Hundreds of vintage machines lined up for Ripon showcase

A curious collection of motorised machines manufactured in Yorkshire through the decades is being brought together for a grand spectacle in Ripon this summer.
Charlotte Wilson takes time out from helping her father Colin put vintage tractors through their  paces ahead of Tractor Fest at Newby Hall in June.Charlotte Wilson takes time out from helping her father Colin put vintage tractors through their  paces ahead of Tractor Fest at Newby Hall in June.
Charlotte Wilson takes time out from helping her father Colin put vintage tractors through their paces ahead of Tractor Fest at Newby Hall in June.

More than 1,500 exhibits are expected to feature in this year’s Tractor Fest, an annual celebration of machinery held by the Yorkshire Vintage Association in the grounds of Newby Hall, and sponsored by agricultural and machinery auctioneers Cheffins.

The theme of the weekend-long event on June 11-12 is ‘Made in Yorkshire’ and it promises to be a nostalgic experience.

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Locally-made vintage vehicles in the line-up will include David Brown and International tractors, as well as rare gems such as a Sharp Tractor from 1907.

Vintage tractors put through their paces ahead of Tractor Fest at Newby Hall.Vintage tractors put through their paces ahead of Tractor Fest at Newby Hall.
Vintage tractors put through their paces ahead of Tractor Fest at Newby Hall.

Yorkshire-based manufacturers will be represented by exhibits from Priestman engines, Jowett cars, Scott Motor Cycle Group, the Yorkshire Motor Company and crawlers and motor tractors from Fowlers and Walsh and Clark.

The vintage tractors, engines, commercial vehicles, cars and motorcycles will be added to by collectors from around the UK and Europe, and the event is being supported by the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain which will be bringing along a fleet of cars from the earliest days of motoring.

Residents in Ripon and surrounding villages could catch a glimpse of some of the vintage engines that are due to be involved at the weekend, when a convoy of machines were put through their paces as part of the pre-event preparations.

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A popular ‘March of the Tractors’ returns as a feature of this year’s event. It will see vintage motors being taken into Ripon market square on June 11 from 5.30-7pm when shops, cafes and restaurants stay open for visitors. The Ripon Hornblower marks the departure of the tractors at 7pm.

For more details visit Newby Hall’s website.