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Island Steam Show 2007
Four days of
pure nostalgia were unveiled at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway in Havenstreet
this August Bank Holiday weekend.
The weather, blisteringly hot at certain times of the day, was more than generous to the organisers of the 33rd annual Island Steam Show; the ideal event for anyone harbouring a passion for steam engines, vintage machinery or the operation of the Island's railway service either today or in bygone years.
It is estimated that crowds nearing the 10,000 mark made their way to Havenstreet station and across the ancient railway line to enter the showground. There they were greeted by a wealth of traction engines and steam lorries, exciting display of classic and vintage cars, commercial vehicles and motorcycles from right across the whole of the UK, even including a 20-ton showman's road locomotive!
Full steam ahead!
Relentless arena
acts delighted audience members of all ages, and ensured that regardless
of which day they chose to visit, all received the same high standard
of entertainment. With the majority of proceeds from the event going towards
the preservation of the steam railway, many Islanders and visitors were
happy to attend as a means of demonstrating their on-going support for
this unique Island attraction. The Steam Show was also a superb way to
keep youngsters on their school holidays amused thanks to the presence
of a fairground, period amusements, roundabout and swings.
Experts from 'Circus Whiz,' were also on-hand to provide children (and
their parents!) with an exclusive opportunity to discover how to perform
circus tricks.
The fearless
Joseph Pearce of The Manchester Company of Extreme Largeness staged an
array of daring fire-relating stunts; many of which were choreographed
by himself. From riding across the arena on a flame-induced unicycle and
spinning around inside a burning gyroscope to hiding in a box later set
alight by a willing volunteer from the audience - the crowds were absolutely
captivated by this innovative and extreme entertainer, whose act was enhanced
further by its hilarious comedy edge.
The Over The
Top Motorcycle Stunt Team expanded upon the theme of diversity further
via their demonstration of jaw-dropping jumps, wheelies and quad bike
displays. The Swindon-based team are renowned for their incredible fire
stunts, one of which saw their fire expert, otherwise known as 'Barbecue
Barry' leaping across a burning bale of hay whilst one of his colleagues
soared off the top of a nearby ramp and into the air above the bonfire
- just clearing the top of the flames.
Traditional summer show pursuits and miniatures to marvel at
If the idyllic
setting of the Island Steam Show coupled with the background sounds of
the period amusements weren't enough to transport visitors back in time
by several decades, some of the less dramatic but equally well coordinated
arena activities certainly arose memories (for some), and conjured up
thoughts (for others), of summer shows in the 1950's and 60's. The traditional
steam railway tug-of-war saw children join forces to demonstrate their
strength against one of the traction engines.
Other traction
engine games involved the pairing of youngsters with engines in a unique
rendition of 'musical chairs.' The children paraded around the outside
of the arena standing behind their chosen engine and when the music stopped,
they each ran into the centre in an attempt to gain a seat on an upturned
canister. These canisters were also used in a subsequent pastime that
saw the engines competing against one another rolling the drums back and
forth enthusiastically cheered them on by a group of charmed spectators.
A group of 15 genuine working miniature engines mirroring the full-sized models at the show also attracted quite a following with some taking part in the activities within the main arena. Their owners were also present to demonstrate the workings of these fascinating machinery exhibits.
First class ales with a touch of magic
For those in
need of some liquid refreshment amidst the heat of the steam and sunshine,
the Real Ale Festival marquee, now in its thirteenth year at the show
and featuring up to 40 of the best beers from around the country, was
on hand to bring temperatures down to a more comfortable level.
Hot off the heels of the launch of the latest Harry Potter blockbuster,
professional look-alikes including Professor Dumbledore, Professor Snape,
Hagrid and Harry himself could be seen mingling amongst the crowds, posing
for photographs and signing autographs. Each of the characters are no
strangers to television and have made regular appearances at Alnwick Castle
in Northumberland - the backdrop for the famous Hogwarts School. 
In addition to the Steam Show, visitors were also able to purchase supplementary passes to enable them to travel on the trains. With the Isle of Wight having once boasted 54 miles of railway, most of which was closed between 1952 and 1966, Havenstreet Steam Railway offers visitors a one-off opportunity to take a journey back in time, and the 2007 Steam Show emulated this experience in everyway.
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