Full steam ahead for a weekend of fun

The weekend gives visitors a rare chance to see some of the steam-driven machinery that changed the face of rural life, including steam threshers, ploughs and tractors.

Many of the machines come from the Saunders Steam Collection, one of the largest of its kind in Europe and some items are now extremely rare. The show gives visitors a unique opportunity to see these amazing pieces of farm equipment in working action and, especially, for children to find out more about our rural heritage.

Stotfold Watermill will be open to visitors, who can see grain being threshed by steam power and delivered to the mill, before being ground by the millstones. They can then buy the end products - wholemeal or white flour, or bran - in the Kingfisher Gift Shop, which also stocks a wide range of unique locally-sourced jewellery, produce and craft work.

Award-winning Randalls Tea Room will be open, selling its cakes, cream teas and other refreshments.

There will be plenty of other attractions on offer, with stalls providing food, traditional craft items and games.

There will also be a Beer and Cider Festival in the beer tent, featuring local ales and ciders, with live music and food on Friday and Saturday nights from 8pm.

On Friday, The Steve Winkett Organisation will be playing and on Saturday, Not Tonight Josephine. Entry to the evening events is free.

On Sunday, there will also be a 40 bird clay pigeon shoot from 10am to 4pm in Mill Lane.

The Working Steam Weekend runs from 10.30am to 5pm on both days. Tickets cost £4 or £2 for senior citizens and children aged four to 16. Under fours go free.