1st 2nd 3rd August
Next to Whitby Abbey, Hawsker Lane, Whitby, YO22 4JR
INTRODUCTION TO THE EVENT
This spectacular traction engine rally, held next to the iconic ruins of the Abbey in the popular tourist resort of Whitby is only a 15-minute walk from the town centre and harbour.
Performing in the main arena will be StuntWorld Stunt Show – they will be performing a mix of motorcycle stunts, quad stunts, car 2 wheel driving and roll over quad stunts. This is a not-to-be-missed action-packed experience.
The Scarborough Fair Collection will return once again with its stage show production providing an entertaining mix of singers, dancers and magicians performing at regular intervals over the three days.
See huge displays of exhibits including traction engines, fairground organs, vintage cars/commercials, classic motorcycles, military vehicles, miniature steam engines, stationary engines and vintage tractors. Also, for a bit of high-octane entertainment, visit the tractor pulling area.
Browse trade stands, working displays, funfair rides, children’s entertainment and visit the catering outlets and licensed bar.
Finally, on Saturday evening don’t miss the talented steam fair legend Dr Busker, live on stage, performing a mix of iconic favourites and of course the fantastic firework display… both well worth waiting for.
WHAT’S ON
Traction engines are self-propelled steam engines invented in the 1800s for any form of haulage with many being used in agriculture.
On display there will be various types of steam engines; the showman’s road locomotives (designed to provide power and transport for a travelling funfair), rollers, tractors, buses, lorries etc, manufactured by Burrell, Fowler, Foden, Aveling & Porter and many others. Along with the static line-up, the engines also take to the main arena each day to showcase history in all its glory, a fantastic sight to see!
Performing in the main arena will be StuntWorld Stunt Show – they will be performing a mix of motorcycle stunts, quad stunts, car 2 wheel driving and roll over quad stunts. This is a not-to-be-missed action-packed experience.
Tractor pulling is regarded as one of the world’s most powerful motorsports due to the nature of the highly modified tractor-pullers that take part. The pullers drag a metal sled along the track. This sled contains a box filled with weight which is mechanically moved forward as the pull proceeds, making it progressively more difficult to pull.
When a tractor/puller gets to the end of the purpose built 100 metre track, this is known as a ‘full pull’. It is not only modified tractors which can attempt this, but also wagons, steam engines, military vehicles and even standard tractors. The success of the pull not only depends on the power of the vehicle but also the driver’s skill in converting power into traction/momentum to keep the sled moving forward to achieve the full pull.
Mechanical organs come in various guises ranging from fairground organs designed for use in travelling fairs and circuses to provide loud music, through to dance organs for ballrooms which are much quieter, and street organs operated by an organ grinder. Please email us closer to the event if you wish to obtain a list of the organs attending.
The Scarborough Fair Collection was started in the 1980s when owner Graham Atkinson purchased his first steam engine and mechanical organ. Few could have ever imagined that this was destined to become the start of a unique collection that would become famous throughout the world. The Scarborough Fair Collection will bring a number of their exhibits, together with their stage show featuring an eclectic group of singers, dancers and entertainers.
Visit the Classic Car Section and see vintage and classic cars made from very early 1900 through to the 1970s, Wolseley, Rover, Morris, Jaguar, Austin, Buick, Chevrolet and many other makes including the very popular and the less well-known. The cars also do a parade around the main arena each day.
An impressive line-up of veteran, vintage and classic motorcycles will be on display made by popular manufacturers BSA, Triumph, Matchless, Honda, Ariel and many others together with the lesser-known makes like Motubi, Rudge and Excelsior amongst others. As well as the static display, the motorcycles take part in a parade in the main arena each day.
Vintage and classic tractors on display from various manufacturers including John Deere, Massey Ferguson, Ford, David Brown, International, Leyland and Allis Chalmers plus others. Together with the static display, the tractors take part in a main arena parade each day giving enthusiasts the opportunity to see them on the move.
Stationary engines are used to drive immobile machinery, such as pumps, generators, mills etc and a variety of these working engines will be on display. Some will have been made as early as 1900.
See demonstrations using a rack saw bench, drag saw, flour mill and threshing set.
Also see the chainsaw carving, as works of art are created from a single piece of wood.
