A HOST of classic cars, trucks and bikes, vintage equipment and giant steam-powered road engines will be on show at Cark airfield this Saturday and Sunday so we are taking a look at pictures from The Mail’s archive of the events held 25 and 30 years ago.

This weekend’s giant show is open from 9am to 5pm and features thousands of individual cherished pieces of a bygone world – from models and kitchen collectables to veteran tractors and military vehicles.

And there is an extra class this year for exhibitors with working industrial equipment.

A rather unusual visitor to the main show ring this year will be Joseph’s Amazing Camels – coming all the way from Nottinghamshire for a first public show in South Cumbria.

You can also enjoy a kite flying display by Smile Factor 10 and music from the Pantonic Steel Band.

The first Cumbria Steam Gathering took place in September 1973 on the former Westmorland Showground at Kendal.

The Mail, on July 31 in 1989, noted: “The big road engines belching clouds of black smoke are always stars at Cark and this year the show attracted a bumper haul.

“Two dozen steam-powered showmen’s engines, road rollers and steam wagons left their heavyweight imprint on the grass.”

Visiting Lincoln Cathedral Canon Robert Western said: “For me steam has a very special appeal.

“A steam-propelled machine almost has a life of its own.”

One of the stars at the show 25 years ago was a 1929 Sentinel FG6 steam wagon shown by Richard and Gillian Straughan.

The Mail, on August 1 in 1994, noted: “After being sold for scrap in 1947 it fell down a ravine near Glenridding from where the rusting wreck was found and recovered in 1988.

“One of only 16 built, this steam wagon is the last one in existence in the United Kingdom.”

Also on show was a showman’s engine called Bertha which had spent all its life with the Bagot family at Levens Hall.