Celebrating 130 years of building trucks is no small achievement, so when Leyland Trucks threw open its gates for a Family Fun Day, you just knew it was going to be something special.
And it certainly didn't disappoint.
With thousands of people attending, from employees and their families to local clubs, supporters and members of the community. The whole site was buzzing with excitement and was a hive of activity.
For car enthusiasts, there was plenty to admire. The local MG Club displayed a fantastic collection of vehicles, ranging from beautifully restored classics to the more modern MGs, alongside a range of staff cars. Club members were more than happy to chat with visitors, sharing stories and answering questions about the cars on display.
Movie fans were treated to special guests, The iconic Ghostbusters car, alongside Lightning McQueen. People of all ages couldn't help but stop for photos with them.
Lancashire DAF had a great stand featuring a range of impressive trucks, plus a giant deckchair encouraging visitors to snap and share selfies in the hope of winning a prize.
History lovers were equally spoilt. The Leyland Society brought along an incredible selection of historic vehicles, giving visitors the chance to admire them up close while chatting with their owners. One of my personal highlights was the beautifully restored Albert Davies Leyland truck. It was absolutely immaculate and drew plenty of admiring glances throughout the day.
Outside, there was even more to explore, including vintage buses, American trucks and one of the most exciting attractions of the day, the Broke FMX stunt display team. Watching riders launch themselves up to 35 feet into the air while performing gravity defying tricks across a 100-foot gap certainly kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. Every performance was met with gasps, cheers and huge applause.
One of the real highlights, though, was the opportunity to step behind the scenes. Leyland Trucks and PACCAR Parts opened doors to their factory, workshops and offices, giving visitors a rare glimpse into where the magic happens.
It was lovely wandering around and hearing employees proudly showing family and friends what they do every day. They answered endless questions with genuine enthusiasm, while plenty of curious young minds soaked up every detail. Who knows? Maybe a few future DAF engineers were inspired that day.
There really was something around every corner, making it easy to keep the whole family entertained from morning until late afternoon.
Let's not forget the dinosaurs, a life-sized dinosaur roamed the site looking suspiciously hungry! Thankfully, no visitors ended up on the menu, probably because there was no shortage of delicious food available. From smoked meats, burgers and hot dogs to pizza, loaded potatoes, paella, nachos, cupcakes, ice cream and sandwiches, there was something to satisfy every appetite, human or prehistoric!
Throughout the day, local dance schools and cheerleading groups kept the entertainment going, while Viking re-enactors transported visitors back in time. Families also had the chance to get involved with everything from simulators and archery to scavenger hunts organised by local cadets and community groups.
For me, the day brought back a little nostalgia.
Growing up, my dad worked in a factory, and I have fond memories of the social events organised for employees and their families. There was always something special about those occasions, and it was lovely to see that same community spirit alive and well at Leyland Trucks. I'm sure the memories made by so many families and visitors on the day will be talked about for years to come.
Family days like this feel a little old-school, but perhaps that's exactly why they matter so much. Businesses that take the time to show employees, their families and even their customers that they're genuinely valued and not just a number, build something much bigger than a successful company. They build loyalty, pride, mutual respect and lasting relationships.
Not every business will have the chance to celebrate a remarkable 130-year milestone, but the principle is the same. It doesn't always take a huge event to make people feel appreciated. Often, it's the smaller gestures that leave the biggest impression.
If the smiles, laughter and sense of pride on display throughout the day were anything to go by, Leyland Trucks got it absolutely right.
