This afternoon, after many years of nearly making it, we finally made a visit to the wonderful Carters Steam Fair at Beacon Park, Lichfield. Founded in 1977 by John and Anna Carter following their acquisition of the Jubilee Steam Gallopers, the fair has grown considerably over the years and its reputation for sympathetic preservation has cemented its place in history as a true fairground institution. It is a very well known setup and has travelled the UK annually since its founding. However, after 45 years on the road with their fabulous fairground, the Carter family announced earlier this year that 2022 would be their last ever tour, making it especially important that we made our visit to see them before the end. Beacon Park is the nearest Carters usually come to us so it had to be there. We arrived a little after midday and the unmistakable sight of classic fairground rides drew us in across the playing field...
Carters has always appealed to me due to its vintage setup. Pretty much everything we saw was a classic exhibit in its own right. From the rides themselves to the side stalls, the lorries and even some of the catering vans. Our first impressions were that everything was beautifully kept and immaculately clean...
Having collected our ride token bundle from the ticket booth, we began looking around the rides. The first one we chose to go on were the unbelievably unique Excelsior Steam Yachts. These were, believe it or not, the original Edwardian thrill ride and, as we would soon confirm to ourselves, are not for the faint hearted!...
The ride itself dates from 1921, having been built by Savages for showman Joe Ling. The two yachts (named "Britannia" and "Columbia") swing from side to side, much like a modern day pirate ship but arguably more forceful. The rider, particularly if at the back of either yacht, is taken up to a position just above vertical in either direction. The two rows furthest back in each yacht are sign written "Brave" or "Very Brave" and how right they are. We boarded the yacht "Columbia" and took our seat on the "Brave" bench. Centre engine "Yorky" (built for some older yachts in 1901) was being fired up by its driver(?) as we prepared for the ride. Note the lack of a typical reverser here. The individual regulators are the two brass wheels and steam provision to the cylinder is provided by the red lever at the side of the firebox...
With a pip on the small hooter, "Yorky" hissed into life and began rocking us in the yacht. By the time we reached full momentum I think it was quite clear to all three of us that it was enough for us! Maisie in particular has always been good with theme park rides (much better than myself) but even she was surprised at the force of this elderly thing. I enjoyed it and I wouldn't have missed it as I've always wanted to ride them but my god, talk about turning your stomach over! As built there are no restraints or anything of the sort so you put your arms behind your bench seat to hold you in, adding to the trepidation! Here, "Yorky" is operating "Columbia" at full tilt...
As much as I felt like I was about to experience my untimely demise, I loved the overall experience of the yachts and spent quite a while studying them (off ride of course!). I believe there are only two sets of steam yachts left and this one is the only one currently operating. There are electric versions on the circuit but of course, steam is the true propulsion for something like this. I think it's truly wonderful that "Yorky", at 121 years old, is still earning her keep doing what she was built for. Amazing. Below is a short video I took of the yachts to show them in action. Standing near to the engine you can here her chuffing away as steam is applied in either direction...
After being scared half to death by the yachts, we wandered over to our next ride: the Lightning Skid, of 1965 vintage. There aren't many skids around these days so it was a pleasure to ride on one. They're great fun and surprisingly nippy...
Whilst we waited in the queue line I couldn't help but continue to be impressed by the preservation and craftsmanship of the various rides and stalls. The upkeep of this setup must be absolutely massive. The time and effort put in to keeping these old rides in this condition must be impossible to calculate...
As much as I was happy to finally visit and experience Carters Steam Fair, it was sad to remember that this is their final tour. All around were various posters advertising this fact. I can understand the decision entirely and the family have created something truly wonderful which has no doubt given countless hours of enjoyment to millions. However, I can't help thinking it's a shame it's finishing later this year...
After a great ride on the skid, the three of us wandered over to the Jubilee Steam Gallopers for an experience a little bit more sedate. I always enjoy the sight of steam gallopers and it was indeed a pleasure to have the Ashley set with us for three years of my old event at Statfold. This set forms the oldest ride in the Carters collection, having been built in 1895 by Robert Tidman and Sons of Norwich. The Tidman engine in the centre is named "Anna", after the founding lady of the fair...
Brother Ben and my wife Maisie with horses "Polly" and "Henry"...
An off ride shot of the beautiful gallopers showing the level of decoration...
The vintage trucks were just as impressive as the rides. These still pull the fair around the country. Scammell No3 poses for me among the line up...
Myself and Ben then tried out the recently returned to service Giant Octopus. I remember seeing one of these at the end of Grease in the fairground scenes and never thought I'd get on one. It was great fun, although a little unnerving when spinning like mad. Another ride you definitely don't see everywhere...
After the Octopus we took in some piping hot donuts followed by some candy floss (a must when at the fair!). We even had a go on a shooting range which was a great laugh. After a spin on the lovely 1970s-built dodgem track we had a final ride on the skid before calling it a day. We'd been there over three hours and it felt like two minutes. I grabbed this snap of one of the sign written trailers as we made our exit...
We didn't leave empty handed either as we made sure we purchased some souvenir posters of some of the rides as a memento of the day. What a fantastic experience and a pleasure to have finally visited and supported Carters Steam Fair. The Carters should be immensely proud of what they have achieved with this lovely setup and it's such a shame it's finishing after the 2022 tour. It was really wonderful and the terrifying yachts were a particular highlight. Well done to all involved in this fabulous institution. If you haven't visited then you definitely should before the end of the tour in October. Check out the Carters website for details. Cheers all, Sam...
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