Steam on the Dock - May 6 & 7

Published: 27th Apr

We will be exhibiting at Albert Dock's Steam on the Dock - click here to see and hear everything you need to know about Steam on the Dock

Steam on the Dock is back and its bigger and better than ever before! We are excited to announce the return of one the UK’s only inner-city steam rally, with over 30 steam engines, boats and even a train making the Dock their home on May 6-7 – that’s double the amount that visited in 2016!

Families and steam enthusiasts are guaranteed a free, fun-packed weekend of toots and whistles as we celebrate the grand machines of the industrial age. Expect more engines, more boats, more activities and much more fun!

So what’s new for 2017? Steam tug Kerne – a stunning, Titanic-era steamship – makes her Steam on the Dock debut. Built in 1912, Kerne has a long history with Liverpool, in 1971 becoming the last coal-fired steamer to work on the Mersey. Since then she has been saved from scrap and preserved as an operational steamship, and is now the last remaining Naval, coal-fired steamship to have seen service in two world wars, still in operation today.

At 1pm and 3pm both days, visitors will be treated to a steam showcase around Salthouse Dock, which will include a cavalry of steam engines, traditional brewer’s dray cart and shire horses, and a marching band (1pm only). This year’s festival will also welcome even more land-based engines and miniatures to the Dock than ever before, a variety of classic steam narrowboats courtesy of the Steam Boat Association, and a historic fairground organ. And Mattel Play! Liverpool will be joining in on the celebration, with free story times with none other than The Fat Controller inside the attraction on The Colonnades, with special performances from his mischievous sidekicks, Rusty and Dusty!

Back on dry land, Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways will be returning, bringing along Palmerston, a fully operational steam train, which will shuttle visitors up and down a track for a ride along Hartley Quay. A firm favourite from last year and will be sure to delight visitors yet again this year!

And that’s not all! Returning in 2017 will be The Daniel “Danny” Adamson – a highlight last year and again throwing open her grand decks for the public to explore. It is also an honour to confirm Roger Dibnah’s attendance at the rally – the son of the late, great TV legend and steam enthusiast, Fred Dibnah. There will also be a host of events and activities at Merseyside Maritime Museum, including face-painting fun for all the family on May 7 (12-4pm).

Be sure to add May 6-7 to your diary as Steam on the Dock 2017 is an event not to be missed.