Steam Fairs

Using steam as a source of power started thousands of years ago but in the UK the industrial revolution saw many new applications for steam. The steam fair celebrates the ingenuity of our 18th and 19th century ancestors.

The traditional steam fair is a large outdoor event. It looks back at our heritage, has many different attractions and is an excellent family day out.

Things to see at a steam fair

Traction engines

The traction engine is a self propelled steam engine and is a common sight at the traditional steam fairs.

They were also known as road locomotives which distinguished them from railway steam locomotives (visit the Bluebell Railway). The main uses for a steam engine is to pull a heavy load or as a portable power source.

Steam Fairground

Steam was used in Edwardian times for what we may now think of as a theme park. Although, because the scale was smaller they were also portable. You can still addend travelling steam fairgrounds today, thanks to the dedication of the restorers.

You may have been on at least one of these rides and not realised it was powered by steam. The old merry-go-round, with galloping horses or the steam powered chair-o-plane. The steam engine was also used to power the big wheels.

Listed Steam Fairs