THE promise of a great family day out drew thousands of people to one of Cumbria’s biggest annual festivals over the weekend.

RELATED ARTICLES:

Black Combe Country Fair

Gleaston Village Dog Show

Barrow Park Family Fun Day

Grasmere Sports and Lakeland show

Ulverston and District Equine Club dog show

Millom and Broughton show

Hawkshead Show

Cartmel Show

North Lonsdale show results

Coniston Country Fair

Families and motor enthusiasts flocked to the Cumbria Steam Gathering at Cark Airfield, Flookburgh, on Saturday and Sunday after it was transformed into a carnival of colour and noise.

The extravaganza attracted huge tractors, monster trucks, daredevil performers, sheep shows, arts and crafts, live music and rustic engines.

Organisers of the show promised a packed schedule and they certainly delivered, with plenty of activities for all ages and interests.

Parades of historic tractors, vintage cars and motorbikes wowed crowds, dozens of stalls provided hungry visitors with an array of fresh food and drink, and children enjoyed a go on the many fairground rides.

Nancy Milligan, club member at Lakeland Historic Car Club, said it was the friendly atmosphere of the gathering which made it so popular with motor fans every year.

She said: “It’s an absolutely beautiful day. We enjoy the shows, the stalls and the company.

“The amount of cars that come is fantastic.

“We have brought six cars on our display and some of our members are scattered about.

“It’s a brilliant event.”

Red Dragon Monster Ride Trucks crushed cars with no bother in one of the show arenas, while the team from Inch Perfect Trials Display performed exhilarating stunts and jumps to the amazement of onlookers.

Steel drums played by Platonic All Stars gave the show a Caribbean feel while show judges and clubs decided the winners of the many vehicle classes.

A staggering 1,300 exhibits entered the show, an increase on last year.

Jessica Wilson travelled from Ulverston with her two children on Saturday to soak up the atmosphere and have a go on the fairground rides.

She said: “There’s so much to do. You’ll never see everything in one day as it’s huge.

“The kids love it and the weather is good today.”

Among the most popular attractions were two restored traction engines by Alex Sharphouse, owner of Old Hall Farm in Bouth. The 24-tonne machines were built in 1920 by the world-famous John Fowler and Co, and proved popular with vintage motor fans.

Gordon Lund travelled from Preston to display his 1968 Lotus Elan + 2, which has clocked up an incredible 270,000 miles.

He said: “It’s a really good event over two days. I’ve been before last year.

“There’s a lot going, there’s something for everybody. My wife likes all the other attractions and all the collections.”

Next year’s Steam Gathering is planned for Saturday July 30 and Sunday July 31.