See an array of miniature steam engines – some built from scratch and some built from kits. Various scaled-down models which join the full-sized engines in their arena parades or see them in the static display.
Vintage commercial vehicle display including lorries, buses and fire engines from a variety of manufacturers; Dodge, Chevrolet, Bedford, ERF, Foden, Land Rover, Scammell and many more. Exhibits will range from early 1920s to 1980 and will participate in main arena parades each day.
A wide range of military vehicles will be on display. Exhibits include Land Rovers, trucks, ambulances, jeeps and, on occasions, tanks.
A visit to the vintage fairground is a must for all the family. Rides and activities to suit everyone – some good old-fashioned entertainment.
Come and witness the ‘magic’ of Magic Mike… an absolute necessity for the young and the young at heart! This extremely talented professional presents an amazing show featuring magic tricks, ventriloquism, balloon modelling, juggling and much much more.
Magic Mike will keep the entire audience captivated from start to finish with many giggles along the way, doing three sessions of 45 minutes each day..
Children’s corner will include some/all of the following attractions: inflatables, and bungee trampolines.
Please contact Outdoor Shows if you require confirmation.
Wander around a wide variety of trade stands from clothing, workwear, footwear, garden furniture, tool stalls, toys, jewellery, fine foods, pet supplies and many more.
Browse the autojumble to find a whole host of things you didn’t know you wanted or needed. Find that missing item or parts/spares that you cannot find anywhere else!
There will also be antique and collectables stalls at the event.
A wide variety of hand made crafts on sale. Organised by Dave Harrison of Kingfisher Craft Fairs. To book a table please call 07778 473404, email: craftykingfisher@aol.com or visit: https://craftykingfisher.wixsite.com/website
Experience some of the latest white knuckle rides.
Saturday 3rd August
Dr Busker
Dr Busker will be performing live on stage at Whitby Traction Engine Rally on Saturday night. Steve, as he is known to his friends, is an accomplished pianist and vocalist and has a passion for old time songs combined with a love of vintage transport. Hence it was at steam rallies where he became known as Dr Busker and his music reflects this heritage.
Enjoy a ‘good old knees up’ with this steam fair legend, his gig (performed in Victorian period costume) starts at 8.30pm in the bar marquee. Also on Saturday night, see the incredible firework display set against the beautiful backdrop of Whitby Abbey.
The licensed bar will be open for the duration of the event, plus additional times on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night for traders, exhibitors and onsite campers.
The licensed bar is in a large marquee overlooking the arena with ample seating and tables and there will be live music performances on stage on Friday and Saturday night.
Catering units will be onsite selling a good variety of hot and cold food and drinks to suit all the family.
A wide variety of produce on sale. Organised by Dave Harrison of Kingfisher Craft Fairs. To book a table please call 07778 473404, email: craftykingfisher@aol.com or visit: https://craftykingfisher.wixsite.com/website
Timetable subject to ground conditions
FRIDAY
Timetable subject to ground conditions
SATURDAY
Timetable subject to ground conditions
Fantastic Firework display with Whitby Abbey as a backdrop. Display at dusk, 10pm approximately
Thursday: The RADS from 8pm in the Bar Marquee
Friday: Bite the Bullitt from 8pm in the Bar Marquee
Saturday Dr Busker from 8.30pm
Available for Tents, Trailer Tents, Caravans and Motorhomes. Camping must be prebooked.
VISITOR INFORMATION
OPENING TIMES
Gates open 10am – 5pm (Friday)
Gates open 10am – 11pm (Saturday)
Gates open 10am – 5pm (Sunday)
FREE CAR PARK
Dogs welcome on a lead
COACH TOUR OPERATORS
Tickets are available to coach tour operators at a 40% DISCOUNTED PRICE on a pre-booked basis. Minimum 16 tickets per booking. Onsite parking is available to coaches that have pre-booked. Up to two drivers per coach will gain free entry to the event.
Download your application form by clicking on the PDF icon
MOBILITY SCOOTER HIRE
Unfortunately Professional Mobility will not be able to attend the event in 2024.
Therefore the will be no mobility scooter hire.
