Newark Vintage Tractor and Heritage Show returns for a weekend of celebrations
3rd July 2023
The popular Newark Vintage Tractor and Heritage Show will be marking its 20th anniversary this year with many traditional attractions and some new ones, including a new vintage plant class featuring diggers, bulldozers and more.
Attracting more than 1,000 vintage tractors, implements and commercial vehicles from across the UK, the event is considered a highlight of the show season. Taking place on 4th and 5th November, the show has already opened competition entries which are set to close on 13th September.
To mark the special occasion, the organisers are particularly keen to receive application from exhibitors who attended the first Newark Vintage and Heritage Show 20 years ago.
“It is an opportunity to gather, reminisce about previous shows and celebrate the show’s success over the years,” said events and development manager Elizabeth Halsall.
The event is also celebrating the centenary of the row crop tractor, including the iconic Farmall model, introduced in 1923 as the all-purpose tractor aimed at revolutionising farming.
Moreover, ERF Trucks and Atkinson Trucks will be celebrating their 90th anniversaries at this year’s show.
ERF Trucks was formed in 1932 by Edwin Richard Foden and his son Dennis. Their first vehicle was a diesel lorry, launched in 1933 with the serial number 63 (the same age as Edwin).
Over the years, the company has proved very successful and popular with British hauliers. Its manufacturing line includes the KV series, LV series, A series, B series, E series and, finally, the EC series, launched in 1993. The company closed its Middlewich factory in Cheshire in 2002.
Meanwhile, Atkinson designing and producing diesel-powered trucks in Preston, Lancashire. By 1933 Atkinson Lorries Ltd was formed and the company moved to a new production facility.
This year also takes on special importance for the Marshall Club, which is celebrating the 175th anniversary of William Marshall launching the business. There are plans to have a display of early stationary and steam engines at the show, as well as of the later diesel tractors like the Field Marshall and Track Marshall.
The company was founded in 1848 and is based at the Britannia Iron Works, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, not far from the Newark Showground.
“Marshall’s products ranged from steam engines and threshing machines to diesel road rollers, diesel tractors and Track Marshalls,” said Ian Palmer at the Marshall Club. “The last products were made in the 1990s.”
Celebrating its 75th anniversary at this year’s show is the Landrover Series 1, which will have its own class, Mrs Halsall said.
“The Newark Vintage Tractor and Heritage Show is a great opportunity to showcase heritage tractors, vehicles, plant and machinery, get together with fellow enthusiasts and visitors, celebrate its past 20 years and look forward to many more,” she added.
Organised by the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society, which aims to promote and champion agriculture throughout the East Midlands region, the show is supported by the Nottinghamshire branch of the National Vintage Tractor and Engine Club (NVTEC).
For more information and to enter the show free of charge, visit the show’s website at: www.newarkvintagetractorshow.com.
