Truckfest 2009's organisers say this year's event is set to be the biggest yet, with thousands of bookings already taken for a line-up that includes soap stars, top radio DJs and the best monster trucks around.

Katherine Kelly – aka Coronation Street's feisty Becky Grainger in Britain's longest running soap – will lead a celebrity line-up at Truckfest when it returns to the East of England Showground on Sunday and Monday.

It also includes another familiar face from the cobbles as Craig Charles, who plays taxi driver Lloyd Mullaney, joins the fun on Monday.

Craig will also be joined at Truckfest by his Red Dwarf co-star Danny John-Jules, who plays the Cat.

Also appearing with Katherine on the Sunday are BBC Radio 1's Chappers and Dave.

Katherine took time out from her busy filming schedule to talk to The Guide ahead of her visit to Peterborough on Sunday.

Barnsley-born Katherine has become one of Corrie's most popular characters since joining in 2006.

She has been at the centre of fights, love triangles and even wedding day disasters.

She said the highlight so far was the storyline involving Hayley Cropper's son Christian Gateley.

The climax came when Becky visited Christian in the record shop where he worked and hit him in revenge for him attacking Hayley.

"I really enjoyed filming those scenes. I had only been in the programme for about a year and it was great to have a storyline as dramatic as that. That really made Becky as a character on the Street," she said.

"Since then, Becky has been involved in lots more big storylines, especially this year with the wedding day fiasco with Steve (McDonald).

"And it's not stopping there, as there will be a couple more big ones before the end of the year."

But it's not all about filming, Katherine loves meeting her many fans, and what better place to do it than at Truckfest.

"I was at the Edinburgh one last year, and was overwhelmed by the response. But Peterborough is the big one, so I can't wait to see what it's all about.

"Being in Coronation Street is all for the fans. It's great to go to events such as this and meet them. If we didn't get feedback, then we wouldn't know how the characters are seen by people.

"Becky is a strong character, and she appeals to men, women and children.

"When I used to watch Coronation Street as a child my favourites were Raquel (Walsh) and Bet (Lynch). They were also strong females, and two of the best."

Katherine, who spent some time growing up in the USA as a child, said her brothers were interested in cars and trucks, and this rubbed off on her.

"Some of them are so

impressive, and growing up with brothers it was hard not to be interested. I guess I'm a bit of a tomboy really," she said.

"I hope there is lots of sunshine over the weekend and I can't wait to see why Truckfest is so popular in Peterborough."


Truckfest is the East of England Showground and opens from 9am until 5.30pm on Sunday (3rd) and Bank Holiday Monday.

Day tickets are available, costing £14 for adults in advance and £16 on the day.

Children's tickets cost £5 in advance or £7.50 on the day. Family tickets (two adults and two children) cost £35 in advance and £39.50 on the day, while camping starts from £74.50.

Call the ticket and camping hotline on 0871 230 7149. Visit www.truckfest.co.uk.