Special cars and big commercial vehicles to star at GY Wheels Festival on Great Yarmouth seafront

The free festival, taking place from 10am on both days, is organised by Great Yarmouth Borough Council, and is an opportunity for families and enthusiasts alike to get up close to some very special motors, in addition to enjoying other fun activities.

One of the highlights will be colourful hotrods, American cruisers from the 1950s and 1960s which have been lovingly sooped-up and customised by their owners, often at great expense.

The National Street Rod Association will be displaying eight cars. Paul Shuttleworth will be showing his 1967 Shelby-Mustang, which is very similar to the famous feature car in the film Gone in 60 Seconds, while Mia Smith will be bringing her 1932 Model B Sedan. 

In addition, Modified Nationals, the UK's biggest performance and tuning show, will be displaying a selection of the best of modified cars from across the UK.

Several local car clubs will be showcasing their special vehicles, including the East Coast Pirates, Autobahn Stormers Club with their Lotus Carltons, the Norfolk branch of the BMW Car Club, and the Norfolk Mini Club.

And - new to this year's festival - there will be a dealers' village, where visitors will be able to meet local car dealers and inspect their new-registration models, including Range Rovers, Jaguars, Fords and Nissans.

The festival will also have plenty of big commercial vehicles. Norwich Distress Truck Club is planning to showcase around 30 vehicles, while Clive Shaw Trucking is bringing four American big rig trucks, including a Kenworth previously owned by Burt Reynolds.

Quinto Crane and Plant Hire be rolling up with a Scania 144 bonneted tractor unit, while Abels Moving Services will be showing off their post-war removal vehicles. In addition, an historic Norfolk fire engine and the service's latest model will both be on display.

In addition, the Spratts vintage bus will be giving heritage tours on the Sunday, picking up passengers opposite the cinema on Marine Parade.

For aspiring Grand Prix champions, there will be the chance to get behind the wheel of a Formula 1 simulator. And visitors will be able to get active thanks to a mobile skate park and KMX karts from the Extreme Wheels Roadshow, and activities from Active Norfolk, the county's sports partnership.

The GY Wheels Festival is sponsored by Great Yarmouth Borough Council, the Greater Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement Area (GYTABIA) and Joyland and the American Diner.

Cllr Barry Coleman, chairman of the economic development committee, said: "Cars and big commercial vehicles are central to the attractions at Wheels and perfectly compliment the motorcycle fun. The festival is great for residents, visitors and the local economy. This year, our line-up is bigger and better than ever, so make sure you don't miss out."

Gareth Brown, chairman of the Great Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement Area (GYTABIA), said: "The GY Wheels Festival looks like being a tremendous spectacle this year with cars, bikes and commercial vehicles of all shapes and sizes. The influx of people brings a real boost to the town's businesses and we're delighted to support it."

Michael Cole, of Joyland and the American Diner, said: "Joyland and the American Diner are once again delighted to be one of the main sponsors of Wheels. We feel it is vital to hold major free events for our visitors to help boost trade out of season. We are very excited about this year's show as there are even more attractions and exhibits."

Motorcycle Takeover (Saturday, July 7) and Centre 81 Classic Car Rally (Sunday, July 8)

On the Saturday, up to 15,000 motorcyclists are expected to visit for the festival, arriving between 10am and noon. Then on Sunday, the Centre 81 Classic Car and Bike Run will arrive on the seafront, between 11.30am and 5pm.

Central Marine Parade, between the junctions with St Peter's Road and North Drive, will be closed to traffic between 7am and 10pm on the Saturday and until 7pm on the Sunday, with a clear signed diversion in place.