Big crowds at Birkenhead Park Festival of Transport

Sep 26 2012 by Liam Murphy, Heswall News

THE fifth Birkenhead Park Festival of Transport saw its biggest crowds ever, according to organisers.

An estimated 35,000 people attended the event’s fifth year within the historic surroundings of Birkenhead Park, with around 20,000 visiting on Saturday alone.

Organised by Birkenhead Lions, the event has grown larger and larger and those behind it now say they are looking for more volunteers to help with preparations for the 2013 show, due to take place on next September 14 and 15.

Ken Fretwell, chairman of the organisers, said it was a fantastic weekend, adding they were lucky with the weather, which remained fine until late Sunday afternoon.

He said: “I think it was the highest attendance we have ever had.

“We estimate we had around 20,000 people on the Saturday, although it could well have been higher.

“We had a lot of exhibitors and the majority have already said they want to return next year, which is good because it saves us having to contact people and ask them to come.”

This year saw the return of many of the show’s old favourites, including the Howard Bros vintage Gallopers and the Blaenau Ffestiniog mountain railway.

Mr Fretwell said: “Our displays of military vehicles and classics were also second to none.”

The two-day show is organised by Birkenhead Lions Club; Mike Friend, a member of the Wirral Model Boat Club; together with Steve McGreal, a Wirral resident and keen volunteer; the festival committee; Friends of the Park; and Wirral Transport Museum.

It is also supported by Wirral Council, Merseytravel, Merseyrail, the Stagecoach, Arriva and Avon Bus companies, Cappuccinos In The Park, Titan Scaffolding and Birkenhead Van Hire.

But Mr Fretwell said the size of the show means the organisation is becoming more difficult and appealed for anyone interested in ensuring next year’s festival is a success who wants to help with its preparation to contact him. For more details call Mr Fretwell on 678 3597.