Coleford carnival of transport

Coleford Carnival of Transport & Auto-Jumble
Easter Monday April 13^th 2009

Supported by Five Acres Garages - Nissan Main Dealer

Forms to be announced, please come back later!

The Coleford Carnival of Transport is unique in that it takes place on the streets of the town of Coleford which is in the heart of the beautiful Royal Forest of Dean. The area is an ideal holiday destination for those who love the countryside in general, woodland and rivers in particular, or who havean interest in Industrial Archaeology. The Coleford area of the Forest of Dean provides a perfect base.

The Town Centre is closed off so that vehicles of all types (cars, motorcycles etc.) and all periods can be displayed side by side. Over the past few years the town car parks have been made available for additional Club Displays which now constitute a significant part of the entry. There is also a dedicated area for military and commercial vehicles that allows them to be displayed to better advantage.

In previous years the vehicles exhibited have ranged from a De Dion Bouton of the beginning of the 20th century to a Ferrari and an Aston Martin of the beginning of this century – 100 years of motoring history, and some very rare historic rally cars from the 1968 London to Sydney and 1970 World Cup rallies as well as American style street rods plus so many other attractions .

The theme of the show this year is 'Modified vehicles of all ages'. This would include vehicles converted for commercial and military use as well as performance and recreational (for example off road) use. Many younger people in the area, showing pride in the ownership of their more modern everyday cars, have improved them in various ways and we hope that some of these will also be on display.

However don’t let this make you feel that only unusual and exotic vehicles are displayed. The Carnival is a celebration of Transport in all its forms, including vehicles used for everyday transport, for business, and in the military sphere, and we try to provide a display of vehicles representing all periods and types. There is no prescribed latest cut-off date for acceptance at the event, however we would look for the more modern vehicle being of a type that would not be seen on the road every day.

This is a free event organised by enthusiasts for the pleasure of other enthusiasts. Free to enter and free to spectate. The only time that money needs to be spent comes from refreshments, and purchases from the autojumble/trade stalls, and the many local shops that open up for the day. Even the Park and Ride is free.

Introduced in 2006 was an area where the safety services provided active displays of their road safety and rescue activities which proved a big attraction.

Children are not forgotten either, there being a small funfair with a few rides.

The town is easily accessed from the M4, M48, M5, M50, A40 and A48; lying 6 miles east of Monmouth, 13 miles north of Chepstow, 10 miles south of Ross-on-Wye and 20 miles west of Gloucester.

The Carnival could not happen without the whole hearted support of the people and businesses of Coleford and the surrounding area to whom the organising committee express their grateful thanks.

Make your visit an Easter break in the Forest of Dean combined with the Carnival, or come back at another time.

The Forest of Dean lies on the southern Welsh Border in the land flanked by the River Severn to the south east and the River Wye to the west. It has a rich heritage from the woodland and from mining, and from the little known fact the modern world steel industry finds its roots in the area with the work of David and Robert Mushet, father and son.

The Dean Heritage Centre displaying the culture and environment of the Forest, Clearwell Caves (where iron has been extracted for over 4000 years), Puzzle Wood (site of ancient open caste mines), Hopewell Colliery (a traditional local small mine), Dean Forest Railway (which runs from Lydney to Parkend), Perrygrove Railway (narrow gauge), the GWR Museum, Taurus Crafts and model village, Harts Barn Craft Centre.

In addition there is the magic of the Forest itself, managed by the Forestry Commission, with walks, cycle routes (with cycle hire), sculpture trail, and adventure playground. And very close by is the Wye Valley with yet more attractions such as Tintern Abbey, Chepstow and Goodrich Castles, adventure centres, and the spectacular viewpoints of Symonds Yat and the Kymin.

While entry deadlines are early this year because Easter Monday is early, if you wish to take part as an individual, trader or club it is always worth contacting the organisers in case space is still available or there have been cancellations.