Following the tremendous success of last year’s event, the 40th Cumbria
Steam Gathering returns in 2012 on 28th & 29th July at Cark Airfield
in Flookburgh, near Grange-over-Sands.
Always a real
crowd-pleaser and a great day out for all the family, the Cumbria Steam
Gathering features more than 1,200 classic exhibits, a vintage fair, a
multitude of caterers, trade stands and crafts as well as many
different displays and lots of great entertainment.
Now
celebrating its Ruby Anniversary, the Cumbria Steam Gathering is an
enormous weekend event, with splendid steam engines and vintage
commercial vehicles, as well as hundreds of examples of much-loved
classic transport, including cars, motorcycles, bicycles, agricultural
and industrial tractors, farm equipment and stationary engines. A young
tractor driver training course is available for 13 – 16 year olds, more
information on the Exhibitors page.
Headlining events this year
will be the returning Richard Savoury’s Sheep Show and the North West
Lawn Mower Racing Association; Richard’s pleasurable and educational
sheep show includes shearing demonstrations and “The Sheep Show Shuffle”
– dancing sheep! Another returning event is the thrilling lawn mower
racing – with all the excitement of motor racing, this is motor sport at
grass roots level with cutting edge technology!
On the
Saturday, around 40 Model T Fords presented by the Model T Ford register
of Great Britain are visiting the Steam Gathering, as part of their own
event in South Lakeland.
The enjoyable event has lots to keep
the children amused, ranging from a traditional fairground with many
vintage rides and attractions, some that are over 100 years old, to
miniature remote controlled car racing and magic shows.
The
Pantonic Steel Orchestra, along with a variety of other bands will be
playing throughout the weekend. Traditional wrestling will be provided
by the Cumberland and Westmorland Federation (Sunday only). The ever
popular arena displays will return this year, where a variety of vintage
treasures can be viewed from the large grandstand areas and, for the
more daring visitors, how about driving a real traction engine with
donations going to local charities?!
And, to celebrate the 40th
Anniversary of the ever popular event, Ulverston Brewing Company are
brewing a unique Ale to mark the occasion, which will be on sale
throughout the weekend – a definite must for fine ale fans and bitter
lovers alike!
Access to the event is available by rail to Cark
railway station and service buses (Saturday only). For those with their
own transport, the Cumbria Steam Gathering is clearly signposted from
Junction 36 of the M6 and from West Cumbria. Parking is free with a
designated car park for blue badge holders. The event provides
wheelchair accessible toilets and to help reunite lost toddlers and
young children, free wrist bands are provided.
Cumbria Steam
Gathering will be taking place from 9am – 5pm on Saturday 28th and
Sunday 29th July 2012, at Cark Airfield, Flookburgh. Daily admission
prices are: Adults £12, Concessions £10, accompanied children under 16
are free. There are discounts available for coach parties.
• You can book tickets online and SAVE – visit http://www.steamgathering.org.uk.