The Torbay Steam Fair is returning to its former home as it celebrates its 40th anniversary.
The Torbay Steam Fair will take place from Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August, returning to the familiar showground on Kennels Road, Churston, where it was held before the Covid-19 pandemic.
The fair, which began in its current form at Berry Head in 1987, has grown into one of the largest outdoor heritage events in the South West, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Run entirely by volunteers, the event celebrates Britain’s engineering and agricultural heritage while raising no public funding.
Committee secretary Lesley Manning said the fair continues to rely on ticket sales and the support of local businesses to survive. She said: “We have always been funded by ticket sales and sponsorship from our amazing local businesses, and we continue to look for sponsorship in these hard times as costs continue to soar. We don’t receive any grants from anywhere.”
Organisers say the fair’s mission is to bring history to life by preserving traditional skills and machinery while inspiring future generations.
Visitors can expect an impressive display of steam engines, classic cars, vintage lorries, tractors and machinery, alongside one of the region’s largest vintage fairgrounds.
The weekend will also feature a packed programme of family entertainment, including face painting, games, competitions, a scavenger hunt, tug of war, pig racing and a children’s disco.
For adults, there will be live music throughout the weekend and a fully stocked real ale bar.
The event is made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers, with two committee members having supported the fair since its very first event almost four decades ago.