Sense of community and family defines 2026 Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show

The show exceeded pre-event expectations of 10,000 visitors, with packed halls and busy aisles across both days. But while the machinery drew the crowds, it was the sense of family and community that stood out. Many of this year’s exhibitors were showing alongside their parents and grandparents, and the number of young people both showing and attending was a real highlight for organisers. Among them was 13-year-old Aaron Taylor who won five prizes for his Ferguson Type A, while 16-year-old Jenson Vince from Gainsborough exhibited side by side with his mum, dad and grandfather, as three generations of the family brought a collection of rare American stationary engines to the show. Eight-year-old Harry Thomas Williams, who is already “on the spanners” at home, joined his 87-year-old grandfather of the same name from Wales as they travelled hundreds of miles to display a 1919 John Deere Waterloo Boy. A fitting tribute There were some moving moments over the weekend as the show remembered Paul Ducksbury, who was well known for the support and encouragement he gave to young people coming into the vintage tractor world. It was fitting, then, that the Paul Ducksbury Trophy for Best Unrestored Tractor went to Aaron Taylor, who made the journey from Drumaness in County Down, Northern Ireland, with his father Colin. Aaron’s Ferguson Type A No 268 spent more than 50 years in a derelict shed before the Taylors bought it in 2018 and brought it back to full working order. The tractor collected five prizes in total, including Best Working Tractor in Show and the class celebrating 90 years of the Ferguson Model A. “I thought there were a lot that could have contended, but I’m very proud of it,” said Aaron. Going the distance Visitors and exhibitors travelled huge distances to be part of the show, with enthusiasts from Luxembourg and Germany among the crowds. Eight members of the Caithness Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club, the most northerly tractor club on mainland Britain, made a round trip of more than 1,000 miles from John O’Groats by minibus. Martin Blakey of the popular YouTube channel Blakey Brothers, who unboxed a Grey and Gold Ferguson at the show, said the reach of the event was clear to see. “These old tractors mean so much to a lot of people, and that will carry on and on, which is why shows like this are so important,” he said. “We’ve had messages from Ireland, Cornwall, every corner of the country saying ‘we’ll see you at Newark Show’. All roads lead to Newark.” A tribute from above One of the defining images of the 2026 show was a special tribute to the Ferguson TE20, marking 80 years since the “Little Grey Fergie” first went into production in 1946. A line-up of TE20s was brought together in formation and captured in a striking aerial photograph, celebrating the tractor that did so much to mechanise farming in Britain and around the world. A shared passion Elizabeth Halsall, Events and Development Manager of the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society, which organises the show, said the atmosphere across the weekend had been special. “There was a real buzz about the place from the moment the doors opened,” she said. “What makes Newark so special is the people. We saw friends catching up, families spending the day together and exhibitors sharing stories with visitors, all brought together by a shared passion for vintage and heritage machinery. “It was wonderful to see so many young people here, both showing and visiting. They are the future, and it is clear it is in very safe hands. We’d like to thank every exhibitor, trader, volunteer and visitor who made this year’s show such a success.” Next year’s Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show will take place on 6 and 7 November 2027 at Newark Showground.