An annual steam fair described by organisers as the “best programme ever” is launching tomorrow.
The 12th annual Steam Fair and Country Show takes place at Stotfold Watermill and Nature Reserve tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday.
Visitors can admire the Saunders family’s working steam collection – the biggest in Europe – experience the thrill of the helter-skelter featured on ITV television drama Downton Abbey and look around the mill.
Comitatus, a historical re-enactment group, will be demonstrating the life of a soldier in the Roman army, while Captain Neville’s Flying Circus, based at RAF Henlow, will be showcasing a selection of vintage aircraft including a Tiger Moth biplane and a DH Queen Bee biplane.
Also providing entertainment will be the Essex Dog Display Team, the acrobatic trapeze and rope skills of the Above and Beyond Aerial Display team, the Traction Engine Tug of War and a mountain bike stunt team.
For children, there will be a free kids’ zone which will include an inflatable slide, bouncy castle, a gladiator joust and giant games.
The fair is open from 10.30am until 5pm on both days but on Saturday night there is also a free evening of entertainment.
The night starts at 5pm with a children’s disco, followed by ‘happy hour’ discounted fair rides. Also performing are three-piece funk pop band Indi and the Vegas and Stevenage singer-songwriter Nadeem Leigh, who featured on BBC One talent show The Voice last year.
Kevin Balderstone, leader of the major events team, said, “The free kids’ zone is always very popular with parents and children and visitors enjoy the fact that so many of the entertainments are included in the entrance price.
“We pride ourselves on making this a great day out for all the family, whatever their age or their interests. We feel this is our best programme ever and are delighted we can offer such a huge variety of activities for people to enjoy.”
On the day tickets will cost priced £8 for adults, £4 for children and senior citizens, with those under four getting in for free.
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