Traction engines and vintage vehicles bring history to life in Suffolk

Stonham Barns Park, one of Suffolk’s premier leisure, retail and holiday destinations, is staging a revamped Steam & Vintage Show on Saturday and Sunday 20-21 May 2023.

The two-day show brings together a collection of historic traction engines, steam rollers and other exhibits such as tractors, stationary engines, agricultural and construction vehicles, vintage motorcycles and bicycles, wood and metal craft and much more besides.  And this year the organisers are promising new features to make it a day out to interest the whole family.

Pig Racing and a Dog and Duck show (where sheep dogs herd ducks to demonstrate their dog training skills) will be added to Axe Throwing, Morris Dancing and Live Music to complete the weekend’s entertainment.

A popular traction engine – appearing at this year’s show – is Faith owned by Natal Taylor. The 1916 engine was built by Wallis and Steevens Ltd.  It was found in Lavenham where it had fallen into decay before Natal restored it back to its former glory.  Natal has been steaming with it now for over 50 years!

There will also be a Singler Cylinder 5-ton Wm Foster & Co Steam Tractor full size engine – owned by Ian Gilbert – on show and a collection of scale steam engines on display.

There will be demonstrations in the show ring and during the weekend the vehicles will be parked up in an area for the public to view more closely giving visitors the chance to examine them and talk to the owners.

Fraser Carson of Stonham Barns Park said: ‘There’s nothing like a steam show to bring in the crowds and we are planning for a special show this year introducing more vintage elements than ever before.  We will be showcasing some special vehicles from the agricultural and construction sectors too so that the day is both entertaining and educational.  The vehicles from our past can teach us so much.  It will be like a step back in time and who doesn’t love to witness something retro occasionally?’

‘We are fortunate to have such dedicated historic transport owners here in the county of Suffolk which makes this day one like no other.  The sights, sounds and activities of the day will make this an outing for all the family.’

A range of food and drink outlets will be available on the showground with outdoor and indoor seating. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads.