More than 500 machines are expected to attend the fifth Riverside Steam & Vintage Vehicle Rally in Southport on 21-22 April.
The star draw will be 30-plus full-sized engines including ‘Betsy’, the steamroller of the late Fred Dibnah MBE – the steeplejack and TV personality who loved mechanical engineering.
They will be joined by cars including a 1956 Austin-Healey 100S nicknamed Black Beauty.
A carousel worth more than £1million will be a highlight of the vintage fairground, which will also feature a steam galloper, donkey rides, trade stands, food outlets, a ducking stool and a host of other activities.
The beer tent (which we are told is very popular) will offer a variety of local brews, while providing a venue for bands including The Lancashire Hotpots.
Refreshments of another nature can be savored at Aunt Nellie’s Tea Room, complete with homemade cakes, period-dress table service and a resident pianist.
Organisers hope to improve on last year’s rally, which raised £32,000 for charity.
Entry is priced at £6 for adults and £3 for children, while under-11s go free.
A limited lumber of caravans and tent pitches are also available. For more information, visit www.riversidesteamrally.co.uk
