Thousands take step back in time at Goathland vehicle rally

It was a programme built on nostalgia and it still has its enthusiastic following. Now the Heartbeat television series is joined by a motoring event in the spirit of the 1960s.

The Heartbeat Vehicle Rally returned to Goathland at the weekend with thousands of people joining members of the cast.

Goathland village rose to fame when it was transformed into the fictional town of Aidensfield for the ITV series.

The long-running police crime drama that ran from 1992 to 2010 and even though there have not been any new episodes for 16 years, it continues to be draw tourists to Goathland.

Every year, the village hosts a rally where they display vintage cars, vehicles and TV memorabilia from the 1960s and Heartbeat-themed.

The rally is organised and run by Lee Jones, who has taken over the event since 2023, along with a team of people including Heartbeat fans or vintage vehicle enthusiasts.

Mr Jones said: “Heartbeat is still extremely popular and is shown on ITV3 every day.

“Heartbeat is one of the few shows that families can watch together and with the 1960s nostalgia of the music and vehicles as well as the great cast and good storylines it has a lot going for it.

“Goathland is like being on a little film set; it’s very unique.”

The first rally was held in 2010 and began as a small gathering of vehicles and since 2023 it has grown.