2023 Burley Steam and Vintage Show the biggest yet
FINE weather drew huge crowds to the biggest ever Burley Steam and Vintage Show at the weekend.
Described by organisers as a “fabulous weekend”, the event attracted steam enthusiasts from across the UK to take part in the popular rally, which included a Saturday evening live music showcase from Shortstack & Sides.
Proceeds from the event are donated to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, with an impressive £3,500 raised for the charity in 2022.
This year the showcase included 110 classic cars, 14 full sized steam engines, 20 miniature steam engines and 50 vintage tractors. Exhibitors travelled from Wales, Northampton and across the UK to give their time to demonstrate.
New this year was a rural life area featuring working saw benches and an array of rural craft demonstrations. Families had plenty to enjoy with a giant digger version of hook-a-duck and miniature steam engine rides, as well as vintage swing boats.
Organiser Jon Narey said: “The weather was absolutely fantastic for us and we had really good numbers this year. I would estimate that we had well over 2,000 visitors throughout the weekend.
“This year we had a really impressive range of engines – it was our biggest event ever. All the exhibitors give their time for free to raise money for charity.”
Other highlights of the event, which took place at Burley Park, included live music, gun dog demonstrations, traditional crafts, stalls and food and drink outlets.
Jon added: “We could not run this amazing family event without the support of all the volunteers and committee members who happily give up their time to help and ensure everything runs smoothly. We really could not do it without them.”