Majestic heavy horses will be the stars of the show at Prickwillow Ploughing Festival on October 5 and 6.

Cambs Times: Dad Alex Sadler with Sonny Sadler from Sutton, stroking Robbie at last year's festival.Dad Alex Sadler with Sonny Sadler from Sutton, stroking Robbie at last year's festival. (Image: Archant)

But the festival offers many other attractions for all the family, from traction engines and classic cars, to children’s activities and bygone displays.

Cambs Times: Peter Swann from Emneth took the Ely Fire Tender to last year's festival.Peter Swann from Emneth took the Ely Fire Tender to last year's festival. (Image: Archant)

For the first time, a free shuttle bus will go to the site from Ely Market Street and Station Road from 9.30am, about every 45 minutes, and a pick-up in Soham can be booked ahead of the weekend.

Cambs Times: Vintage tractors and heavy horses will give ploughing demonstrations.Vintage tractors and heavy horses will give ploughing demonstrations. (Image: Archant)

Show secretary Pauline said: “This is the third time we have run the festival, and its getting bigger each year. We have had fantastic support from the public and exhibitors.”

The festival is run by Green Farm and Prickwillow Museum, and is open on Saturday from 10am to 6pm, with music until 9pm; and on Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

A traction engine with threshing tackle will be on site, along with classic cars and commercials, 4-inch scale tractions engines, and stationary engines. There will be arts and crafts, trade stands, refreshments, and a special festival beer will be on sale.

Children can take a ride on a look-alike Thomas the Tank Engine, Mr Mudge the clown will entertain youngsters on Saturday, and on Sunday children can take part in a craft activity to build a Fen lighter boat.

A sheepdog demonstration is a new attraction this year, and on Saturday afternoon at 2.30pm children from KD Productions in Soham will give a performance.

Horses and vintage tractors will be ploughing both days, and on Sunday there will be a ploughing match, with the winner being awarded the Nigel Clarke Memorial Trophy.

Prickwillow Museum will be open both days, and its drainage engines will be running.

Entry costs £6 for adults, £5 concessions and accompanied children are admitted free. Proceeds will be shared between Prickwillow Museum and Cancer Research.

For more information, or to book a Soham bus pick-up, call Mrs Dunham on 01353 720737.