IMGP1322, originally uploaded by davidjwbailey.

Steam Traction Engine Day at Shuttleworth, Bedfordshire. The smell of coal smoke, the whistle of steam, a studied lack of health and safety concern as huge metal machines lumber about. And everywhere: ice cream, chips, sun cream and magical musical carnival engines fill the air and compete for your senses.

It is everything it ever meant to be English, and we celebrate it in style. For the rest of the day see the Flicker photostream. Better yet, come with us next year