Thousands turn out for annual Barry Festival of Transport (From Barry And District News)

Thousands turn out for annual Barry Festival of Transport

12:20pm Sunday 17th June 2012 in News

DESPITE the overcast day, the Barry Festival of Transport on Sunday (June 10) attracted around 2,500 visitors, who saw a vast range of classic cars and preserved buses.

Many took advantage of trips of the Barry Tourist Railway and free rides on the bus services, including open top buses on the day.

A key event was the launch of Colin Scott's new history book on the former Western Welsh bus company, where Roy Noble related some of his own stories whilst travelling by bus in his childhood days.

The Bus Depot was open and visitors could see progress on a number of restoration projects being undertaken by the Cardiff Transport Preservation Group.

Mike Taylor, the groupÕs chairman, said: "After last year when rain lashed down and kept people, this year we have seen tremendous support - with many more cars and buses than initially expected.

"We had almost 150 classic cars, and others who also came along to make it a real occasion.

"I can't pick a favourite, there were far too many beautiful cars, and those E-type Jaguars Ð how can you compare them against a baby red 1934 Austin 7hp Ruby? Those who came on Sunday will know what I mean!

"We also had excellent turn-out of visiting heritage buses and coaches, from 1950s Bedford OBs to Classic London Buses like the Routemaster," he added.

"We had buses from Gloucester, Birmingham and Bristol and of course many from South Wales, and our friends at the Swansea Bus Museum."

Mike thanked Jane Hutt AM and Lis Burnett of the Vale Council for visiting on the day; Colin Scott; Roy Noble; and Barry Sea Cadets who helped visitors and directed traffic.