Sandbach Town Crier, Dennis Robinson, completed one of his last proclamations as he rung his famous bell at the opening of this year's transport festival.

Mr Robinson shook his famous bell on the stage on the Cobbles and spoke to the town quickly followed by a speech by Mayor, Councillor Laura Crane.

The town crier is retiring after wearing his elaborate red and gold coat, breeches and tricorne hat, a tradition dating back to the 18th century, for more than 40 years. 

Cllr Crane said Sandbach Transport Festival, which takes place today (Saturday) and tomorrow, April 21st, was the town's 'jewel in the crown'.

"Without our links to the transport industry I doubt Sandbach would be where it is today," she said.

Sandbach Town Council is on the hunt for a new town crier to replace Mr Robinson and is holding a competition at the Day of Dance event on June 1st. 

The two-day annual transport festival event attracts hundreds of people to Sandbach, once the home of ERF and Foden Trucks. It features a motorcycle stunt team today and a display of cars and a Spitfire plane. 

The motorcycle stunt team, "On The Edge Motorcycle Stunt Show", will perform on Scotch Common today (Saturday) and there will be a vehicle display of Foden and ERF trucks from 11 am until 4 pm. celebrating the town's transport heritage as we revealed here

Music is also a big part of the transport festival with a full line-up starting from 1.30 pm on the Cobbles and more music tomorrow (Sunday).

Organisers of this weekend's transport festival issued details of road closures in the town for the two-day annual event.

A spokesperson said: "Please be aware that during the 2024 Sandbach Transport Festival on 20th and 21st April, most of Sandbach Town Centre will have road closures to allow for the event to take place and for the amazing parade to round off the weekend!

"There will be limited disabled parking available."

Full maps and plans of closures can be found on the transport festival's Facebook page here

Sandbach Nub News told here how the town was getting ready for this weekend's big event.

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