Steam on the Dock returns to Liverpool’s Albert Dock with more than 30 steam engines

Event is the UK’s only inner-city steam rally and will take place at the waterfront venue on Saturday, May 6, and Sunday, May 7. Tony McDonough reports

Steam on the Dock at the the Albert Dock in Liverpool in 2016. The event returns in May this year

More than 30 steam engines, boats and a train will be on show when Steam on the Dock returns to the Albert Dock in Liverpool in May.

Steam on the Dock is the UK’s only inner-city steam rally and will take place at the waterfront venue on Saturday, May 6, and Sunday, May 7.

New for 2017 is Steam tug Kerne – a stunning, Titanic-era steamship. Built in 1912, Kerne has a long history with Liverpool.

In 1971 she became the last coal-fired steamer to work on the Mersey. Since then she has been saved from scrap and preserved as an operational steamship, and is now the last remaining Naval, coal-fired steamship to have seen service in two world wars, still in operation today.

 At 1pm and 3pm both days, visitors will be treated to a steam showcase around Salthouse Dock, which will include a cavalry of steam engines, traditional brewer’s dray cart and shire horses, and a marching band (1pm only).

This year’s festival will also welcome even more land-based engines and miniatures to the dock than ever before, a variety of classic steam narrowboats courtesy of the Steam Boat Association, and a historic fairground organ.

And Mattel Play! Liverpool will be joining in on the celebration, with free story times with none other than The Fat Controller inside the attraction on The Colonnades, with special performances from his mischievous sidekicks, Rusty and Dusty.

Clare Rawlinson, marketing manager, Albert Dock Liverpool, said: “Almost 65,000 visitors attended Steam on the Dock last year – which was a massive success for Albert Dock Liverpool, particularly as it was a completely new event.

“It is with great excitement that we can announce this year’s programme with more steam engines than last year.”

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