For more than thirty-five years, The Cumbria Steam & Vintage Vehicle Society has been bringing together vintage and steam vehicles from across the world, to Flookburgh, for one massive summer event.
This year the organisers are promising the 2009 Cumbria Steam Gathering, which takes place next weekend (25 – 26th July 2009) on Cark Airfield, Flookburgh, will be as huge as ever – with more than 1,200 catalogued classic exhibits, a traditional fair, displays, specialist caterers and crafts.
The Gathering is a colourful and noisy weekend event that has a whole host of entertainment, with majestic steam engines and commercial vehicles of a by gone era, as well as hundreds of classic transport favourites like cars, motorcycles, bicycles, agricultural and industrial tractors, farm equipment and stationary engines.
This family day out also has plenty to keep the children entertained with magic shows, miniature remote controlled car racing and the traditional fairground, boasting vintage rides and attractions that are nearly 100 years old.
Popular highlights are the arena displays where a constant parade of vintage treasures can be seen as well as ploughing demonstrations, chain saw carving exhibitions, kite-flying displays and wrestling bouts from the Cumberland and Westmorland Academy. There’s also the opportunity to drive a traction engine and have a ride in a helicopter.
This year’s headlining entertainment is the Portsmouth Area Volunteer Cadet Corps, two teams of cadets ranging from 9 to 16 years old. These young cadets compete to beat the clock, assembling their military equipment and racing over the challenging obstacle course.
Elsewhere, Richard Savory introduces a fun, entertaining and educational sheep show, including shearing demonstrations as well as “The Sheep Show Shuffle” – dancing sheep!
Tim Holt from Hutton Roof near Carnforth was one of the club’s founding members. He was chief steward at the very first Cumbria Steam Gathering and is now the event’s main organiser heading a team of 10 which themselves lead almost 500 volunteers.
“My enthusiasm for this wonderful event has never waned, even after all these years,” Tim enthuses. “This year’s show promises to be a fantastic weekend with marquees full of working models, fascinating automobilia and enthusiasts who are happy to share their collections with other enthusiasts. We always have some wonderful refreshments including a fully licensed bar and various cuisines from around the world.”
To help reunite lost toddlers and young children, the Cumbria Steam Society provides free wristbands throughout the event. There is also wheel chair accessible toilets and ample and free parking for blue badge holders.
• Cumbria Steam Gathering takes place from 9.00am – 6pm on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th July 2009, at Cark Airfield, Flookburgh. Car parking is free.
• Admission prices are: Adults £10, Senior Citizens £7, accompanied children under 16 are free. There are discounts available for coach parties. For further information call 015242 71584. Web link: www.steamgathering.org.uk