TENS of thousands of spectators flocked to the Great Dorset Steam Fair as the festival of industrial heritage got firmly back on track.

The rousing reception follows an enforced absence as a result of Covid restrictions but that was a firmly a thing of the past with organisers declaring 'full steam ahead' for the 2022 edition.

The annual show, considered by many to be the pinnacle of steam-powered vehicles and machinery, returned on Thursday to the huge showground near Blandford, and keeps rolling until the end of today.

Steam Fair Managing Director, Martin Oliver said: “Everyone, without exception, had missed the Steam Fair massively, these past two years. Once we’d announced this year’s show would go ahead, enquiries for camping came in thick and fast.

“We’d always said there’s so much going on, you’ll struggle to see and do everything in just one day. We have a 600-acre showground, and we use every square metre of it.”

The show - which is now in its 54th year - celebrates industrial and agricultural heritage with over 250 full working steam engines on display.

The majestic Showmen's Engines were undoubtedly the start of the show - with gleaming, twisted brass that flickered in the sun - but 'Old-Time' fairground rides ensured there was fun for all the family.

At night, the rides transform into a cavalcade of light and music, all powered by steam.

The fair isn't just about steam, though, with a prestigious display from The Heavy Horses showcasing the traditional of 'working the land' - using farming implements from years gone by.

There was a particularly poignant pause to the raucous revelry on the Saturday when Martin Oliver, together with the steam fair chaplain, took a moment to remember all the friends of the show who had passed away during the three year absence.

At midday, Martin invited each and every owner on site to blow their whistles, together, in a chorus of celebration.

This year, for the first time ever, the show introduced a Modern Classic Motorcycle and Modern Classic Car section: the exhibition covered the years 1970 to 1995 with an inclusive range of exhibits that reflect the era.

The show was boosted by the sponsorship of Gritchie Brewing Company - a brewery set up by film-maker Guy Ritchie.