport visitors during the three-day festival.