A legendary band are steam rolling into Dorset’s countryside to promote their newest track. 

The Wurzels are visiting the county for the renowned Great Dorset Steam Fair with their new single ‘Old Rosie’.

The band, best known for their hit 'The Combine Harvester', have been a permanent fixture at the fair since it began in 1969. The annual event is held at the village of Tarrant Hinton, near Blandford Forum nestled in Dorset’s countryside. 

Their performances at the fair's outdoor concert stage attract hoards of music lovers year after year. 

‘Old Rosie’, named after the Laurie Lee book ‘Cider with Rosie’, tells the true story of the 1921 Aveling and Porter steam roller found in a rusty state after years of neglect, for its finders to restore it to its former glory as it rolls up to the Dorset steam fair. 

The song also gives its name to Westons traditional cloudy cider.
Martin Oliver, managing director of the fair, said: “The Wurzels have been performing at the Great Dorset Steam Fair for the best part of 40 years and its long association with the band has been integral in it becoming the largest steam fair in the world”

The Great Dorset Steam Fair showcases national industrial, agricultural and leisure history. 

It is a typically British offer of steam exhibitions, historic motor vehicles and entertainment, and attracts thousands of visitors every year. 

In preparation for the fair's 50th anniversary next year, organisers have announced some very special guests.

Two internationally-renowned road rollers originally built by Fowlers of Leeds in 1930, have undergone extensive renovation ahead of the exciting visit in 2018. 

16 acres of corn is cut each year before the show begin, and reed from threshing demonstrations is then sold to local thatchers who use it on thatched cottages all over Dorset.

The single ‘Old Rosie” was released on June 30. This year’s steam fair will take place from August 24 to August 28.