Steam engine rally rolls into town THIS weekend sees the return of one of the biggest steam spectaculars in the north of England roll into the area.

The nationally-renowned Pickering Traction Engine Rally is a four-day extravaganza of vintage vehicles, music, hot air balloons, fairground rides and fireworks which starts tomorrow (Thursday) and continues until Sunday.

Already booked in are more than 300 historic commercial vehicles, as well as 250 classic cars, traction engines, tractors, old pedal cycles and fairground organs.

Organiser Simon Boak said: “I always look forward to this event.

“It takes a lot of putting together but it is great to see so many fantastic old vehicles make their way from all over the country to one place.”

Other attractions include an indoor food hall, a huge autojumble, children’s entertainers, tractor pulling, quad bikes and bouncy castles.

And the funfair brought to the event by Terry Atha of Leeds has something for everyone, too, whether you want some white knuckle action, something a little more sedate, or traditional hall of mirrors, slides, dodgems, funhouse and ferris wheel.

With displays of vehicles every day in the main arena, there are also two steam and vintage vehicle road runs – one to Thornton-le-Dale on the Friday and one around Pickering on Saturday – both at 5pm.

Opening times for the four days of entertainment vary. Thursday is 10am-6pm, Friday 9am-10pm, Saturday 8.30am-11pm (hot air balloons from 7pm and bands from 9.25pm) and Sunday 9am-6pm.

Admission prices are adults £10, under 16s £5, under 5s free, family tickets (2 adults, 3 children) cost £25 – car parking is free.

There are spaces for tents and caravans – phone 07786 330016 or email pickeringrally@hotmail.co.uk for more information.