Their celebration coincided with the Annual visit of the fun fair to Torquay Regatta week; and on 4th & 5th August this included a free display of vintage traction, and an exhibition marquee.

On Torquay seafront, adjacent to the noisy modern fairground activity, an area of Torre Abbey meadows was set aside, with five Showman's engines in steam, all originally in service with Anderton & Rowland Fairgrounds.  As the evening drew on, the dynamos were used to illuminate the engines, whilst one engine powered the Grand Fairground Organ.

Parked nearby were some of the next 2 generations of heavy hauling tractor units, some still in use.

The marquee contained a fascinating photographic history of the Company and fairground rides, along with working models of rides, and a splendid model of Burrell Showman's engine 'Lion' (which was one of the five engines in steam outside), displayed by its builder.

On Thursday 5th, the Company invited Mayors from the nearby towns on the Fair's regular summer route, to mark the 150th anniversary in Torquay.

Anderton & Rowland's is owned by the De-Vey family, based in Cullompton, and is the biggest fairground operator in the South West.

Please click on the adjacent photos to view a larger image.

These photos were taken on the evening of 4th August 2005 by Rob Speare.