WITH Bournemouth Air Festival just around the corner, the Daily Echo can today exclusively reveal that a new large-scale event is heading for the town.

The world’s first International Wheels Festival will mark the start of summer, being held between Saturday, May 24 and Monday, May 26, 2014 – and it is predicted to create 150 jobs and bring a £9million boost to the economy.

Aimed at families, organisers are promising thrills and spills, with displays from classic cars, hot rods, stunt motorbikes, cycling and customised cars.

Chiefs say they want to build on the “well established principles” of the air festival, with fun across the town.

Revellers will enjoy jumps over Bournemouth Pier, skateboard and BMX stunts, monster truck parades and racing.

It is also hoped that there will be wheel-themed films and performances, with potential funding from an Arts Council bid.

They hope the weekend will mirror the air festival’s success – it is estimated that the event, now in its sixth year, brings in more than £25 million to the town’s economy.

Cllr John Beesley, leader of Bournemouth council, said: “We have had huge success with the Bournemouth Air Festival and for many residents it is one of the highlights on their summer calendar.

“This major new event for the town will kick-off the start of the summer season in style.”

Andy Duck, vice chairman of the Town Centre BID, said: “This event will be spread across various pockets of the town with town centre shows and parades.

“Expected to bring around 360,000 people to Bournemouth, this event will hugely benefit local businesses.”

The festival will be funded through trading stands, sponsorship, support from traders and contributions from the council, as well as the town centre and coastal Business Improvement Districts.

There will also be night time entertainment similar to that seen at the air festival.

Des Simmons, chair of the Coastal BID, said: “With events running along the seafront and East Cliff, this high-profile festival will give tourism businesses a beneficial kick start at the beginning of the season.”