Island Steam Show

The August Bank Holiday weekend brought with it an exceptional opportunity for Islanders and visitors alike to experience all the fun of the fair and enjoy a series of top arena acts at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

As well as hopping aboard a Victorian or Edwardian carriage and taking a trip down memory lane, traditional amusement rides coupled with an exciting display of over 100 classic and vintage cars helped to escort show-goers on a nostalgic journey back to the days of yester-year.

Now in its 34th year, the Island Steam Show runs annually for four days and offers a range of entertainment appealing to people of all ages. Of all the many events staged at the picturesque Havenstreet site throughout the summer season such as the 1940’s Experience, Victorian Weekend and the ever popular Day Out With Thomas, the Steam Show is without doubt the optimum attraction and is responsible for drawing in crowds by the thousand.

Chilling out and letting off steam

The show was dominated by a first class fare of beautifully maintained traction engines and steam lorries which captivated the imagination of everyone. Every conceivable piece of steam-powered machinery was present, from full scale to miniature engines right through to incredible working exhibits including a steam grinding mill. In addition to forming an impressive static display alongside a selection of vintage and classic cars and commercial vehicles, the aptly titled ‘Steaming Monsters’ were also paraded around the main arena once a day to allow audience members to view them in operation in conjunction with a fascinating commentary about their history.

Several steam engines were again invited to take centre stage for a series of ‘Silly Traction Engine Games’ including an unusual rendition of ‘musical chairs’ where youngsters were assigned their own engine to follow around the outer edge of the arena and then had to run into the centre when the music stopped to try and gain a hotly contended seat on the gradually diminishing upturned canisters.

There’s no smoke without fire!

If the constant rush of steam wasn’t enough to get visitors feeling hot under the collar, then the Mark Stannage Stunt show was guaranteed to set temperatures soaring. With wife Janine providing the commentary, Mark was accompanied by his 13-year-old son Aaron, who performed various jaw-dropping stunts on his Honda CRF 150 bike, including leaping over a line of startled young people!

This dramatic production was for many, the high point of their weekend; climaxing in the seemingly fearless stuntman climbing up a specially constructed tower, dowsing himself in flammable liquid and setting himself on fire before diving headfirst into an air bag 60 feet below.

Amidst the excitement generated by exploding coffins, old charabancs, trucks and wagons, a convoy of military vehicles and traction engine tug of war, a unique opportunity loomed to see some incredibly talented high-speed birds of prey in action with Ye Olde Redtail Falconry Display. This group, which has already appeared at some of the most prestigious shows in the country, offered both children and adults the chance to meet and fly harris hawks, barn owls, vultures and falcons.

Relaxation, merriment and tomfoolery

A range of craft and retail stalls provided the perfect outlet for those who liked to browse, plus there were be plenty of food and refreshment outlets on-hand if you were feeling peckish; including a delicious selection of homemade sandwiches and cakes in the tea garden. Housed in the largest marquee on the site, the Real Ale bar featured more than 50 barrels of beer sourced from all over the UK and proved itself to be a popular retreat for weary dads and grandads.

Members of the Blackfeet Lodge of Indians returned to the Island Steam Show for a second year running and drew in the crowds with their amazing display of Indian craftwork, authentic tipis and ridge tents.

The vintage fairground which formed the centerpiece to the Island Steam Show was a massive hit with the hundreds of children who attended the event across the 4-day weekend. A set of beautifully maintained gallopers, originally built in 1903 and lovingly restored after being abandoned at the end of World War II, provided visitors with an incredible welcome as they crossed the railway line and entered the main showground. A montage of melodies from a period steam organ provided the ideal accompaniment to the glee of riding on swing boats and chair-o-planes, the ambition of the shooting gallery and revelry in the hall of mirrors.

Full steam ahead to next year's show

Besides providing attendees with an enjoyable day-out and a memorable bank holiday weekend, the support shown to the Steam Show by visitors every year plays and essential part in ensuring the on-going operation of the Island’s Steam Railway. A huge debt of gratitude must be extended to the dedicated group of enthusiasts whose efforts to keep the history of steam alive and the huge team of volunteers who work alongside the railway staff to make it all happen.

Preparations are already underway for next year's Steam Show with the continuous restoration of the extra trains that are necessary to keep the future of this favourite Island attraction firmly on-track.

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