What's in it for you?
Have you been to the Steam Fair before? If not you are probably asking yourself:
“What’s in it for me?” Well many folk have a preconception of it being a specialist
and exclusive show for steam enthusiasts and farmers! How far from the truth! The
Great Dorset Steam Fair is exactly that. It is GREAT!
It is great for families, couples, children, teenagers, groups, campers, shoppers,
adrenalin junkies and even dogs love it!
What could be more fun than a day or few days in the Dorset countryside? On a site
that is the same size as a small town when it is ready for the gates to open on
that first show Wednesday that we all look forward to so much.
So if you are looking for an excellent fun and action packed day out for all the family,
you'll love the Great Dorset Steam Fair. Traditionally this English fair is held
at the village of Tarrant Hinton, near Blandford Forum in the heart of the beautiful
Dorset countryside. Further directions are superfluous. Just find the village on
the map, head in that direction and follow everyone else!
From small beginnings this annual event has become one of the favoured places for
those interested in how people lived, worked and played in bygone years and it is
now widely recognised as "THE" National Heritage Show as well as being regarded
as the leading show of its type in the World. The spectacle covers an enormous showground,
at over 600 acres being one of Europe's largest outdoor event locations.
If its heritage related, you'll find it at the Great Dorset Steam Fair. Each year
we assemble probably the largest collection of steam and vintage equipment to be
seen anywhere in the World and take visitors on a giant trip of nostalgia into the
days of yesteryear. Everything that was great in British engineering can be seen,
it really is a look back at our wonderful heritage when Great Britain was workshop
to the world. Overall there are 200 working steam engines at the show with around
2,000 other working exhibits.
You can stand amazed at the variety of exhibitions and the sheer scale of the show
means that there is always something new to see. For the first time visitor seeing
the Great Dorset Steam Fair can be quite an awe inspiring and impressive site, a
sea of marquees and attractions that can take your breath for a moment.
Once on site you can watch the steaming giants of the past being put through
their paces; some hauling huge loads, others road making, sawing planks or doing
the farm work of long ago, such as driving ploughs, threshing or baling. To see the swirling
dust clouds, the belching smoke and the sparks flying of these great machines is
an unforgettable experience. And don't forget the "deafening noise"!
One of the other main features is the old time steam driven funfair. Annually,
over 50 showmen's engines with their gleaming twisted brass can be seen
generating the light and power for the old carousels and swingboats to operate.
This makes for a fascinating spectacle especially at night where the venue
transforms into a magical, electric city. To add to the excitement several of
the large fair organs in the main outdoor entertainment area are fronted by authentic 1920's style stage
shows with traditional "Can Can" dancing girl performances and other acts.
Vintage, veteran and classic cars, lorries, military vehicles, tractors, stationary
engines, motorcycles and bikes all find a place in the cavalcade and if it's possible
to fight your way through the crowds to the bottom show field, you'll find the working
heavy horses.
Country crafts from thatchers to cider makers and memorabilia collections of all
kinds are also well represented. Over 500 trade stands provide an endless variety
of goods to purchase and there is an excellent auto jumble section with nearly 200
stands. There are also five massive entertainment pavilions, each with its own programme
of live music and its own range of national and local ales/beers. Dine at one of the splendid
food stalls across the showground which offer both fast foods and delicacies from
a wide choice of traditional and exotic meals or snacks; or you may prefer a rustic
cheese ploughmans while sampling the delights of a local cider.
It's not all old time! For our younger clientele take a white knuckle ride on one
of the country's biggest travelling modern funfairs. Rides expected include a Giant
Wheel, Log Flume, Spinning Roller Coaster, Drop Tower and Reverse Bungee.
The Great Dorset Steam Fair is a typically British event offering a unique blend
of nostalgia and entertainment. Come and soak up the special festival atmosphere
whether as a day visitor or taking in the full five days by camping on site. There
is no other event like it anywhere in the World which is why over 200,000 visitors
attend each year both from the UK and abroad. Some people say there is an almost
mystical quality about it and as one devoted follower has put it, "It really is
the greatest show on earth".
Visit this colourful show once and you'll be hooked for life. You must go!
For the Children
Bring your children to the show, they will love it either at day or night, it is so stimulating
and exciting. There is always something going on for all ages. Introduce your young
ones to a traditional Punch and Judy show! There’s always face painting on offer
and plenty of energy expiring inflatables (ensuring you get a good night’s sleep!)
plus fair ground rides for the younger ones to enjoy and the ever-popular Go-Karts
and trampolines.
For the Teenagers
Teenagers love the show, especially the Fairground, which is one of the country’s
largest travelling modern funfairs! The rides would make any theme park envious
– it’s white knuckles all round on the Giant Wheel (which gives an awesome view
of the show from over 120ft high!), also the Log Flume and Spinning Rollercoaster
– keep them coming back for more! The Drop Tower is not for the faint hearted nor
is the ‘Shock Wave Ejection Seat Reverse Bungee’. Our advice is to save the fish
and chips, kebab or burger until AFTER a visit to the fair!
Family Attractions
For the whole family a great experience, step back in time and breath in the atmosphere,
feel the history and watch some of the most charming steam and country equipment
at work, see the show animals, taste some of the home cooking and enjoy a pint of
local ale or cider while listening to some great bands play live. Let the children
enjoy a day of traditional entertainment – a rarity these days! The Great Dorset
Steam Fair – what a treat.
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