After the changes to the field layout in 2010, this year’s event reverted to the previous year’s plan with the stationary engines back against the A6 roadside and the majority of the bygones up near the entrance on Avenue Road, which seemed much better for all concerned. The only slight compromise was that the commercials were cramped up a bit due to the classic campers and caravans taking up a whole avenue, but this was only really an issue on Sunday when their numbers were swelled by day-trippers.

Star of the show for most people, however, was Titan the Robot, who hopped off his converted golf-buggy to strut his stuff around the site on Sunday and Monday, ably and cleverly assisted by his “manager” from the sound desk on the back of the cart. It was different and innovative and definitely a hit with all ages. Elsewhere, the Vikings and Dark Ages re-enactment group had displaced the Wild (West) Bunch to supplement the Midland Bernese Carters dog display and Up-and-Over motorcycle display team in the ring.

Whilst dropping names, the aptly named North London Barmy Army were out in force, as were the Wot No Brakes! Mini club, Spark Plugs & Starting Handles (SPASH) Club, Magpies, Northants Preservation Society, Triumph Sports Six Club, Kettering Area Motor (KAM) Club, Vauxhall Viva Owners and allegedly the TVR Car Club, although this appeared to be in effect a car-dealer’s trade stand for TVRs. Various motorcycle clubs including the Triumph Owners’, Christian Motorcycle Fellowship and others were camping for the weekend.

The vintage fairground included a set of mid 1950s Jets, Big Wheel, two sets of Waltzers, Orton & Spooner Dodgems and Savages Gallopers, alongside smaller juvenile rides such as the teacups, train and Austin J40 cars. Another novelty was the wrestling “booth” but being stuck right out at the end probably didn’t do them any favours, but as a modern marquee, it would have totally spoilt the ambience if it had been put in amongst the traditional rides.

Again, as for the past two years, many sections’ entries closed early as they were full to capacity, and generally speaking, they appear to have judged it right in most cases. There was a little bit of room here and there for a few extra but if all vehicle exhibitors came all three days, instead of just two (to qualify for a plaque), then they would have to cut back some more. There are still no real veteran tractors but the standard of those on show has improved over the last few years with very few off-farm machines to be seen now. There were one or two new commercials I’d not seen before, and as always, a huge selection of cars and motorcycles, and an expanding range of fire-service appliances.

The model tent threatens to match Lincoln for its diversity and quality, especially with the fairground and circus displays, and the Anglia Marine Model Boat Club have some really intricate models on display alongside their “let the kids bash the lighthouse, oops, drive a model boat” pond. All-in-all not a bad event, thanks in no small part to warm, sunny, if at times, blustery weather.