Spectacular event steams back into Saddleworth

A popular family event which captured a community’s hearts is to steam into town again this year.

The Saddleworth Steam Festival, featuring unique full-size traction engines, is scheduled to take place on the weekend of June 8-9 in Saddleworth Museum car park.

The organisers, Saddleworth Round Table, are hopeful the event will become a regular feature based on the resounding success for the hundreds of people who turned out to support the colourful spectacle last year.

Chairman Steven Shepherd said: "We were blown away by the reaction and success to the original event which was put together in just three weeks. 

“We plan to grow on that success and this time host an even better show for the community. There has been a very positive response from the public and the steam drivers themselves.

“The new date helps, not guarantees, some dry and warm weather and we hope the festival will join the popularity of our yearly Santa Dash. The event is entirely free but donations, which all go to charity, are encouraged!”

In addition to more steam engines, local legend Frank Rothwell, pictured, plans to bring the world’s only steam-powered Land Rover to entertain the enthusiastic audience.

Frank, who hand-built the iconic vehicle, said: ”The festival is a fabulous idea and I’m proud to support it.”

The Round Table offered a special thank you to Hughes Demolition, LTS transport (collection and return of engine), Mechplant North West (providing JCB load all to load and unload engines) and Recycling PVC ( providing engine attendance money, organ).