Wood Carving

A chainsaw sculptor for seven years, Mark Ray will be carving it up throughout the weekend.

Head to the Rally Ground for live chainsaw wood carving demonstrations, as Mark carves wooden horse heads and crocodiles with his chainsaw.

There will be a wooden chainsaw sculpted train on display and a variety of sculptures and artworks available to see and some available for purchase.

Make sure you make time to check out Mark’s work over the weekend with live demonstrations both days at:

  • 10.30am
  • 12.30pm
  • 2.30pm

You won’t be disappointed!

Vintage Games and Penny Farthing

Sanjex Seratti is a curious engineer from the Victorian era. 

His passion for tinkering, design and building contraptions has delighted the public at numerous events. A maker at heart, Sanjex has hand crafted lawn games with a late 1800’s theme that bring back ‘good old fashioned fun’. 

Try your luck on the crowd favourite ‘Beat The Wheel’ or have some throwing fun as you take the journey of the ‘The Knight’s Peril’. 

He also rides prominently on his Penny Farthing and enjoys educating the crowd about early bike history and its evolution. 

So ‘roll up roll up roll up’ and witness Sanjex Seratti with his spectacular Vintage Wonders and Entertainments down on The Garnham Grounds  from 9.00am – 4.00pm each day.

Sanjex Photo

Steamfest After Dark

Expanding the heart of the festival, Maitland Station Precinct will be running into the night on Saturday 12 April.

Join us for:

  • An array of food trucks
  • Carnival rides for all ages
  • Live music 
  • An up close and personal experience with 3265 on the station platform
  • Traction engine displays

Hours will be extended until 8.00pm on Saturday night only.

AFTER DARK MUSIC PROGRAM

SATURDAY NIGHT ONLY

TIME ARTIST
4.00pm - 5.45pm Hunter Valley Ramblers
6.15pm - 8.00pm Jungle Kings

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

Click here

The Bloomfield Group Steam Rally

The Bloomfield Group Steam Rally is a steam enthusiast’s dream, a bustling hive of activity, showcasing engineering ingenuity across a range of machinery from the era of steam.

With specialty steam and food stalls, Australia’s largest collections of portable, traction engines and vintage farming equipment brought together by the Maitland Steam and Antique Machinery Association, as well as trackless train and the people mover rides, steam powered corn cooking, coal shovelling, steam punk activities, Maker and Merchant interactive space, wood carving, tractor pulls, displays, face painting and more there is something for everyone to enjoy while visiting The Garnham Grounds.

Entry to the Garnham Grounds is $5 per person. Children under the age of 16 are free but must be accompanied by a paying adult. Pass outs are available.

Thank you to The Bloomfield Group for sponsoring The Steam Rally at the Garnham Grounds. 

Traction and Portable Engine Display

Tractors and Farm Machinery

Model Traction and Portable Engine

Maker and Merchant

Food and Beverage

Maitland Rail Museum

Artist Blacksmith’s Association NSW Inc.

Members of the NSW Artist Blacksmiths Association will be carrying out various forging demonstrations over the Steamfest weekend. You will be able to see how the steel is heated using both gas and coke forges, and how it can then be formed into various designs.

They will be situated at the top of the rally ground next to the main shed and are looking forward to showcasing both how they forge and what can be achieved.

Don’t forget to pay them a visit as they will also have items for sale.

MORE INFORMATION
Altapac Show ‘n’ Shine
CLICK HERE
Maitland Station Precinct
CLICK HERE

Carnival Lane

New to the Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest program is Carnival Lane.

Located in Maitland Station Car Park right next to our amusement rides, explore show bags, face painting, fairy floss and more. Visit a fortune teller and enjoy mystical moments, plus alluring troves of wonder and awe.

Carnival Lane will be open on Saturday 29 April from 9.00am to 9.00pm and on Sunday 30 April from 9.00am to 4.00pm.

Kids Activities

Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest hosts a range of activities suitable for kids over the event weekend. Explore a wide range of activities including arts, crafts and games plus so much more!

COAL SHOVELLING

A favourite for the kids, our Steamfest Coal Shovelling Races will return to The Garnham Grounds. Kids will be put into teams to tackle a course in a fun relay.

TRACKLESS TRAIN

Another crowd favourite at Steamfest is our trackless train, the perfect way to make your way through the entire The Granham Grounds.

