The Birkenhead Park Festival of Transport goes full steam ahead this weekend promising an action-packed two days of fun for all the family.

Transport through the ages is the theme of this year's event - particularly from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, featuring steam traction engines, steam boats, steam-powered fairground, brass bands, trade stands and vintage buses.

The two-day festival will commemorate the 76th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain and organisers will have on display full-size replicas of a Spitfire, German ME 109 and a V1 flying bomb.

The event will also feature the Howard Brothers steam gallopers making a welcome return and lots of other family favourites including Punch & Judy, pony and donkey rides and laser clay pigeon shooting.

The arena entertainment will see two days of fun dog shows and displays of working dogs.

The town crier of Chester will be visiting Birkenhead shopping centre in a classic vehicle on the morning of Saturday, September 24, to announce the opening of the festival in his own inimitable style.

Since its launch in 2008 the event has raised more than £22,000 for local charities and good causes with the money distributed through Birkenhead Lions Club.

This year the Chinese State Circus has set up its big top in the lower park, while the transport festival will be held in the upper park.

The festival takes place in Birkenhead Park on Saturday, September 24, and Sunday, September 25.

Opening times are 10am to 6pm.

Entry is £5 per adult and free for under-16s accompanied by a paying adult.

To see a gallery of pictures from last year's event click here.