A couple from New Quay are preparing for a bumper turnout as their popular car festival returns to Ceredigion next month. Co-founders Emily Bell and Owain James are hosting the fourth annual Wheels for Wales Festival at Charlie’s Field on May 17, 2026. The event raises vital funds for the Wales Air Ambulance, a service that provides hospital-standard treatments at the scene of emergencies.
Emily and Owain have already helped raise more than £17,000 for the charity, which is enough to fund five helicopter missions. 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 Wight 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.”
Last year, more than 220 cars and 600 people attended the event to support the lifesaving cause. Emily feels incredibly proud of her local community and the way they have supported the charity over the years. She added: “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.”
The Wales Air Ambulance relies entirely on public donations to meet its £13 million annual running costs. The service uses helicopters and rapid response vehicles to bring consultants and critical care to patients across the country. For Emily, the mission is personal because the air ambulance came to her father’s aid following a road collision in 2021. 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.”
Sion Edwards from the charity thanked the couple for their dedication during the charity's 25th anniversary year. Sion 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!”
People who wish to exhibit their vehicles at the show must purchase tickets in advance online. General visitors can find more information about the day's entertainment and food vendors on the Wheels for Wales website.