I Spy activity sheets


Click here to download the Steam trains I Spy activity sheet

Click here to download the Show n Shine I Spy activity sheet

Railway Street Market

The Railway Street Market will be trading from 9.00am – 4.00pm on both days. This space will be filled with old world charm, bric a brac, soaps, pottery and more. The markets will be ‘the heart of the festival’, located along Railway Street, Maitland, adjacent to Maitland Station Car Park.

Here is a list of vendors that will be in Railway Street Market: 

  • Canna Oils
  • Cre8ive Thredz
  • Dusty Miner Craft Brewery
  • G I GOURMET NUTS
  • Goose on the Loose
  • Grayt Stitches
  • Heidi’s Attic Wares
  • Holmeswares
  • Jewellery by Margo
  • Kaftan 9
  • Made with Hope and Grace
  • Made With Precious Time
  • Paddy the Baker
  • Railway Portraits
  • The Good Honey
  • The House of Dogs Pet Photography
  • Wilderness Cove Alpaca

Maker and Merchant

Be transported back to a time when the art of handmade was an essential skill.

Meet the makers as they demonstrate their traditional arts, forgotten crafts and rare trades.

A silversmith, tool maker, artist, woodworker, jewellery maker, stonemason and leatherworker will immerse Steamfest audiences in the skills and crafts of yesteryear, by allowing audiences to engage, interact and be educated by ‘The Maker and Merchant’.

MEET OUR MAKERS

BLADESMITHING - JOEL DAVEY

Joel started exploring his interest in bladesmithing while working at an industrial heat treat facility, where he learned metallurgy and the processes involved in hardening steel. Joel was always fascinated by the history of metal work, how it has developed over time and the way it shapes cultures. His experiments in forging with his drive to refine his skills and techniques naturally evolved into knife making. Joel founded Adamas Forge and immersed himself into his practice fulltime, striving to learn and create.

Joel worked in and around the restaurant industry in the Hunter Valley region throughout his younger years and now enjoys crafting blades and cutlery for many well-established restaurants and chefs. He is passionate about the intricacies of a beautifully crafted Chef knife, in all its varieties and forms, and strives to create something both functional and unique.

MORE INFORMATION
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FAE MORGAINE LEATHER

Morgaine Grey is an award winning leather craftswoman based in Sydney. She draws inspiration from her love of history and the Australian bush to create a wide range of products from delicate jewellery to heavy armour. 

She believes you can learn from and use techniques from many different crafts to create objects that are both art and functional. Be sure to check out her colourful belts, hand carved books, bags, homewares and accessories. 

Try your hand at leatherwork and inspire yourself to create!

 

MORE INFORMATION
MGrey_FML

BLACKSMITH - NIGEL STOKES

For Nigel, blacksmithing came out of the blue when it was time to start making my way in life. It was an apprenticeship offered in the mining industry in the UK in the late 70s and was more of an industrial upbringing, but it taught me how hot steel could be shaped by both hand and machine. Most of my time was spent making tools and other mining related items, with just minimal time allowed to focus on decorative work.

Move forward several years, a change of industry and a new country but I never lost the urge to work with hot steel.

A chance meeting with a local blacksmith and the fire was restarted, but this time, based more on decorative and artistic work and “Phoenix Forge” emerged.

Since re awakening, I have been busy showcasing the craft at many different shows, fairs, and events, along with the sale of various items through local galleries and commissions as well as exhibitions throughout Australia.

Based at Glen Oak, a small country town between Maitland and the Barrington Tops, the forge is fully equipped for minor industrial and decorative work.

MORE INFORMATION

WOOL CRAFT - Linda Liversidge

Ettielynn Creations is the passion project and brainchild of local woman Linda Liversidge. Her business was developed in 2018 as a creative outlet to pursue her passion for wool craft.

Linda is a speed spinner and knitter, among the fastest in the world. She has held a deep love for all things wool craft since her very first project as a child – a knitted horse named Suzie, created at age 9. Growing up on a small farm in New Zealand, her first job as a roustabout on her brother’s sheering gang helped cement her love for the natural world and a simpler way of doing things; values she carries through into her business today.

Linda was a key member of Maitland’s very own Spinning Knitwits, a local spinning and knitting group who were crowned world champions of the International Back to Back Competition in 2017. The team raced the clock and other teams from around the globe to shear a sheep, spin it’s wool and knit a jumper from scratch in record time. All while raising funds for cancer research.

Ettielyn creations’ wares include hand spun wool, a variety of knitted item and soft toys, including a range of Rudolf Steiner inspired dolls. Her items are created with sustainability and ethical sourcing of materials in mind.

