The North Devon Festival of Transport returned to Bideford on Sunday 9 August, filling Victoria Park and the surrounding area with an impressive collection of classic vehicles, vintage transport and attractions – and proving to be a record-breaking day for SS Freshspring too.
Now in its fourth year, the Festival has grown into one of North Devon's popular summer events, with more than 400 vehicles expected to take part. Classic and sports cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, tractors and beautifully preserved vintage buses were among the many exhibits spread across Victoria Park, King George VI Field and the Cattle Market Car Park.
With so much transport and engineering heritage gathered in one place, it was the perfect setting for the SS Freshspring Trust to join in the celebrations.
Our stand in Victoria Park attracted plenty of interest throughout the day, with volunteers talking to visitors about Freshspring and her remarkable history.
Our miniature steam engine Edna was once again on duty, proving particularly popular as she gave rides throughout the day. The wonderfully nostalgic sound of barrel organ music added to the atmosphere, while Trust Chairman John Puddy brought along the steam launch Duet to put on display.
John described the Festival as a “hugely successful day”, with considerable interest in the Freshspring stand and the steam engine rides.
Importantly, our presence in Victoria Park also gave us an opportunity to encourage Festival visitors to make the short journey to Landivisiau Walk and visit SS Freshspring herself.
And the response was fantastic.
By the end of the day, 119 people had stepped aboard Freshspring – 89 adults and 30 children – giving the ship her highest visitor numbers for a single opening day in 2026.
The Festival itself offered something for all ages, with its huge variety of vehicles complemented by vintage bus rides, live music, children's activities, stalls, food and entertainment.
Events such as the North Devon Festival of Transport provide a wonderful opportunity for Freshspring to be part of the wider celebration of Britain's transport, maritime and engineering heritage, while introducing the ship to people who may never have visited us before.
A huge thank you goes to the North Devon Sports and Classic Car Club and Bideford Bridge Rotary, who organised the Festival, and to everyone involved in making the day such a success.
We would also like to thank our own Freshspring volunteers who helped both in Victoria Park and aboard the ship, and, of course, everyone who stopped to see us, enjoyed a ride behind Edna or came aboard Freshspring.
With Edna steaming around Victoria Park and a record 119 visitors crossing Freshspring's gangway, it was certainly a memorable Sunday for the Trust.
Photo: The SS Freshspring Trust display at the North Devon Festival of Transport in Victoria Park, Bideford, on Sunday 9 August 2026, with Edna in steam and the steam launch Duet on display.
