A New Quay couple behind a ‘popular’ car festival are hoping for a bumper turnout at the Wheels for Wales Festival in aid of Wales Air Ambulance next month.
This is the event’s fourth year, and co-founders Emily Bell and Owain James are looking forward to welcoming the crowds to Charlie’s Field, Ceredigion on Sunday 17 May 2026.
Emily said: “We are so excited to be back again for another Wheels for Wales Festival!
“People are travelling from all over the UK, from the Isle of White to Aberdeen. We are part of a massive car club community, that supports one another.
“It’s thanks to our family and friends that this has evolved from a ‘car run’ to a festival. There will be food and refreshment vendors, trade stands and entertainment.
“It’s a really fun day out for the family; there is a £10 entrance charge per person but under sixteens get in for free.”
Over 220 cars took part in last year’s event, with over 600 people attending the festival. To date the pair have helped raise over £17,000 for Wales Air Ambulance.
Emily feels ‘incredibly proud’ of her local community and said: “Ceredigion is hugely supportive of the Charity and very generous.
“We are grateful for everyone that helps behind-the-scenes in the build-up and volunteers on the day.
“It’s a real community effort, and charitable spirit that has enabled our event to be able to raise as much as we have over the years for such an incredible cause.”
Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and, if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury. It is delivered via a unique third sector and public-sector partnership.
The Wales Air Ambulance Charity relies on public donations to raise the £13 million required every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.
The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the Charity’s vehicles.
This advanced critical care includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident.
As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care.
Emily’s family understand first-hand the beneficial impact the service has on patient outcomes. She said: “In May 2021, my father was on his way to work when he was involved in a road traffic collision. The service came to his aid when he needed it most.
“We are so grateful for the care that was shown to him and thankful that he made a good recovery.
“The generous people of Wales help keep the air ambulances in the skies and rapid response vehicles on the road.
“As massive car enthusiasts we are using our passion for cars to help others and save lives.”
The latest Wheels for Wales information is available online. Those wishing to exhibit need to buy tickets in advance to ensure availability. TICKETS & APPLICATIONS | Wheels For Wales
Sion Edwards, Wales Air Ambulance’s Head of Retail and Community said: “We are delighted that Wheels for Wales is back for another year and is part of our 25th anniversary celebrations!
“Thanks to supporters, like Emily and Owain, our lifesaving service can continue to help patients across Wales every day.
“They have helped raise over £17,000 to date, that’s equivalent to the cost of five lifesaving missions by helicopter.
“We are hugely grateful to the community of Ceredigion and all those who travel the length and breadth of the UK to support this fundraising event in aid of our Charity.
“Every pound raised really does make a lifesaving difference. Diolch yn fawr!”
