Historic Steam Fair
Organiser of the Slaidburn Steam Fair David McNamee is delighted to see the return of the historic fair this year
The legendary Slaidburn Steam Fair is back and bigger than ever! The fair will, as usual, be located at the Hark to Bounty in the heart of the village of Slaidburn on 11th and 12th June with a good number of steam engines arriving from all parts of Lancashire and Cheshire.
Along with 50 vintage tractors and 50 vintage cars, there will be entertainment over the two-day event.
Since its inception four decades ago, Slaidburn Steam Fair has been organised single-handedly by David McNamee who, in 2019, was the winner of a Special Recommendation prize at the Ribble Valley Stars of Tourism Awards held at Holmes Mill. The glass trophy and certificate recognised his singular work and dedication to the Slaidburn Steam Fair over the years.
During the 40-year running of the fair more than £88,000 has been raised for local village charities and organisations.
This year donations will be made to Brennands Endowed School, Slaidburn and Thorneyholme Primary School, Dunsop Bridge.
“I enjoy organising the fair tremendously. It’s a lot of hard work – we don’t have a committee which makes decisions easier, but we do have a lot of local support from the village,” explains David.
With free admission, this year’s fair will feature a country craft fair with a clog maker, basket weaver, rugmaker and rusher, along with a fairground organ.
On the Sunday there will be clog dancers and the renowned, celebratory barbecue.
Having been forced to cancel the event over the past two years, David is delighted that the fair is back: “As far as exhibits go, we have had to turn people away as it’s so busy. We have some rare steam engines including two showman’s locomotives. The support we have seen has been fantastic!”
Slaidburn Steam Fair 11th and 12th June from 10.30am
Free admission
