The Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest will be held on April 14 and 15 and is expected to attract more than 50,000 visitors to Maitland over the two days.

Organisers said steam enthusiasts have been quick to snap up tickets, with only a few  remaining on sale for the variety of rail excursions on offer this year.

Maitland City Council Events coordinator Adam Franks said some trips, like The Great Train Race, are close to selling out. “We are also receiving strong sales on our Port Waratah Coal Loop and Paterson excursions,” Mr Franks said.

“Since the announcement of 6029 “The Garratt” on our Branxton excursions, we’ve also seen increased interest in these trips,” he said.

Visitors from throughout NSW, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia will travel to Maitland for the event. Mr Franks said accommodation is also filling up across the city with a number of providers reporting that they are at 100 per cent occupancy for that weekend.

This year marks the event’s 32nd year with the return of The Garratt, a massive drawcard with less than 20 tickets available, Mr Franks said. “Tickets have been selling so fast, just through promoting the event on social media,” he said.

The largest display of portable steam engines will be showcased on the Steamfest Rally Ground. About 14 engines and five traction engines will be available for public viewing.

Australian Rail Track Corporation will hold a demonstration on the rally ground where spectators can watch workers weld railway track. “It will be pretty exciting to see the infrastructure side of things,” Mr Franks said.

Church Street and the Maitland Railway Station precinct will come alive with food vans and stalls plus rides for the kids.

The annual show and shine will return to Maitland Park on the Sunday of the Steamfest weekend with 400 classic cars and hot rods on display.

Mr Franks said people should get in quick to snare some of the remaining rail excursion tickets. They can be purchased on the Steamfest website.