Despite being cancelled in the wake of the current crisis, Steamfest will still be going ahead this weekend…well, virtually anyway.
Yep, that’s right trainspotters. The iconic Maitland festival has been reimagined for the 2020 iteration, heading online to give loco-enthusiasts across the nation and abroad a taste of the sights and sounds of the historic steam era.
Maitland Council events officer Tori Evans said that the festival, which has been running in Maitland since 1986 was too popular to be left idling in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are so excited to have the opportunity to engage with our community and bring Steamfest alive under the current circumstances,” she said.
“An estimated 50,000 people attend Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest each year, but this year, we have the opportunity to reach many more online.
“To bring this iconic event to life alongside our event sponsor Burton Automotive and partners ARTC, Transport Heritage NSW, Transport NSW and Kings Engineering, is just one way we can bring joy to our community during these difficult times.”
The virtual Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest will be delivered via the Steamfest Facebook page on Saturday 18 April from 10am.
Keep an eye out on the page for more details about the program.
