The Great Dorset Steam Fair

About

If you are looking for an excellent fun and action packed day out for all the family, you'll love the Great Dorset Steam Fair. Just find the village of Tarrant Hinton on the map, head in that direction and follow everyone else!

2018 sees the show in its 50th year and will take place from 23th - 27th August inclusive. We will be celebrating this milestone in style, including a '500 at 50' world record attempt for the biggest gathering of steam engines ever on the planet! 500 steam engines from across the globe will be getting steam up and making their way to Dorset to be part of the assembly, including some from New Zealand, Canada, The Netherlands, Ireland, and hundreds from across the United Kingdom.

If its heritage related, you'll find it. Stand amazed at the variety of exhibitions and the sheer scale of the show means that there is always something new to see. For the first time visitor seeing the Great Dorset Steam Fair can be quite an awe inspiring and impressive site - a sea of marquees and attractions.

You can watch steaming giants of the past being put through their paces; some hauling huge loads, others sawing planks or doing the farm work of long ago, such as driving ploughs, threshing or baling. One of the main features is the old time steam driven funfair. Annually, over 50 showmen's engines with their gleaming twisted brass can be seen generating the light and power for the old carousels and swingboats to operate. This makes for a fascinating spectacle especially at night where the venue transforms into a magical, electric city. To add to the excitement several of the large fair organs in the main outdoor entertainment area are fronted by authentic 1920's style stage shows with traditional 'Can Can' dancing girl performances and other acts.

Vintage, veteran and classic cars, lorries, military vehicles, tractors, motorcycles and bikes all find a place in the cavalcade and towards the bottom showfield, you'll find the working heavy horses. Country crafts from thatchers to cider makers and memorabilia collections of all kinds are also well represented. Over 500 trade stands provide an endless variety of goods to purchase.

Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 01258 860361. Also advanced tickets can be purchased from over 20 Tourist Information Centres in towns across Dorset. Tickets can also be purchased on the gate at the 'on the day prices'.