Truckfest hoping to become a permanent place in the Powys summer calendar.

Excitement is building ahead of Wales’ first Truckfest which will be held at the Royal Welsh Showground over the bank holiday weekend.

The event will see motorcycle display teams, monster trucks, judging, trade stands as well as games and rides for the whole family.

Organiser Bob Limming said there was no other place in Wales he would have chosen.

“There had never been an opening and we have been going 42 years,” said Mr Limming. “So I was delighted when I paid my annual visit here and asked if there are any dates and they said as I happens there is August bank holiday.

(Image: Ruairi Walsh)

“We are very, very excited. The response we have had thought excited about it and the advanced ticket sales.

“It’s larger than life we’ve got the gladiators here over the weekend, the monster trucks, the monster truck displays, the motorcycle displays, the trucks out there- so all very diverse.”

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One of the main attractions is the monster truck displays which will also include a potential for the public to ride along.

(Image: Ruairi Walsh)

One of the drivers Tony Dixon said this was a passion for him having been fascinated with them since he was eight.

“I used to do sidecar moto cross and I needed a way to get them to the track,” said Tony.

“I put bigger wheels on them and it all went from there – I have been doing this 20 years now.

“They’re quite awkward to drive. You can’t see a lot and because you’re strapped in you can’t see a lot when you are in there you’re strapped down and as you accelerate the back goes down and the front comes up. They also have four-wheel steering.

“I’ve taught a lot of celebrities to drive some of them get it, some don’t. the best I ever taught was Ken Block. Probably the worst was Idris Elba he just could not get it co-ordinated. I’ve taught professional rally drivers, I’ve taught Guy martin.

“We’re going to be doing demonstrations with the monster trucks. We’ve bought someone’s car, their pride and joy and this is the last thing they are going to do before they are recycled.

“If I was a car this is the way I would like to go out.”

Powys' Gareth Smart at this year's TruckfestPowys' Gareth Smart at this year's Truckfest (Image: Ruairi Walsh)

One of those who will be putting his truck up for show was Gareth Smart from Llyswen who works at the quarry which overlooks the showground.

“I’ve been doing Truckfest since 2004 after I started my business on my own business in 2003. There’s a bit of something for everybody,” said Mr Smart. “Everything we have, we wear ,we eat comes on a truck you have a lot of trade stands with a lot of information, trade stands, the shows.

“It’s a great location.”  

Mean while manufacturers have attended the show in the hope of reaching a new market in Wales.

Phil Moon the marketing manager for DAF trucks said: “Truckfest is a really good opportunity to meet customers. Hopefully having something right in the heart of  Wales will hopefully attract a new audience.”