SOUTH Wales’ biggest transport gathering is revving up ready to make its annual pilgrimage to Barry Island on Sunday, June 12.

The Barry Festival of Transport attracts 350 visiting classic cars, and Heritage buses and the free event will run from 10am to 5pm.

The festival, organised by the Cardiff Transport Preservation Group which restores old buses is celebrating six vehicles in its care at 50 years old - a “1966 - Six at 50” Rhondda, Caerphilly, Newport, Merthyr Tydfil and South Glamorgan.

Organising group chairman, Mike Taylor said: “The Barry Island Festival of Transport is one of South Wales biggest classic car and heritage bus events and draws in a large number of visitors and their families from all over South Wales.

"The festival is an opportunity to see old classic cars from the 1930s, 40s and 50s, special sports and rally cars, you will see cars your grandad had in the 1960s or mum had in the 1970s or 1980s. We have some interesting traders coming supporting the festival including new car traders and the Red Arrows information unit. On the bus side, local operators are bringing along vehicles and our heritage bus collection increases each year. We now have three operational open top buses which we know will please the children who so love to take a free ride at our events. It is a free event, thanks to support by The Vale of Glamorgan Council and all or volunteers helping out on the day.”

On display will be a significant collection of varied and interesting vehicles mostly from the valleys such as The Rhondda, Caerphilly, Pontypridd, but also Cardiff and Newport.

The bus depot, on Broad Street, which will be open to the public.

Mr Taylor added: “At our restoration centre people can see how work has progressing on our Western Welsh 1947 bus and 1958 coach. We have also made good progress on our 1958 Aberdare Guy single deck bus. These are old vehicles and restoration requires rebuilding them so they too will be roadworthy again.

"Fifty years ago, 1966, will be remembered by many as the last time the Football World Cup was won by a home team.

"Our theme at this festival is 1966 - Six at 50. We have six heritage buses in our care that are now 50 years old. All but one is fully restored and roadworthy, and are very likely to be amongst those running offering free rides at the Festival of Transport.”

Car parking is available at the Barry Dock offices with a free shuttle bus every 15 minutes.

Barry War Museum will also be open to visitors during the day at the Barry Island Station.

Entry to the museum is free for all visitors.