LOCATION: Next to Whitby Abbey, Hawsker Lane, Whitby, YO22 4JR
BUY ADMISSION TICKETS
Update ticket info to:
Ticket Prices (available until 10 days prior to the event):
Adults £12
Over 65s £10
Under 16s £6
Under 5s FREE
Family Ticket (2 adults + 3 under 16s) £30
Ticket Prices (available from 10 days prior to the event and on the day):
Adults £15
Over 65s £13
Under 16s £8
Under 5s FREE
Family Ticket (2 adults + 3 under 16s) £40
Please note at some of our shows tickets are checked and/or sold when you arrive at the venue whilst still in your car (prior to parking). Therefore can you either have your tickets or payment method ready when you arrive at the venue.
CARAVAN & CAMPING
CARAVAN, MOTORHOME OR CAMPING
You can pre-book your site for the weekend and full unlimited access to the event for up to 2 adults and 3 under 16s. You can Arrive from 3pm Wednesday 30th July and depart 10am Monday 4th August.
There is Water, Toilets and Elsan Points on the camping area.
Closing Date for Online Applications: 25/07/25 or until all camping sites are sold. (Please note there are a limited number of pitches, the event may sell out before this date).
POSTAL APPLICATIONS
Although our online caravan & camping booking system is safe and secure, some people prefer to book by post. If you wish to book via a postal application, please download the form by clicking on the PDF logo below.
Closing Date for Postal Applications: 28/04/25
Click the icon to download the Caravan & Camping Postal Application Form.
TRADE WITH US
TRADERS
From car dealers to agricultural stands, garden furniture to tool stands, clothing to footwear, there will be a wide variety of trade stands at the event.
All stand space is 12 metres deep. You can camp on your pitch if you wish. Please ensure you book enough space to accommodate your stand, vehicle and any form of accommodation.
The sale of hot food, alcohol to be consumed onsite, sweets and ice cream is not permitted as trading concessions are already in place for this event.
Online Booking Deadline: 25/07/25
POSTAL APPLICATIONS
Postal Booking Deadline: 10/07/25
Although our online trade booking system is safe and secure, some people prefer to book by post. If you wish to book via a postal application, please download the form by clicking on the PDF logo below.
Click the icon to download the Trade Postal Application Form.
Click the icon to download the Autojumble & Collectables Application Form.
EXHIBIT WITH US
VINTAGE & Classic Car
ENTRY FORM
For an Entry Form contact:
Outdoor Shows Ltd
Tel: 01751 200839
or click on pdf icon above to download application form
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE
ENTRY FORM
For an Entry Form contact:
Outdoor Shows Ltd
Tel: 01751 200839
or click on pdf icon above to download application form
Classic Motorcycle
Entry FORM
For an Entry Form contact:
Outdoor Shows Ltd
Tel: 01751 200839
or click on pdf icon above to
download application form
VINTAGE TRACTOR
ENTRY Form
For an Entry Form contact:
Ray Hurdus
Tel: 07802 783869
or email: ray.hurdus@aol.co.uk
STEAM ENGINES
ENTRY FORM
For an Entry Form contact:
Peter Turner
Tel: 07890 020164
FAIRGROUND ORGANS
ENTRY FORM
For an Entry Form contact:
Outdoor Shows Ltd
Tel: 01751 200839
or email: info@outdoorshows.co.uk
MILITARY VEHICLES
ENTRY FORM
For an Entry Form contact:
Ian Burman
Tel: 07778 147643
or email: burmanmilitary@aol.com
STATIONARY ENGINES
ENTRY FORM
For an Entry Form contact:
Ray Hurdus
Tel: 07802 783869
or email: ray.hurdus@aol.co.uk
MINIATURE STEAM ENGINES
ENTRY FORM
For an Entry Form contact:
Outdoor Shows Ltd
Tel: 01751 200839
or email: info@outdoorshows.co.uk
CLASSIC CARAVANS & AWNING DISPLAYS ENTRY FORM
For an Entry Form contact:
Dave Grimes
Tel: 07587 226545
or email: vdub384@gmail.com
TRACTOR PULLING
ENTRY FORM
For an Entry Form contact:
Ray Hurdus
Tel: 07802 783869
or click on the PDF icon above to
download an application form
