VEHICLES from days gone by will chug back into Dorset this year for a weekend fair that promises to be bigger than ever.

The Chickerell Steam and Vintage Show will take place from tomorrow, Saturday July 2 to Sunday July 3 at Moor Farm, Knights in the Bottom on Chickerell Hill.

This year the event has spread over two fields to offer even more entertainment for the whole family – not just the petrol heads.

Staples of the show such as steam engines, traction engines and vintage motors will be supplemented this year with local food stalls and more child-friendly entertainment.

One of the organisers of the event, Samantha Spracklen, said: “The Chickerell Steam and Vintage Show encapsulates a family fun day out for the whole weekend.

“There is something there for everybody.

“The Dorset food hall is a new addition we are trying to build up for the first time this year.”

“There will be 13 stalls all selling local produce – cheese, seafood, beers and ciders, and much more.

Punch and Judy shows will also debut at the event this year as part of the drive to become a truly family event.

But the steam and the gears that make up the heart of the event have not been left by the wayside in this new venture.

Mrs Spracklen added: “There are three notable steam engines, two from Devon, coming this year for the first time and we are honoured to have them.

“This year it’s bigger and better than it has ever been before.

“We are spread over two fields now where as we used to only have one.

“We are trying to make this year more family orientated, so in one field we’ve got all the family stuff and in the other we’ve put the mechanical stuff.

“There’s also a whole line-up of musical entertainment.”

Starting life in Portland in 1998, the steam show has experienced many changes in its 18 years of life – not least a relocation to Chickerell.

New attractions for this year include a cider pressing demonstration, a miniature steam train rides and a model regatta on the lake.

The music line-up is kicked off by ‘scrumpy and western’ band the Skimmity Hitchers tonight Friday July 1, with tickets costing £5 available from Samantha Spracklen on 07411770132.

Daily entrance costs £6 for adults and £3 for children between five and 16.

For more information visit chickerellsteamshow.co.uk