THE countdown has begun to the spectacular event that has become one of the country’s leading vintage tractor shows.

Tractor Fest, at Newby Hall near Ripon, will this year be held on June 11 and 12 and will celebrate its home county with a Made in Yorkshire theme.

Tractor Fest attracts thousands of visitors each year, not just tractor owners, collectors and enthusiasts but also families from across the UK.

An array of different exhibitors will showcase vintage tractors, engines, commercial vehicles, cars and motorcycles from around the UK and Europe.

Among the 1,500 exhibits will be vintage vehicles produced in Yorkshire including David Brown and International tractors, as well as rare gems such as a Sharp Tractor from 1907.

Local manufacturers will be well represented including exhibits from Priestman engines, Jowett cars, Scott Motor Cycle Group, the Yorkshire Motor Company and crawlers and motor tractors from Fowlers and Walsh and Clark.

The show will also showcase pioneer veteran steel wheel tractors and all other tractor marques will also be well represented.

The popular “March of the Tractors” will once again start at Newby Hall, following a route into Ripon centre and ending in the market square on the Saturday from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Organised by the Yorkshire Vintage Association, the main sponsor of the event will be leading agricultural and machinery auctioneers Cheffins. Ripon-based Econ, the UK’s largest manufacturer of gritters and salt spreading vehicles, is also supporting the event.

Tickets are priced at £10 adults, £9 seniors, £8 children, under 4s go free. For more information, go to newbyhall.co.uk or telephone 01423 322583.