THE Wessex Midsummer Vintage Show came back with a bang over the weekend with exhibitors keen to put their ageing vehicles on display.

This year’s show in the country park below the White Horse at Westbury was full steam ahead for the two-day event after three years of no show because of issues.

The paramedic and then a flooded former show field forced organisers to cancel previous events in 2021 and 2020.

But the hundreds of visitors to this year’s event were treated to full-size steam agricultural engines along with a dozen third size steamers, a long line up of stationary engines, more than 50 vintage and classic cars along scores of classic motorcycles.

Motorbike section steward Liz Harrison was delighted with the turnout at the show. She said: “It’s great to be back providing a display for the public.

“I have been in touch with all our former exhibitors over the last couple of years and they have all been keen to get back on the show field.”

This year the event was put on at the new venue, the White Horse Country Park in Westbury, on Saturday and Sunday (June 18 and 19).

Chairman Eric Gay was pleased with the number and selection of entries that supported the show, saying: “We have full size steamers at the show along with a dozen of mini engines, vintage and veteran cars depicting several decades of motoring, as well and vintage tractors, bicycles and motorcycles.

“We had some very unusual modes of transport. It was a show with something for everyone with stalls, attractions and displays.”

One of the show favourites was Alan Hibberd’s 1946 Dot Milk Float. He said: “It’s a rare machine with only six left in existence.

“I have brought it to the show along with the coinage that was used all those years ago- your half crowns, old pennies and the like but I still need a quarter farthing to complete the set.”

Making a debut appearance at the Wessex show was Westbury’s Phil Gumm, who brought along his 1950 Mammoth Major, having spent 20 months restoring the vehicle.

One of the oldest machines on show was the 1928 500cc Douglas speedway bike owned by former champion Roger Clark.

He said: “It’s attracted a lot of interest with people noticing it’s not got any brakes- just like all speedway bikes.”