CHEERS will be the cry at Swindon and Cricklade Railway this weekend when the annual Vintage and Real Ale event returns.

The festival, which has been running for eight years, is being held at Blunsdon Station, in Tadpole Lane, from 10.30am until 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Highlights of the event include the opportunity to ride on a diesel train, and displays of stationary trains and vintage vehicles.

There will also be a choice of five real ales and two ciders on sal, which are coming from Three Castles Brewery based in Pewsey.

Organiser Tony Norris said: “The preparations are going really well and it should be a great family event.

“Since launching this event we have gone from strength to strength. There is something for everyone with the vehicles and what is on offer at the beer tent.”

There will be a flypast by a Spitfire and a Hurricane at 3.25pm on Saturday with a Dakota flypast taking place at 1.55pm on Sunday.

Tony said the flypasts will depend on the weather.

He said: “The flypasts will be quite a sight so we are just praying for reasonable weather.

“I’ve checked the forecast and it says that we should have sunshine with the odd shower. That would be fine and allow the flypasts to take place.

“We’ve only ever had an issue with the weather once and that was when we had to cancel the event because of the floods. But I don’t see that being the case this weekend thankfully.”

Over the weekend, there will be vintage arcade machines, stalls and a selection of refreshments.

The Vintage and Real Ale event’s admission costs £9 for adults, £8 for seniors, £6 for children and a family ticket is available for £26.

Swindon and Cricklade Railway is also hosting a children’s treasure hunt on August 24 and 25.

For more information about the venue’s event call 01793 976764, email lindanorris54@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.swindon-cricklade-railway.org.