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Traditional signwriter and gilder - Lance Corlett

Lance Corlett is a passionate and versatile artist and operates Steady Hand Studio, a successful traditional sign painting and mural business known for its high end craftsmanship. Lance has been fortunate enough to study with many national and international leaders in the industry. His expertise includes skills such as glass gilding, hand lettering, mural painting and more. He takes pride in continuing the art of drawing well formed lettering alongside pleasing, well designed layouts with a masterful execution. Come and have a look at a range of traditional Australian signage and see how the signs are made in real life.

MORE INFORMATION
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Celtic Tinker- Marieke (MJ) Treloar

Presenting Marieke J Treloar, the “Celtic Tinker” at Steamfest! An accomplished artisan jeweller, author, and creative force, Marieke infuses her work with a sustainable spirit. Drawing inspiration from extensive research and personal experiences, she delves into the transformative power of Runic symbols. Marieke’s creations seamlessly blend clarity and depth, making intricate concepts accessible to both novices and seasoned practitioners. At Steamfest, witness her crafting elegance through a variety of jewelry techniques, showcasing pieces designed with a captivating Steamfest theme. From steam train silhouette-adorned accessories to personalized binding runes engraved on recycled materials, Marieke’s demonstrations promise a journey into the enchanting realm of Celtic artistry. Join us and be captivated by the finesse of the “Celtic Tinker” at Steamfest!

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The Tailor- Margaret Givan

Introducing Margaret Givan, “The Tailor” at Steamfest! With decades of expertise, Margaret brings a wealth of knowledge in traditional sewing and crochet techniques. Her talent and practical approach shine through every creation, earning her the endearing title of Eco-Granny. Margaret’s unique touch focuses on crafting beautiful, useful, and washable items, embodying sustainability with a dash of Steampunk elegance. Join us at Steamfest and witness the magic as Margaret stitches together a world where craftsmanship meets eco-conscious creativity.

 

 

2023 Hunter Valley Steamfest 275

Hugh Reedman of Stone Heritage and Jason Huntley the Stonemason

With over 50 years of combined experience in Stonemasonry, Hugh Reedman of Stone Heritage, and Jason Huntley of Jason the Stonemason have travelled Australia and the world practicing their craft. They first met 12 years ago while working on the restoration of Sydney Central Station and have worked together on various heritage and construction jobs since. Both are qualified Stonemasons, specialising in heritage restoration and banker masonry.

After completing his studies in Industrial Design, Hugh worked in various design consultancies within Sydney, covering product and furniture design, as well as 3D special effects for film and television. With a desire to work with new materials, he took an interest in the restoration of marble antiques and antiquities. He started his own business and was quickly contracted to fabricate reproduction, federation, victorian and french marble fire surrounds. Drawing on his previous experience as an Industrial Designer, he created a range of product castings including gargoyles, griffins and lions which can be seen on “The Abbey”and “The Witches Houses”, Johnston Street, Annandale. Further restoration projects include, the Gowings Building and The State Theatre, El-Alamein Memorial Fountain, and more recently the clock tower of Maitland Town Hall.

Similarly to Hugh, Jason’s creative endeavours started elsewhere when he successfully studied Ceramic, Sculpture and Visual Arts. This later sparked an interest in stone work and he went on to complete his trade here and abroad. Jason was chosen to replicate the Ariana Star monument in Tatura, Victoria and his other works have included commissioned headstones, large scale fireplaces in luxury, country estates, and being apart of the Royal Museum of Scotland restoration in  Edinburgh.

At Hunter Valley Steamfest 2024 – Maker and Merchants Market, Hugh and Jason will be working on a steam inspired sculpture. The stone you will see being “banked”, is an original pinnacle stone retrieved during the restoration of St. John’s College bell tower at Sydney University.

MORE INFORMATION
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BAtik oetoro - textile artist and dyer

Lynne Britten is a textile artist. She specialises in the application of dyes and paints to fabrics – using such techniques as Shibori, the traditional Japanese resist dyeing art.

Lynne was taught the ladylike skills of knitting, crochet, and hand embroidery at an early age & then went off on a tangent – dyeing fabric pieces with mulberries !

After completing her Diploma of Applied Art (majoring in Textiles) and Graduate Diploma of Education (Art), Lynne began her professional career in textiles as a Textile Designer in 1985, creating original print designs for the fashion industry, and producing the technical artwork for screen printers. Her designs featured on fabric made in to dresses and swimwear, on garments for Avon and even men’s underwear ! Lynne worked with some of the names of Australian fashion such as Ken Done and Linda Jackson; helping them realise their ideas, from paper on to the printed fabric.

