Newark Hosts 10,000 Vintage Tractor & Heritage Machinery Enthusiasts
Around 10,000 people turned out to celebrate the history of farm machinery and implements through the ages at this year’s Newark Vintage Tractor and Heritage Show, held under bright skies at Newark Showground.
The two-day event once again proved why it remains one of the highlights of the vintage calendar, with visitors travelling from across the UK—some from more than 400 miles away—to share in a weekend that mixed nostalgia, engineering excellence, and community spirit.
Exhibits spanned everything from pre-First World War tractors and classic combines to potato-handling equipment, steam engines, and restored diggers, with every era of British farming represented.
One of the standout attractions was the spectacular Caterpillar display, where 89 exhibits ranging from the smallest crawlers to the largest dozers filled the showground.
There was incredible history on the stand, including a Holt 75 manufactured during the First World War and presented in pristine condition. The biggest of all, a mighty D10, towered above the crowd and drew constant attention from visitors.
The show was as much a social occasion as it was a competitive one. Enthusiasts gathered to share stories, catch up with old friends, and admire each other’s handiwork, while awards were handed out following the judging of more than 1,000 exhibits across dozens of classes.
For many, it was a welcome opportunity to celebrate shared passions and reconnect with the people who make the vintage scene so vibrant.
Persistence paid off for Hampshire’s John Burfield and his partner Sally Ennor, who were rewarded with a hat trick of prizes for their remarkable collection of Massey Fergusons.
Their 1964 Massey 65 Multipower Half Track took Best Restored Tractor, with a tandem Massey 35 also impressing judges. Their 13-machine display won Best Collection.
Nottinghamshire’s James Wood claimed Best Fordson Derivative with his unrestored yet fully working 1960 Whitlock Dinkum Digger—a quirky, five-tonne machine powered by a Fordson Power Major engine that still earns its keep at home.
The Fordson theme continued elsewhere with wartime and post-war machines taking pride of place. John Redfern from Claypole won Best Unrestored Tractor with his 1940s Fordson N, while Dan Bartle’s 1918 Fordson F was runner-up in the pre-1930 class, both earning applause on a weekend that coincided with national remembrance events. A rare Irish-built 1931 Ford Model N from Retford’s Nicholas Kitchen added further fascination for enthusiasts.
Nottinghamshire engineer James Ragsdale brought along his Garrett steam engine, called Invincible, which took him and his family 12 years to rebuild. Once little more than a discarded boiler, the fully restored engine now tours shows nationwide.
Scottish mechanic David Kerr travelled more than 300 miles from East Kilbride to take home Best John Deere in Show with his meticulously restored 3120, fitted with a rare Sta-Dri cab. His 14-year project rescued the tractor from dereliction and returned it to as-new condition.
Visitors were also drawn to James Hardstaff’s engaging display charting 120 years of potato machinery, from horse-drawn equipment to 1980s spinners and planters. His working potato clamp and historic riddles offered a hands-on glimpse of how Britain’s staple crop was once handled and stored.
Away from the judging rings, the showground buzzed with activity. A packed auction of parts and machinery ran for more than three hours on Saturday, while Sunday’s Sort Out saw thousands of items traded among collectors and enthusiasts. The weekend also included a well-attended service of remembrance on Sunday morning, which provided a reflective pause amid the celebrations of heritage and craftsmanship.
Reflecting on the success of the weekend, Roger Jackson, Show and Society Chairman, said: “Each year the show brings together passionate communities to celebrate the machinery and stories and skills that have shaped the landscape of British farming.”
The Newark Vintage Tractor and Heritage Show will return on 7–8 November 2026.
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