BOURNEMOUTH Wheels Festival is set to expand its reach this year with a fringe event in Southbourne.

Although the inaugural event last year was hailed a great success, many of those in the suburbs called to be more involved.

At the second event this year – taking place between May 29 and 31 – Southbourne will have a share of the excitement.

The Coastal Business Improvement District (BID) has funded a day of entertainment, spreading Wheels festival fever.

Residents and visitors alike will enjoy a host of activities; from interactive stunt demonstrations, to motor pageants and street entertainment.

Alun Williams, Coastal BID manager, said: “The Wheels Festival is a major attraction for Bournemouth. The BID is keen to see the benefits of events such as this extended to as many areas as possible.

“Through our funding, alongside partnership working with the Southbourne-on-Sea Business Association and Bournemouth Tourism, we are delighted to bring this brand new family event to Southbourne.”

Visitors and residents are being encouraged to head towards Southbourne Grove, where most of the festivities will be taking place.

From there, vintage and Supercars will be pulling in, fresh from the Wheels Festival demonstration straight on East Overcliff Drive. A selection of up to 10 iconic cars will be joined by a variety of car club owners, showcasing an eclectic range of four-wheeled transport.

Joining the car collection will be freestyle mountain bike stunt team, Savage Skills.

The dare-devil team will be on hand to wow crowds with their elevated jumps and impressive stunts. Savage Skills are known to many for their appearance on ITV’s Let’s Go Gold, which saw England cricketer, Andrew Flintoff, put himself in the line of fire for one of their stunts. Kids and big kids alike will be able to enjoy testing their nerve as the team seeks out assistants for their interactive stunt demonstrations.

To add to the festival feel, an array of live music will be played from the main stage from 4-10pm.

Parents will be able to keep children of all ages entertained with a range of activities and skills workshops, including face painting, unicyclist performances and stilt walking.

This year’s Wheels Festival programme is available from May 8.

Copies can be pre-ordered by visiting bournemouthwheels.co.uk, where there is also find a full list of stockists.