HOLLYCOMBE Steam in the Country is opening its doors today (Saturday) and tomorrow (Sunday) for one of its highlights of the year with the staging of its annual fairground and mechanical organ weekend.

Hollycombe has many permanent attractions, including the world’s first white-knuckle ride, the Razzle Dazzle, and the world’s oldest Haunted House, but this weekend it will also have visiting rides and a selection of vintage fairground organs and fairground models.

Many of the exhibitors return again and again to Hollycombe, enjoying the atmosphere of the event and the camaraderie shown between exhibitors, organisers and visitors.

Hollycombe trustee Brian Gooding said: “Our fairground and organ weekend is a must for anyone who enjoys good old-fashioned entertainment.

“The many visiting rides and organs will be displayed in and around our traditional fairground to create a unique spectacle.

“The rides, models and displays appeal to all tastes – this is a true three-generation event, something that can be enjoyed by mums and dads, grandparents and grandchildren alike.

“We have a wide selection of organs attending, from a small 14 note hand turned organ up to the big 89 key fairground organs.

“This year we have organs coming from as far as Shropshire, Doncaster and Cornwall to be with us, representing members of groups such as the Fairground Preservation Society, Mechanical Organ Owners Society and the British Organ Grinders Association.

“We will also be opening up our restoration works shed to display many of the models under cover. We have extended the number of models due to their popularity.”

With many of the organs dating back to the late 19th century, visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of the Victorian era.

Brian added: “Our exhibitors enjoy meeting our visitors and take great pleasure in seeing their excited faces. With steam, colour and music, there’s lots to see and do.”

Visitors will also be able to enjoy Hollycombe’s other fairground rides, including the famous Big Wheel, and ride the Quarry Railway, while additional rides are planned.

Hollycombe will also have an extended summer opening season, opening from Tuesdays to Sundays between July 31 and August 27.