Fingers crossed for sunshine this May as preparations for the annual Three Okefords Rally at Shillingstone get underway.

The weekend of May 20 & 21 will see all manner of vintage and classic machinery come out of the shed and make its way to Easterbrook Farm at the foot of Shillingstone Hill.

The Three Okefords Preservation Society is planning to put on a show that’s fun for all the family. It promises all the wonderful sights, sounds and smells of the steam rally, including traction engines, classic cars/commercials, tractors and tractor pulling, motorbikes, stationary engines, trade stalls and a craft and food hall. As the day turns to evening, visitors can relax with a pint from the beer tent, listen to great local bands and soak up the fantastic atmosphere.

New to this year’s event will be a play-pen style arena in which the steam engines will be able to show off a little.

The Rally will also showcase traditional wood sawing demonstrations, with steam traction engines and vintage tractors driving a variety of saw benches and machinery, as well as a very British display of traditional steam threshing.

New this year will be a dedicated venue for the best of local craftspeople and food makers in the Rally’s craft and food hall. It’s the perfect place to browse and shop from local artisans and creators. Limited spaces are still available; entry forms are available at www.threeokefordsrally.co.uk.

Early Bird tickets for the Three Okefords Rally are available to purchase online. Camping is also available for the weekend and includes entry to the rally for both days. More details and ticket prices can be found at www.threeokefordsrally.co.uk or you can contact Thelma on 01258 456739.

The organisers are looking for local businesses to sponsor this year’s show. Please contact topsprogramme@gmail.com for more information.