Prom-goers on the right road for fun with classic cars
A LAMBORGHINI that costs more than some people’s homes, and a classic Rolls Royce that would not look out of place outside Buckingham Palace.
Those going past this collection of luxury motors outside Parc y Scarlets could have been forgiven for thinking they had seen one of the poshest car exhibitions around.
But the extravagant collection of motors in the Llanelli stadium’s car park was actually just the ride to the prom for students from Ysgol y Strade, Llanelli.
As well as a 5-litre engine Lamborghini Gallardo, there was also a Maserati and a Lotus 7.
And vintage vehicle lovers were also in for a treat with retro VW campervans and even a 1950s Chevrolet.
Although proms are a tradition in the USA, their popularity has surged in the UK over the past 15 years.
Dresses, suits, tickets, hair and make-up have all led the new tradition to become an expensive affair and now it seems that another cost has been added to the list with this new craze of swanky transport escorting youngsters to their end of year celebration.
And last month, year 11 pupils from Ysgol y Strade ensured they arrived in style.
However, the prize for the most unusual vehicle at Ysgol y Strade’s prom must surely go to Declan Morgan, who turned up in a golf buggy, pictured above.
Declan said: “Everyone knows that golf is kind of my thing so I wanted to arrive in the golf buggy and be unique.
“Everyone was amazed - it was something quite different and I wanted to make a statement and do something different.
“I think proms are getting bigger by the year, it was important for me to go because I will be leaving school and going to college so I wanted to end it on a high and have a good send off.
“I think everyone wants to do something new and different and thinks how can I top the other?”
South Wales company Retro Hire Wales said its prom packages ranged from £200 to £250 - adding that they have had a very successful few months during prom season as their classic cars have been a big hit with students across the region.
But some high-end sports cars, advertised by other firms, can cost up to £400 for half a day.
The growth in “prom culture” has sparked concern among politicians and parent groups.
The average price for a prom dress is now around £220 - and the UK average cost is now around £500.
The increase in pressure over proms comes at a time when many parents are harder pressed than ever financially.
Recent research found that Wales was the only UK nation to see a rise in child poverty last year with 29.3% of children in poverty in 2017/18.
Last month, the Welsh Government was urged to address the issues amid worries that children from poorer backgrounds are at risk of missing out.
Ahead of this year’s prom season, two teachers at Maesteg Comprehensive School put out an appeal for people to donate prom gowns.
However, Ysgol y Strade pupil Carys Griffiths, 16, said she did not feel any pressure at her school.
She said: “It’s just nice to have a laugh and do something different.
“It’s just something everyone does now really, it’s a way to celebrate the end of school.”