Final sale of famous Carters Steam Fair rides and public open days – Friday 14th to Sunday 16th June 2024

Joby Carter at the fair. (Image supplied by Carters Steam Fair)

Joby Carter has announced the next phase of the sale of the vintage fairground rides and vehicles from Carters Steam Fair.

This phase of the sale includes the remaining rides (the Lightning Skid, Gallopers and Steam Yachts) and rare vintage vehicles which were not previously available. There will also be various assorted spares, fairground related equipment, memorabilia and artefacts.

Joby will be running a series of Open Days from Wednesday 12th to Sunday 16th June 2024 with free public access on Friday 14th, Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th June 2024. The Open Days will take place at Carters Yard, Grove Park Industrial Estate, Waltham Road, White Waltham, Maidenhead, SL6 3JF.

Across the Open Days there will be a wide range of vintage vehicles on display and the three remaining vintage fairground rides will be built up for viewings with plenty of photo opportunities for funfair fans. (These will not be in operation for the public to ride during the Open Days).

On Saturday 15th June 2024, at 12 noon, visitors will be invited to take part in an auction of fairground art and unique hand painted signs with guide prices from £25 to £500 per piece. There will be the option to preview the available lots on Friday 14th June 2024 from 10.00am to 4.00pm or on Saturday morning before the auction.

Joby will also be sharing details of the available signs and artworks on his @joby.carter Instagram profile.

The following day, Sunday 16th June 2024, Joby will be turning his focus to showcasing traditional signwriting skills with a return of his popular ‘Signwriting Sunday’ event. Joby is dedicated to showcasing traditional skills in a digital age and these signwriting events are an opportunity for people to step into a traditional workshop and see lettering created the old fashioned way with a brush, paint and mahl stick – no computers or modern short cuts such as masking tape or adhesive vinyls. With free entry all day from 10.00am to 4.00pm, visitors will be able to see a range of signwriters in action and enjoy the hand painted signs and lettering on display. There will be plenty of unique lettering available to purchase with a special discount on the day of ‘buy one get one half price’ on the stunning hand painted letters that were created for Joby’s second book, All the Fonts of the Fair. Joby’s popular fine art prints of his work will also be available.

This is a big event in the calendar for anyone interested in vintage fairground rides or vintage vehicles and anyone who was a fan of the fair. Those that appreciate traditional skills and crafts will also enjoy seeing the beautifully restored vehicles (which have all been coach painted by hand). Whether you are a fan of the fair, appreciate things being done the old-fashioned way or are looking for something different to do on Father’s
Day, there is plenty to see and enjoy over the three public open days.

Fruther information can be found on Joby Carters Instagram account: @joby.carter and on the Carters Steam Fair website.

Joby Carter said: ‘We’re in the final phase of relocating the rides and vintage vehicles to new owners.

We’ve already sold three of our big rides and all of the smaller rides and sidestalls: we have found them new homes that we’re really happy with.

Everything is going out in pristine condition that I’m proud to put my name to. The Ark had all the platforms repainted and hinges replaced, the Chair O Plane had the steps repainted, the rounding boards on the Toytown ride were repainted too. From small repairs and replacement parts to updated artwork featuring the new owner’s names, we’ve taken care of it all for the new owners so it all looks pristine.

This next phase has three of our famous rides and some vintage vehicles that weren’t previously for sale. We are currently restoring two of the lorries and they’re being sold into preservation with our name on it.

There’s also lots of spare parts including lorry axles, engine parts, 110v DC parts and other fairground related items. We want to find the right homes for everything.

I’ve got too much stuff to mention, there’s bargains to be had!‘

*Source of article : Press release from Joby Carter / Carters Steam Fair.