FANS of engines are in their element this weekend at the popular Cumbria Steam Gathering.

Visitors have headed to Cark Airfield, in Flookburgh, in their thousands to view the spectacle of huge steam engines, tractors, motorbikes and vintage cars and caravans. The show started yesterday and continues today.

The organisers have thanked the public for their patience, understanding and support as it was taking visitors up to two hours to get on to the showfield yesterday. This is due to the show losing two of its car parks, some of the usual car parking space is waterlogged and out of use.

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This year the crowds can also see the two XR14 RG500 Suzuki motorcycles which racing icon Barry Sheene won the 1976 and 1977 Grand Prix World Championships with. The display also includes other Sheene memorabilia and racing footage.

Martin Crooks, of Crooks Suzuki in Barrow and the Furness Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club is overseeing the exhibit. Mr Crooks said: "These are very special bikes, Barry Sheene won his world titles with the bikes. It's brilliant to have them at the show.

"Barry Sheene was an icon, he did more for motorcycling than anyone has ever done. He put motorcycling on to mainstream TV."

"The steam gathering is great for anyone who is into engines. There is a good atmosphere."

Visitor Geoff Walker, 53, from Barrow, who rode to the event on his motorbike, said: "Barry Sheene was one of my icons. I grew up watching him race. It's fantastic to see his bikes here; it's a real pull for the show and to have the bikes on display in Cumbria.

"I try and get to the steam gathering each year; it's a good event."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Icon Barry Sheene's 1977 &1976 World Championship winning Suzuki motorcycles on show at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cumbria?src=hash">#Cumbria</a> Steam Gathering this weekend <a href="https://t.co/MXC6ciEqDe">pic.twitter.com/MXC6ciEqDe</a></p>— Natalie Chapples (@nchapplesNWEM) <a href="https://twitter.com/nchapplesNWEM/status/891605151726919680">July 30, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The magnificent steam engines are always a show stopper at the event. The exhibits include Alex Sharphouse's two impressive 1920 Fowler AA7 ploughing engines. The vehicles can also be seen at Old Hall Farm, Bouth, where they are used to work the ground at the historic attraction.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Very busy at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cumbria?src=hash">#Cumbria</a> Steam Gathering which is on today & tomorrow at Cark Airfield, Flookburgh <a href="https://t.co/vzeq5Bk71I">pic.twitter.com/vzeq5Bk71I</a></p>— Natalie Chapples (@nchapplesNWEM) <a href="https://twitter.com/nchapplesNWEM/status/891292999858221056">July 29, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Broke FMX freestyle motocross display team have been thrilling the crowds with some jaw-dropping stunts in the main ring. The families are also enjoying the traditional funfair, vintage travelling show entertainment with Mr Alexander, music, owl and exotic mobile zoo display and trade stands.

David Foster, treasurer of Cumbria Steam Gathering, said: "It's been busy. We have our enthusiasts and what we try to do over the years is provide different attractions to make it a real family event.

"We are delighted to have Barry Sheene's World Championship-winning bikes here."

Mr Foster said he was sorry about the delays for people getting into the show due to having to close some car parking areas.

He said: "It's absolutely phenomenal the support we have had from exhibitors and visitors. I'm sorry that people had to wait."