The annual festival of steam, which  is now in its 29th year, delivered yet another major windfall for the city.

With as many as 65,000 people taking part in the festivities across Saturday and Sunday, organisers were confident the city would benefit to the tune of around $5 million.

And in these tough economic times that’s great news for local businesses.

Accommodation venues were kept busy, along with shops, cafes and restaurants across the city.

Rain clouds had threatened to derail the event across the weekend but held off long enough to reward organisers with a massive crowd at the Steamfest Rally Ground on Sunday morning.

It was here that steam buffs were taken back in time with displays of vintage machinery and storytelling.

The Powerhouse Museum display was also popular and Cogs the robot proved a hit with young and old.

The Show ’n’ Shine display of classic and vintage cars in Maitland Park also attracted a steady stream of visitors and The Great Race had enthusiasts cheering for the steam locomotive at Maitland railway station.

Maitland City Council marketing and communications manager Rachel MacLucas was delighted with the crowd numbers and said there were plenty of people having fun across the weekend.

Thank you also to the team of volunteers who helped make the event a possibility.

Your generosity in giving of your time makes it possible for our city to host this annual event, which is now recognised as one of the premier steam festivals in the world.

And thank you also to the Burton family of Maitland Toyota for sponsoring this wonderful event.