Monster Trucks, Monster Fun
Trinity Park's Absolute Banger
By Danni Levy
I've been to some proper car shows in my time. I even spent a weekend hosting the Cannonball Run at 200km an hour. But Festival of Wheels with a kid in tow? That's genuinely up there as one of the most ridiculously good value, absolutely brilliant family days out I've had. And I'm not just saying that because my three-year-old had the time of his life.
Last weekend, I packed the family in and headed to Ipswich. What we walked into was automotive carnage in the best possible way. Giant Monster Trucks Big Pete and Grim Reaper performed explosive car-crushing displays, and watching a 7.5-tonne beast absolutely demolish a motor is genuinely spectacular. My little lad was absolutely obsessed. He couldn't take his eyes off Big Pete for a second and hasn't stopped going on about him since.
The event featured live stunt shows, motorbike madness, a Big Top Circus, a dinosaur arena, action-packed inflatable village, supercars, classic cars and a wrestling ring. I'll stop there or I'll go off the page. Seriously, there's something for literally every age and interest.
The Two Bros Stunt Team absolutely brought it with their motorcycle performances. I was blown away. The synchronised, tyre-smoking madness had the crowd roaring. I was in total awe of the woman doing headstands on the back of a straight up wheelie. That's the kind of skilled riding that makes you appreciate the craft. And the circus? Brilliant. World-class entertainment that kept the entire family entertained for a whole 45 show without anyone getting bored or grumpy. In my experience, that's basically impossible at most family events.
What really impressed me was the sheer scale of it. The festival merged Motorfest into the Festival of Wheels to create the UK's ultimate high-octane family weekend. You've got hundreds of vehicles; everything from classic motors to custom builds, lowriders to racing cars, all in one place.
The festival runs from 10am to 5pm, which is perfect timing for families. Kids under 3 go free, and the ticket pricing is genuinely excellent value when you consider everything included. We've spent more money at half-day theme parks with a fraction of the entertainment. There's shopping, food vendors that are actually decent, and loads of interactive stuff. It's properly thought out.
What I appreciated as a parent, beyond the automotive stuff, is how well-organised it all is. The staff are lovely, the entertainment is scheduled properly so you can actually plan your day, and there's proper infrastructure for families. For mean that means plenty of clean toilets, food options, and shaded areas. You're not getting that chaotic festival vibe that leaves you wanting to pull your hair out.
The atmosphere was absolutely buzzing and you can genuinely feel the passion from both the organisers and the attendees. Whether you're a die-hard car nut or just looking for a day out with the kids, you'll find something that absolutely grabs you.
Honestly? Best family day we've done in ages. My lad's still talking about Big Pete. My husband was nerding out over the cars. I was genuinely impressed by the quality of entertainment. And the value for money is absolutely outstanding.
If you haven't been to Festival of Wheels, you're missing out. Proper recommend it.