THE largest outdoor Tractor Festival in the UK will be held at Newby Hall, near Ripon, on Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7, this year.

The event features thousands of vintage and modern tractors, stationary engines, commercial vehicles, cars, lorries and motorcycles from the UK and Europe.

This year the festival will have a Centenarian theme with 100 pre-1920 cars, 100 1920 vintage tractors and 100 stationary engines that are all 100 years old on show. There will also be a special exhibition of Case tractors and machinery, and another displaying early horse drawn and tractor implements.

Case tractors were imported to the UK during World War I to help boost home-grown food production in the face of U-boat attacks and the poor harvest of 1916. Many International tractors were also used for the large-scale farming operations behind the lines in France to provide food for troops and forage for horses and mules.

Tractor Fest - which will have more than 1,500 exhibits on display - attracts 12,000 visitors every year from across the country.

The spectacular "March of the Tractors" – a parade of tractors setting off from from Newby Hall to Ripon’s market square, will take place on the Saturday, leaving at 5pm..

Kevin Watson, chairman of the Yorkshire Vintage Association which organises the event, said: "Tractor Fest never fails to deliver – it is a superb day out for families and our exhibitors get great pleasure from showcasing their tractors, engines and machinery many of which have interesting histories and stories behind them."

Other activities for families will include opportunities to drive mini tractors, face painting, colouring, interactive exhibits, working machinery. There are also trade stands, crafts and a choice of street food.

Tractor Fest runs from 10am-5pm each day. Admission is £15.50 adults and seniors, £12.50 children, under 4’s go free. It includes entry to the gardens and adventure playground.

Full details at www.newbyhall.com/events/tractor-fest-2019-2 or from 01423 322583.