Dates

• Existence: 1977 - 2022

Biography

Carters Steam Fair began in 1977 when show promoters John (1942–2000) and Anna Carter acquired a set of Jubilee Steam Gallopers.

The business model they use is based on rescuing and restoring historic English fairground rides and side stall dating between the 1870s and the 1960s and bringing them back to life. The family have focused not just on the mechanical workings of the machines but also on the traditional artwork, which makes their rides unique in the fairground. Over the years most of the artwork was done by Anna and later by her son Joby, who is a leading expert in the sector.

Since the inception of the business, their collection of rides and stalls has increased and today Carters Steam Fair travel the largest collection of vintage fairground rides in the world around their traditional grounds in London and the South East of England.

John and Anna had three children Joby, Amber and Rosie, all of whom followed their parents into the business. Additionally, Anna had two children from a previous marriage Zed and Seth and John had another two also from a previous relationship Miranda and Lincoln.

In 2000 when John died, his family and extended family continued to run the business. In more recent years Joby and his wife Georgina have taken over the managing of the fair from Anna.

Carters currently have their operating base and restoration workshops near White Waltham Airfield, in Berkshire.

Carters stopped travelling in 2022 and sold their equipment.