The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Truck extravaganza has pulling power
MECHANICAL marvels pulled in the crowds at this year’s Truckfest extravaganza, while organisers were on hand to pull them out of any sticky parking situations.
Europe’s largest truck event Truckfest rumbled into Peterborough’s East of England Showground yesterday for the annual two-day bonanza, now in its 30th year.
Organisers Live Promotions Events are expecting in the region of 100,000 people to attend the event by the close of today’s events.
With recent weather creating the possibility of some sticky situations for some car parking areas the organisers had teams of helpers and even a tractor on hand.
Exhibitors and traders had been given a phone number to call should their Truckfest turn into a stuckfest, but in the end on a handful of drivers experienced problems.
However, one of those was ET reporter David Seymour who was grateful to stewards for a helpful push.
Robert Limming, director of Live Promotions Events, reported “a lot of happy people” among the visitors and said the “vast majority” were leaving the site without incident.
He stressed the firm’s commitment to overcoming such challenges.
He said: “We will do whatever it takes. We are a professional outdoors events company. We have been in business for 40 years, we know what’s required and we will do it.”
A record 1,500 trucks are on display at this year’s event, with exhibi- tors coming from across Europe.
Other items on the bill include monster trucks, bike stunt shows and guest appearances by such celebrities as Coronation Street’s Chris Fountain, Ice Road Truckers’ Lisa Kelly and darts champion Mar- tin ‘Wolfie’ Adams.
Mr Limming said it was more than just an event for the haulage trade.
He said: “It’s about mum, dad and the kids.
“It’s the opportunity to take yourself out of your every day life.”