IT’S full steam ahead as a much-loved vintage car and steam engine showcase prepares to return this weekend.

The Chickerell Steam and Vintage Show is in full preparation with the marquees up and some larger exhibits already on site for the big event on Saturday and Sunday July 2 and 3.

Returning for the first time in three years, the team promises to have pulled out all the stops to bring a jammed packed weekend for all to enjoy.

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Samantha Spracklen, who works for The Chickerell Steam and Vintage Show said: “We are delighted to be back, it’s been a long three years since our last event. We’ve made some adaptations but the usual things that people have come to know and love will be there - motorbikes, steam engines large and small, vintage tractors, craft tent, food hall, a live display arena where you can see the Dorset Axemen and Liberty’s Birds of Prey, and plenty of free stuff for kids. It’s a good old fashioned family day out and there is something for everyone.”

Dorset Echo: Preparations for The Chickerell Steam and Vintage Show are underway. Picture: Samantha SpracklenPreparations for The Chickerell Steam and Vintage Show are underway. Picture: Samantha Spracklen

Spread over three fields at Moor Farm, Knights in the Bottom off the coast road, one field is set to be home to the majority of vehicle exhibits plus the main beer tent, music stage, 1940s tea tent and the main arena.

Another field will host a collection of models from trains, boats and tanks to fairground rides, with a craft and food hall marquee, and boasting an array of homemade crafts and locally produced goods.

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Field three will be home to the miniature steam section, where two more notable engines will be attending for the first time – ‘The Masterpiece’ and 1898 Burrell Showman’s Road Locomotive and ‘Clyde’ a 1914 Aveling & Porter Road Locomotive.

Dorset Echo: Chickerell Steam and Vintage Show - Vintage cars - 040715, Picture GRAHAM HUNT HG13280.Chickerell Steam and Vintage Show - Vintage cars - 040715, Picture GRAHAM HUNT HG13280.

Samantha added: “We are honoured once again to welcome the steam engines that are joining us this year. We have 20 full size and 49 miniature booked in.”

A firm favourite from past events, the crazy madcap race that is the Chickerell Challenge will return on the Saturday afternoon ‘with some interesting changes to the course’.

Dorset Echo: Chickerell Steam and Vintage Show, scale steam engine on the move, 30/06/18, PICTURE: FINNBARR WEBSTER/F19748.Chickerell Steam and Vintage Show, scale steam engine on the move, 30/06/18, PICTURE: FINNBARR WEBSTER/F19748.

Samantha added: “We’ve had such a positive response from local businesses wanting to help. So on behalf of everyone at the show, a big big thank you to all our sponsors, without them we couldn’t do this.”

For more information visit https://chickerellsteamshow.uk/