Showman's engine in steam at Thursford this weekend

Victory will be in action at Thursford on Sunday, September 1, with visitors invited to see the Burrells of Thetford machine in its original form.

It was successfully restored in 2023 after sitting dormant for almost 40 years.

Victory travelled the fairgrounds of East Anglia and beyond, powering vintage rides before becoming redundant after the Second World War and the introduction of internal combustion engines.

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Now, customers will have the unique opportunity to see it power an original 1925 48 Keyless Chiappa fairground organ.

Showman's engine Victory will be in steam (Image: Thursford)

Victory was purchased for £28 in 1947 by George Cushing who went on to preserve multiple steam engines and mechanical organs, all of which now form the world’s largest collection.

Sunday will also mark the return to the Thursford Collection for the Chiappa fairground organ, 52 years after it was sold to the Waling family.

It was one of the only machines that Mr Cushing sold from his collection.

Now, Thursford trustee and great-grandson Andrew Waling will be steaming Victory to power the organ.

Inside Thursford Steam Museum (Image: Thursford Steam Museum)

Charlie Cushing, the general manager, said: "We have had a very successful summer, so what better way to round off the season than bringing our flagship engine, Victory, outdoors and into steam for everyone to see."

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Customers can also watch live Wurlitzer shows from resident organist Robert Wolfe, ride vintage fairground rides, browse shops and eat and drink in the Barn Café. 

The Thursford Steam Museum, located between Fakenham and Holt, is open from Sunday to Wednesday until September 4 from 11am to 4pm (last admission 3pm).

Tickets cost £9 (under 12s go free) and you can buy them on the day - visit thursford.com for more information about the steam museum.