Transport Festival 2023

Popular actor and electric vehicle podcast star, Robert Llewellyn, was in Nailsworth last month as part of the town’s hugely anticipated Transport Festival.

The founder and host of Fully Charged Show – himself a Cotswold resident (he lives at Temple Guiting) – Robert appeared at Egypt Mill answering questions in an entertaining and informative hour-long session. Ranging from the truth about the longevity of electric-car batteries (they don’t wear out quickly), to the current high purchase price of EVs (anticipated to be largely the same as conventional cars by 2025, and then decreasing), he spoke to a thoroughly engaged audience of all ages.

Outside in the town, visitors from all over enjoyed free entertainment – including music and dancing – market stalls in the bus station; an array of all kinds of electric vehicles; and a classic vehicle display, showing how much cars have changed over decades.

The festival was organised by Nailsworth Chamber of Trade, with support from the town’s climate action group Nailsworth CAN, and Nailsworth Town Council.

‘It was an absolutely fantastic day, designed to entertain and to educate people about the dangers of climate change, as well as what they can do to help with this all-important issue,’ Sarah Martin of the chamber said.

‘We also want – as with all our events – to alert as many people as possible to the riches on their doorstep. Nailsworth is the most fantastic town, full of independent traders. You can buy pretty much everything you need here – and many people go out of their way to support local shopkeepers by doing just that.’

Vehicles on display spanned a century, from a 1922 Steamer Coupé made in Newton, Massachusetts, to a newly available Citroen Ami: a two-seater, all-electric quadricycle.

Mercedes Benz of Cheltenham and Gloucester showcased their electric vehicles, as did bike shops, including Nailsworth’s own Edemo. And Jonathan Brough from Minchinhampton, who raises money for charity using his electric wheelchair, was also there to demonstrate his skills.

‘Shopping locally is great for communities; it’s also another way of helping to mitigate climate change, rather than driving long distances,’ Sarah says. ‘Like all small towns, Nailsworth needs support – but it is also doing so well. Even since the festival, we’ve had innovations by chamber members and non-members alike. The latter include the new expanded Domestic Science shop in Fountain Street, which is fabulous, as is the expansion of the Canteen – we give them our congratulations.

‘The chamber wants to do all it can to make sure shoppers know that Nailsworth is a town where they can have fun, find unusual and unique gifts, and park for free!’

Written by: Katie Jarvis

Robert Llewellyn