ORGANISERS of this year’s Much Marcle Steam Rally are promising “a glorious weekend of steam, vintage tractors and other agricultural machinery from a bygone era”.

There will be at least 35 steam engines and 100 vintage tractors, and up to 120 vintage and classic cars and motorcycles are expected, “ranging from Rolls Royces to Isetta bubblecars and Nortons to BSAs”.

And an added attraction will be the sight of ducks being herded in the main ring.

A spokesman said: “Now very firmly embedded in the national calendar of steam events the rally attracts not only working steam engines but also classic cars, stationary engines and demonstrations of harvesting and binding, timber sawing, tractor pulling and much more.

“There are stalls where the enthusiast can buy vintage spares and tools, and, in the midst of all this activity the family can try out local delicacies and Herefordshire cider. The young ones can ride on the swings and roundabouts and there will be live music also on the menu and performances by the ‘can-can’ girls throughout both days.”

The spokesman added: “The main ring will resound to the whistle of the steam engines, at least 35 of them, and as many as 100 vintage tractors from Allis-Chalmers to Fordsons and Massey -Harris as they make their daily parade. A new event this year will see ducks being herded by sheepdogs in the main ring!

“For those who want to stay over the whole weekend there is a dedicated camping and caravan area alongside Rye Meadows.”

The event takes place on July 20 and July 21.