'No drop' in steam fair visitors

Hundreds of steam engines are on show at the Great Dorset Steam Fair, the annual celebration of steam.

Now in its 41st year, 250,000 visitors are expected at one of the world's largest gatherings of steam engines.

Managing Director Martin Oliver said it looks like being a busy weekend, and that the recent wet weather or financial recession had not kept people away.

He said: "We haven't noticed a downturn in visitor numbers this year.

"We are very pleased with what we've seen so far."

Traffic was slow on the A354 at Southdown, near to the showground site, and the advice is that anyone not heading to the steam fair should try to avoid the area altogether.

Before this year's fair began, operations manager Julian Hubbuck said: "I'd like to apologise in advance for anyone who may be delayed by steam fair traffic.

The steam fair is causing some traffic congestion in the area

"While we do all we can to reduce congestion I would advise non-steam fair motorists to steer clear of the area if they can."

Two special bus services are running for the duration of the festival to help ease the traffic problems.

They depart from Salisbury to the show, and from Weymouth and Dorchester to Blandford, with a connection onto the steam fair.

Meanwhile, Dorset County Council has given permission for an area of its own land at Tarrant Hinton to be used by travellers coming to the steam fair, in an arrangement which will last for three years.

Allocating a designated area for the travellers, despite some local objections from residents, has, in previous years, resulted in a decrease in the number of illegal camp sites around the steam fair site, which is a popular attraction for the traveller community.

A look back at a different way of life

The 41st Great Dorset Steam Fair is the biggest outdoor events in Europe

The Great Dorset Steam Fair is a look back into a different period of rural life, and how people lived and worked; and, at over 600 acres, it is one of the biggest outdoor events in Europe.

Organisers say that this year's most powerful exhibits are in the heavy haulage area, where more than 20 road locomotives will be demonstrating their might, pulling tonnes of granite and machinery on huge trailers, featuring examples from the 1890s and early 1900s.

Also on display will be more than 30 steam tractors - traction engines with special gearing that makes them suitable for lighter haulage work.

Other highlights include steam lorries, steam rollers and the traditional steam-powered fun fair, plus a collection of vintage 1950s/1960s cars and military vehicles.

More information on the event, and on the special bus service, is available on The Great Dorset Steam Fair website

BBC Radio Solent's Jon Cuthill presented his programme live from the show on Friday 4 September 0930 - 1300, listen again via iPlayer if you missed it.

The Great Dorset Steam Fair 2009 - The National Heritage Show is on Wednesday 2 September to Sunday 6 September at Tarrant Hinton, near Blandford.