In 1994 Lynne left the fashion industry, moved to Newcastle, and concentrated on being a Textile Artist in her own right.  

In 2007 she became the owner of “Batik Oetoro” and has been busy supplying the dyes, fabric paints, technical advice, and so much more to other textile artists inc the costume department of the Australian Opera, the production company that made Lord of the Rings, and fashion labels such as Easton Pearson

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W. BURKE CHAIRMAKER - WINDSOR CHAIRMAKING

Chairmaking isn’t a job or hobby but something that can bring purpose and joy into my life and hopefully those around me, a craft that can reflect a part of who I am and represent some of
the things I stand for.
A few days into a Chairmaking class my brother prescribed me in 2019, I quickly realised it was exactly what I’d been looking for. Everything about Windsor Chairmaking appealed to me.
Using quality handmade tools that will outlive me, taking things slowly and enjoying the nuance and precision in every step to make pieces of art that will last generations.

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Mark Wallis- Maitland Woodworkers Guild

Prior to retiring in 2005 after a career in the Painting & Decorating I completed the Woodturning Trade course at Newcastle TAFE.  My interest in woodturning became more challenging when I began entering my woodwork in local agricultural shows at Gresford, Singleton and Maitland requiring the creation of better and more complex projects each year.

I joined the Maitland Woodworkers Guild about 10 years ago and enjoy the comaradie of like-minded people who share similar interests and skills.

During the COVID 19 lockdown I researched and constructed a modern day version of a Saxon period pole-lathe.  These were used to make wooden cups and bowls as well as tool handles 1,000 years ago in Britain.

Please visit our Facebook page for more information about the Guild and photos of members work.

MORE INFORMATION
lathe work

Maitland Station Precinct

Maitland Station Precinct is the main centre of Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest.

Here you’ll find the ticketing booth, information desk, information stalls, the official Steamfest merchandise tent, food court, kid’s amusements, main stage, Railway Street Market and more!

It’s also the best vantage point to see all the vintage steam and diesel trains pull into the station.

There are loads of activities for the whole family to enjoy while exploring the sprawling Steamfest precinct.

Railway Street Market

Steamfest After Dark

Food and Beverage

Heritage Walks

Partner Sites

Journeys

MUSIC PROGRAM

SATURDAY

TIME
BAND
9.00am
Maryanne Rex
11.00am
Galaxy Talent Academy
11.45am
City of Maitland Pipes and Drums
12.45pm
Steel City Sue
2.45pm
Maitland Musical Society
4.00pm
Hunter Valley Ramblers
6.15pm
Jungle Kings

SUNDAY

TIME
BAND
9.00am
Cutto Live
11.00am
Kellie Cain
12.00pm
Official Ceremony
12.30pm
Maitland City Brass Band
1.00pm
The Leadbellies
3.00pm
Kate Keighran
Altapac Show ‘n’ Shine
CLICK HERE
The Bloomfield Group Steam Rally
CLICK HERE

Altapac Show ‘n’ Shine

An annual feature of Steamfest, held in Maitland Park on the Sunday, the Altapac Show ‘n’ Shine is a spectacular display of motoring history.

Featuring over 500 cars of all makes and models, from classic cars and hot rods to vintage beauties and muscle cars, as well as live rock n’ roll music and dancing, the Steamfest Show ‘n’ Shine is sure to be hit with car enthusiasts both young and old.

As well as the incredible car display, you will also find a range of food and general stalls for your browsing while in the park.

Thank you to Altapac for sponsoring the Show ‘n’ Shine in 2025. 

Car Entry Fee: $10
2025 Sanction Number: S25-06

All proceeds made from the Show ‘n’ Shine Entry Fees will be donated directly to Firstchance.

Firstchance is a not for profit organisation that provides early intervention and school aged programs for children aged 0-12 years with a disability or developmental delay, and their families. Based in Newcastle, Firstchance has been serving the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and Port Stephens region for over 40 years.

A range of prizes will be given out during the Show ‘n’ Shine. All trophy winners will be presented on stage at 2.00pm. The winner must be present at the draw to redeem the prize.

For further information or for any other questions, please visit Maitland Street Rodders website.

To register your vehicle please email [email protected]

MUSIC PROGRAM

TIME ARTIST
10.00am - 2.00pm Jumpin’ Jukebox

Food and Beverage

Here is a list of vendors at will be coming along to Steamfest: 

Key:
  • GF = Gluten Free options 
  • V = Vegan options 
The Bloomfield Group Steam Rally
CLICK HERE
Maitland Station Precinct
CLICK HERE