Sandbach Transport Festival 2019 hailed a big success

15 Apr 2019 09:11
Published by: Kian French

SANDBACH Transport Festival was hailed another big success after attracting more 20,000 people over the weekend.

The 29th annual event combined all the engine-fuelled attractions loved by families over the years with the artistic flair and spectacle of the SpareParts Festival.

Back for a third year, SpareParts – an engagement programme funded by Arts Council England – thrilled crowds with its walkabout artists popping up around Sandbach Park and The Commons.

Everything was on the theme of transport, travel and movement including daring acrobatic displays and madcap street performers who moved about on wheels.

The Sky High Stage on Sandbach Park celebrated the talents of the Sandbach community following a series of SpareParts participation workshops.

Sandbach Youth Theatre, Sandbach Line Dancing Group, Saxon Players and the Can’t Sing Choir wowed crowds with their music and high energy routines.

Jodie Gibson, SpareParts Festival Artistic Director, said: “It was our third year at Sandbach and once again we were bowled over by the community spirit and pride townspeople have in their transport heritage.

“It was a pleasure to see so many smiling faces. All could not be achieved without the support of Arts Council England and the Sandbach Transport Festival Committee

She added: “SpareParts really is a unique festival where transport and arts collide. It was great to return to Sandbach, a town with such historic transport links.

“We now look forward to being part of trAction, Crewe’s amazing celebration of transport, science, art and engineering on July 6.”

A display of more than 350 classic to modern cars and vehicles such as HGVs, buses, tractors, military and emergency proved a highlight once again.

The Stoke-based Harley Davidson Owners Group rode into town on Sunday giving enthusiasts a chance to get up close and have their photographs taken with their treasured machines.

Attractions also included fun fair rides, steam train rides, stalls, games and band performances as well as an original Spitfire fighter plane display.

Festival chairman Elsie Alcock said: “The vehicles came from all over the country and were gleaming. A real credit to their owners.

“SpareParts were great fun and the whole weekend was another triumph for Sandbach. Police estimate our visitor numbers were around 26,000 which is fantastic.”

Sandbach was home to ERF and Foden to the 1990s. The festival, organised by a committee of ten, was founded to celebrate its famous links with the truck and bus-building industry.

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