Petition for the return of Bournemouth Wheels Festival

The three-day event ran between 2013 to 2016 and involved car-crushing monster trucks, BMX stunt shows and races along the Pier Approach flyover.

Skye Cobb-Whittemore, 16, said the festival was one of her ‘best childhood memories’ and wants today’s children to experience the joy too.

“I remember sitting on my dad’s shoulders watching the Grim Reaper [monster truck] crush the cars under the sand, the Grim Reaper was my favourite,” said Skye.

“I would sit on the massive deck chair, eating ice cream, while watching the motorbikes jump the ramps and do somersaults.”

Despite its huge success and popularity, the festival was axed due to the lack of investment.

The Grim Reaper (Image: Daily Echo)

“I think that after the last few years with Covid-19... it would lighten the mood and get people back to feeling like normal again,” said Skye.

“I think it would get Bournemouth back to feeling better and return it back to its better days when people would come from far and wide all across England to see [the town], when it was a safer place.”

Cllr Andy Martin, the portfolio holder for customer, communications and culture, said: “The council is already looking at lots of ideas for next year to enable a range of vibrant and colourful festivals for residents and visitors to enjoy and take part in.

“A festival involving cars and other vehicles could certainly be one option, perhaps one showcasing classic cars, always very popular with all ages.

“We are more than happy to listen to any suggestions that will help us create, with partners, a fantastic year of festivals for 2024.”

Bournemouth Wheels Festival (Image: Daily Echo)

Skye’s petition is called ‘Bring back the Bournemouth wheels festival!’ and can be found on Change.org.

As previously reported by the Echo, the event drew more than a million visitors to the town over its three history.  

However, in 2016 the council subsidised it by £325,000.

In 2017 there had been sponsors and exhibitors in place but organisers were not able to secure a “significant commercial investment”.