10 things to look forward to at this year’s Bournemouth Wheels Festival

We'll have a guide on everything you need to know about the event online soon, plus we'll have all the coverage and pictures of the second Bournemouth Wheels Festival when it takes place between Friday May 29 and Sunday May 31. 

To see all our coverage from last year and to find out more about what's in store for this year, visit bournemouthecho.co.uk/wheels

1. Monster Trucks

The Monster Trucks are back! Everyone’s favourite power machines will be wowing crowds with their car-crushing antics with up to seven shows a day at the Heart Monster Truck Arena – and this year it’s twice the size.

2. Supercars

Most of us can only dream of owning a Ferrari but for the next best thing, head to the BIC to get up close to some of the world’s most impressive supercars. You can see models from leading names including Lamborghini, Porsche and Aston Martin. For the chance to see them in action, head to the Demonstration Straight along East Overcliff and prepare to be blown away.

3. The Kangaroo Kid

Stunt legend Matt Coulter, aka the Kangaroo Kid, will be performing a special stunt in the Heart Monster Truck Arena where he will be attempting to jump over Monster Trucks. Matt is no stranger to performing for big audiences and has previously appeared on a number of TV programmes, including Don’t Try This at Home, You Bet and Guinness World Records.

4. Top stunts from Paul Swift

One of the UK’s top stunt drivers, Paul Swift, will be attempting to drive the length of East Overcliff Drive on two wheels. Paul’s passion for stunts began at the young age of seven, when he learnt to drive the family ride-on lawnmower on two wheels back in 1986.

5. Southbourne fringe

New for this year, there will be a fringe event at Southbourne Grove. Petrol heads will be able to see vintage and Supercars pulling in, fresh from the Wheels Festival demonstration straight on East Overcliff Drive. Iconic cars will also be on display plus the freestyle mountain bike stunt team, Savage Skills, will be on hand to wow the crowds.

6. Music and entertainment

As well as cars, bikes and trucks, there will be live music and entertainment going on around the site. Orange Street and The Jammers will be playing the Seafront Stage east of the pier on Friday and Saturday nights between 8pm and 10pm where you can find traders and a funfair. There will be stage and street entertainment at Southbourne Grove between 4pm and 10pm on Saturday. Plus, circus and hula hoop workshops, face painting and a unicyclist in the Lower Gardens from 5pm to 9pm.

7. The Night Glow ride

Cyclists will decorate themselves in bright colours and lights for a ride along the East Overcliff Friday, May 29. The Big Community Night Glow will see cyclists travel along East Overcliff Drive towards Boscombe, around Monkey Island and back down. Want to take part? You’ll need to meet in front of the Miramar Hotel at 9.15am. It’s free to join in.

8. Desert driving

Head to the beach arena just west of the pier at Boscombe for some fast and furious driving action as vehicles tear through the sands. Expect to see rally cars and military vehicles, as well as displays from the Army and Royal Navy.

9. Freewheel stunts

Team Extreme’s BMX riders and skaters return to Pier Approach with a breathtaking mix of tricks and freewheel stunts that promise to delight and amaze.

10. Freestyle Motorcross shows

Watch fearless FMX (freestyle motorcross) riders perform a series of jaw-dropping stunts and tricks up to four times a day at the Coastal BID Action Sports Arena, which you’ll find located at west of the Pier.

And one thing that won’t be happening this year

Last year, Britain’s Got Talent star and motorcross pro Dan Whitby made history when he jumped over Bournemouth Pier. Thousands of people turned out to see Dan perform the stunt which saw him fly over the pier from west to east.