Stepping back 100 years to the magical age of steam

“A superb event with a great atmosphere”

The first ‘Beaulieu Steam Revival’ was held on 5th & 6th June 2010, reprising the steam events that were so popular during the early years of the attraction.  Judging by the enthusiasm and enjoyment of visitors and exhibitors alike, the popularity of ‘steam’ remains strong and enduring.  The inspiration for the show was to ‘step back in time’, with all steam engines on site working and showing how they were used, with the opportunity for visitors to take steam trailer rides around the parkland.

The weekend included an impressive line up of all the Anderton and Rowland Showman’s Engines, the first time this has ever been achieved.  The Gallopers carousel and Motorcycle Speedway rides were highly popular too, with children experiencing fairgrounds of old, and the rides were all free!  There were more than 80 other authentic demonstrations and exhibits including hot metal casting, steam cars, and even the World Land Speed record breaking British Steam Car.  Many people found the agricultural exhibits very interesting, with a fully working thrashing machine and baler, and several examples of timber sawing, all driven by steam. The steam driven cider press went down well, and the cider even better! 


         


If you missed this year’s atmospheric event or if you would like to re-live this wonderful weekend, please click here to view some video footage on our YouTube Channel.  Also, click here to see the extensive range of photos on our Facebook page.

 “The souvenir guide was excellent, particularly the photos of the engines in their working days”

To purchase copies of the 16-page Souvenir Guide priced at just £2, please contact Beaulieu Visitor Reception on 01590 614646.  Alternatively, please click here to download a PDF version of the Guide.

               “The programme was of a very high standard and very affordable”

                                                          Exceeding expectations

As you will see from just some of the following visitor and exhibitor comments, the experience of the first Steam Revival really did exceed all expectations:

“It has been a delightful, interesting and very informative day, and we will return soon.”  (Party ranging from under 16 to over 65)

“Should be a three day event.  I have never enjoyed myself so much at any show in 75 years.  Hearty congratulations to ALL organisers and participants.  Young people especially interested – a delight.”

“A superb event with a great atmosphere.  Lots of movement and exhibitors happy to talk to you.  Great photo opportunities.  First class day out.  Thank you very much.”

“We very much enjoyed our visit.  As engine owners, we were able to appreciate the huge amount of planning, thought, and sheer hard work which must have gone into an event of this size!  Thank you everyone!”

“You really have come up with an entirely new concept of a Steam Rally.  The quality of all the exhibitors was of the highest standard.”  (Letter from exhibitor to the organising team) 


                                                     Raising more than £2,770 for charity

Whilst visitors were enjoying the side stalls and trailer and steam engine rides, vital funds were being raised for CLIC Sargent, Cancer Research UK, Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Research Foundation.  Thanks to the ‘Tractor Girls 2010’ – the initiative whereby 10 girls on 10 tractors are driving from John O’Groats to Lands End and across Ireland on vintage tractors - £2,772.10 was collected on the day in donations and a raffle, including a donation from Beaulieu of £500.00.


                            Looking forward to the next Steam Revival - 4th & 5th June 2011

If you are looking for a great day out packed with nostalgia, new experiences and things to do for the children, then don’t miss the second Beaulieu Steam Revival over the weekend of 4th & 5th June 2011.

As well as all the attractions that Beaulieu has to offer, there will be another amazing collection of working steam vehicles and steam driven attractions to interest and entertain visitors of all ages.  Next year’s show will be built around another theme, once again everything steam driven… there could even be steam boats and a steam train!

Please click here to register for our Steam Events newsletter to be kept up to date with event news, including when tickets go on sale.
Beaulieu Steam Revival supports the Great Dorset Steam Fair.