Steam engines once again took centre stage in Trevithick Day in Camborne, Cornwall, as thousands gathered on Saturday 25 April 2026 to celebrate one of Britain’s greatest engineering pioneers, Richard Trevithick.
The annual festival honours Camborne’s most famous son, widely recognised as the inventor of the world’s first high-pressure steam locomotive. Trevithick’s pioneering engine famously made its inaugural journey on Christmas Eve 1801, travelling up Camborne Hill – an achievement commemorated ever since in Cornish tradition and song.
Now established as one of Cornwall’s most popular heritage events, Trevithick Day has been celebrated in the town for more than forty years. Roads close to traffic as the whole community joins in a packed programme of events, beginning with a lively procession of pipes and drums through the town centre.
Steam power remains the highlight of the day. Dozens of heritage steam engines – from large traction engines to smaller historic machines – gather to take part in displays and the much-anticipated steam engine parade through Trelowarren Street, a spectacular sight for enthusiasts and visitors alike.
A working replica of Trevithick’s famous early engine, the “Puffing Devil”, is traditionally one of the stars of the event, allowing visitors to experience first-hand the type of machine that helped transform global transport and engineering.
In addition to steam engines, Trevithick Day also features vintage and classic vehicles, model engineering displays, performances by local schoolchildren and a bustling town fair, making it a celebration enjoyed by people of all ages.
A video capturing highlights of the 2026 steam engine parade and a classic car display in Camborne can be viewed here.
For the heritage steam community, Trevithick Day remains a fitting tribute to the engineering innovation that helped shape the modern world.
