Driven by Steam

Obviously at St. Albans Car and Van Hire, we pride ourselves on the diversity of our fleet, and the quality of our vehicles, however, we also enjoy a bit of transport history, and as such, here’s a little information about the St. Albans Steam and Country Show.

Taking place on 30 and 31 May – the weekend at the end of half term – you may have been on holiday in the St. Albans area, and may have hired a vehicle from us for some day trips or group outings, so this show is worth a visit if you’re at the end of your break. The show takes places at the Smallford Campus of Oaklands College, on the Hatfield Road – just three miles from the city centre, starting from 10am each day. It’s £6 for adults, £3 for children, £5 for senior citizens, or £15 for a family ticket (two adults and two children).

The show promises to be entertaining for all the family, with old engines, vintage vehicles, tractors, classic cars, bikes, lorries and vans, farm equipment, fairground rides, trade stands, craft tents, refreshments, and a licensed bar. There will also be demonstrations of how the old equipment would have been used, such as a saw bench, a stone crusher, and a threshing machine, amongst others - and don’t forget the steam engine parade at 2pm!

As well as the parades, there will also be events in the main arena, and youngsters might especially enjoy the steaming monsters! Those of the older generation may recognise some of the vehicles, as they were regular sights in St. Albans, when steam wagons regularly pounded through St. Albans carrying long distance loads, steam threshing was carried out at local farms, and steam tractors were used to carry stone, farm produce and sometimes house contents within the area. Some of these machines are now 100 years old, and make an entertaining and historical day out for all generations.