Great Dorset Steam Fair is BACK!
The event's had a forced three year hiatus!
After a three year hiatus because of Covid, the much-anticipated Great Dorset Steam Fair is back today (Thursday 25th August).
Over 200,000 people will flock to the site near Tarrant Hinton over the next five days.
The event generates over £30 million for the area's economy.
Managing Director Martin Oliver told us they're bringing the show into the 21st Century:
"We've got two new sections, modern classic cars and modern classic motorbikes, so that brings the show to the fore for the younger visitors. Those sections cover the years 1970 to 1995 so as much as we're a vintage, heritage show, we're also a modern show because we have to move with the times."
The Fair boasts one of the UK's biggest travelling funfairs, as well as a huge array of showman's steam engines, vintage tractors and engines, and trade stalls.
It's the first time it's been held since 2019.
Managing Director Martin Oliver told us the pandemic's had a massive impact on events like this:
"The industry's been decimated with contractors going out of business and scaling down on equipment. So there has been a shortage of kit in the industry, but we've come through it and we're strong!"
There has been one change to the billed programme though - with the UK debut for the Rocket Ride having to be called off.
Efforts have also been made to prevent unauthorised encampments by people attending the Fair, with a temporary site set up at Salisbury Road in Tarrant Hinton.
GDSF Managing Director Martin Oliver says the event is a huge asset:
"We reach all sorts of places with regards to accommodation, B&Bs, we use a lot of local trades and skills. The town of Blandford does really well in Steam Fair week - it's the second busiest week to Christmas for shops and in supermarkets."
The Great Dorset Steam Fair runs until Bank Holiday Monday (29th August).