IT is full steam ahead for the Tavistock Steam Fair — so much so that it is arriving in town a week early.
Chairman of the organising committee Ian Lewis said the event will now take place on Sunday, May 26.
Mr Lewis said: 'This is a week earlier than usual. But with so much happening in Tavistock and the surrounding area over the following weekend — which will have two Bank Holidays added to it — we decided that the popularity of the Steam Fair is such that we should make this exceptional change for an exceptional year.'
The committee is already receiving enquiries from potential exhibitors in all sections.
'Once again the major challenge will be to ensure that anyone who wishes to enter his pride and joy is allocated the space to do so,' said Mr Lewis.
'With the valued help of Tavistock Town Council, we will be again using Bedford Square and the car park in front of the police station for a wide range of classic vehicles.'
He said the pannier market would once again be used as the venue for the increasingly interesting Collection of Collections.
Mr Lewis said: 'If anyone has a collection that he or she would like to share with us then please get in touch with Bob and Nikki Brereton on 01822 614884.'
Owners of steam engines are always keen to take part in the Tavistock Steam Fair because it gives them the opportunity to take their machines out onto the road in a festive environment.
Mr Lewis said at least 10 are expected to be invited to attend this year — and each is expected at some time to draw a trailer loaded with enthusiastic visitors to the event.
'That should please those children — both young and old — who decide that the day is incomplete without a ride behind each,' he said.