ONE of Ryedale’s biggest events will celebrate its 60th anniversary this year.

Pickering Traction Engine Rally runs from tomorrow (Thursday) to Sunday at the Showground.

A special line-up of events is in store at what is promised to be the best Pickering Traction Engine Rally yet.

Organiser Richard Ashworth said: “We are delighted to celebrate 60 successful years of Pickering Traction Engine Rally which has become one of the biggest of its kind in the country with exhibitors coming from across the UK and abroad.

“Last year, 30,000 people enjoyed four days of thrilling entertainment and we hope this year, thousands more will come and get behind one of North Yorkshire’s proud traditions.”

One of the rally’s highlights is the famous line of showmen’s locomotives, and to celebrate the 60th anniversary, engines will return to the event after a number of years’ absence from as far afield as north Scotland.

This year’s event will include a classic motorcycle show of more than 300 bikes, veteran vintage and classic cars, more than 100 miniature steam engines, 400 tractors, steam railways, steam powered heavy haulage and more than 200 static engines.

There will be entertainment in two arenas, three stage shows with magicians, dancers and entertainers, a Victorian funfair and white knuckle rides.

Hot air balloon rides will give visitors the chance to see all the fun of the fair from the skies.

Other attractions include threshing and sawing displays, steam yachts, road runs featuring steam, tractor and vehicles on the move and vintage plant and machinery.

On the Saturday night thousands of people are expected to gather to enjoy another of the event’s popular traditions – a firework display.

Gates open daily, 9am-6pm, Thursday to Sunday. The event will also be open later on Friday and Saturday, 7pm-11pm.

Entry costs £10 adults, £9 OAPs, children (under 16s) £5 and a family ticket, admitting two adults and three children costs, £25.