For more than thirty five years, The Cumbria Steam & Vintage Vehicle Society has been bringing together vintage and steam vehicles from across the world, for one massive summer event, just outside Grange over Sands.

The 2008 Cumbria Steam Gathering is as huge as ever with more than 1,200 classic exhibits, a traditional fair, displays, specialist caterers and crafts. This colourful and noisy 2-day summer event has a whole host of family entertainment and vintage  transport favourites as diverse as tractors, classic cars, majestic steam engines, commercial vehicles and motorcycles.

Whilst the adults browse round the thousands of vintage vehicles, steam traction engines, bicycles and wagons, the children can enjoy Punch and Judy shows, magic shows, miniature remote controlled car racing and the traditional fairground.

There are continuous demonstrations throughout the weekend of traditional craft displays, ploughing and cultivating demos and wood working (weather permitting). There's even a chain saw carving display.

For the more adventurous, there's the opportunity to drive a traction engine (supporting our nominated charities), or have a ride in a helicopter. Our younger visitors can take part in a Junior Tractor Driving Training Course and obtain a certificate of competence. (Pre-course booking is essential for this two day training course. Ages 13-17 years.)

At the heart of the Cumbria Steam Gathering are the arena displays.  Two arena areas bring a constant parade of vintage treasures and brilliant shows along with fantastic commentary. Witness wrestling from the Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling team and amazing kite flying displays.  In his own exhibition area, Richard Savory introduces a fun, entertaining and educational sheep show, including shearing demonstrations as well as “The Sheep Show Hustle” – dancing sheep!

Music is provided by The Pantonic Steel Orchestra, the Ulverston Victoria High School band and other bands playing throughout the weekend. There's something for every taste as alongside the Pantonic Orchestra (a Steel Band) is Denis Westmorland who will be performing local folk and country songs. Not forgetting the fairground and dance organs.

Along with a huge auto jumble and charismatic New Zealander, Richard Savory's wonderful sheep display, the thrilling Traditional fairground is a favourite attraction with young and old, boasting a huge wooden helter skelter that's over 60 years old, together with an original set of steam powered gallopers, dodgems and other old-time rides. In addition, this year sees the return of the travelling Wall of Death!

With full facilities for the disabled and many different catering outlets, including cuisines from around the world, offering healthy alternatives, Made in Cumbria food and craft stands, French Street Market and fully licensed bar areas, the Cumbria Steam Gathering is the perfect way to taste the sights sounds and smells of a nostalgic family day in Cumbria. Access to the event is available by public transport to Cark railway station. For those using their own transport, the Cumbria Steam Gathering is clearly signposted from Junction 36 of the M6 and parking is free.

Admission charges are: Adults £10.00 Senior Citizens £7.00 and accompanied children are free of charge.

Please click here to see a superb video of last year's Steam Gathering.