BASINGSTOKE Festival of Transport returns to War Memorial Park on Sunday, May 14, with hundreds of vehicles expected.

The show, organised by Basingstoke and Deane Rotary, will be open from 11am to 4pm and with free entry, makes a great day out for the whole family.

What started as a Rally of Thornycroft Vehicles has now become one of the largest events of its type in the south of England attracting 860 vehicles.

There will be entertainment for all the family with over 70 side shows and stalls with refreshments available all day.

READ MORE: Refunds still not issued for Kids Party in the Park Basingstoke

Fittingly last year’s Best Commercial Vehicle in Show was a 1942 Thornycroft ‘Nippy’ three-tonne lorry which is owned by the Thornycroft Society.

There are still founder members of the Thornycroft Society involved in the show, both helping and manning the society stand which will have Thornycroft memorabilia on view. One founder member and a regulator at the show is local coach company owner Mervyn Annetts.

Mervyn will be attending the show with his 1949 Bedford OB bus which has been seen in many period TV drama productions such as Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple and Poirot.

This year the festival is holding a Festival Photography competition in conjunction with the Gazette online with a £25 Festival Place voucher for the winning photographer.

See - Calling all budding photographers: Photo competition for Festival of Transport - for more information.