Everything You Need To Know about The Great North West Truck Show 2025 at Haydock Racecourse

The Great North West Truck Show is back in July with its eighth event and monster truck fun and more for families.

The Great North West Truck Show aims to raise thousands for charity – as well as awareness of the haulage industry and the people who work in it.

Kieran Binns, one of the directors and organisers of GNWTS, says:

“The main aim is to have a great weekend with the focus on having fun as a family, which is why we try to make it different every year with new events and attractions.

“It is about raising money for charities, but it’s also about showcasing our industry and what it’s like to be a truck driver. We encourage people to talk to the drivers and have a close-up look at the trucks … and I don’t think there’s another truck show in the country where you can have a go yourself!”

The reverse truck challenge is where the public can put themselves in the driving seat and see what it’s like to back up a 50ft articulated lorry.

“And then people can see how difficult it is,” smiles Kieran, “and so instead of waving their fingers at drivers on the road, they’ll hopefully give them a bit more room next time.”

Alongside the impressive display of trucks, the show offers a full line-up of entertainment, live music performances, thrilling monster truck rides, food, and more.

So if you fancy a visit, here’s everything you need to know.

The Great North West Truck Show - Haydock Racecourse

When is The Great North West Truck Show?

The Great North West Truck Show’s being held on the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, July 12-13.

Where is it?

It’s all happening at Haydock Park Racecourse, Newton-le-Willows.

Opening times

The show runs from 10am to 6pm on Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

How many trucks are on show?

There are more than 350 trucks on display at GNWTS from American trucks to show trucks, airbrushed trucks and themed trucks – film and Disney – to general fleet trucks. They all compete in a competition and are judged in 20 different categories.

Live music

There’s loads of live music on the main stage, especially on Saturday when Celtic band The Scattering will be performing from 5pm-7pm, and three-piece Pattison Fogg will be entertaining with classic rock, pop, and a hint of disco from 8pm until finish.

Keep your eyes out too – we’re told you can’t miss him – for the Dancing DJ: “He’s unique,” says Kieran.

Is there entertainment for kids?

Plenty. There’ll be giggles all weekend with female clown Louby Lou. “She’s brilliant,’ adds Kieran. “She’s fun, she does magic, she sings…and we always get asked if she’s coming again.”

There’s a bigger than ever fun fair this year, a new scavenger hunt, inflatables for the first time, Disney characters, face painting, penalty shoot-out, and more.

What’s exactly is the reverse truck driving challenge?

The challenge is a chance for you to put your money where your mouth is and see how easy it is – or isn’t – to drive a 50ft articulated lorry. For a small charge, MEG HGV Training will happily help you negotiate their special course under the supervision of a qualified training instructor, all for charity! “The uptake on this is phenomenal,” says Kieran. “And, like I say, people find out it’s harder than they think. So next time they see a truck reversing down a side street they might be a little more patient!”

New monster truck car crush

One of the highlights of the weekend is always the chance to ride in the SlingShot Monster Truck that’s 12-feet high, 12.5-feet wide and 18-feet long – and weighs five tons!

But new this year is the Monster Truck Car Crush with two hosted shows each day. The SlingShot’s sister truck will drive over cars and crush them: “It’s extremely loud,” says Kieran. “Each show is about half an hour long and kids love it, but you don’t just get to see the trucks in action, you get to learn about them too with all the facts and figures – like how much a monster truck tyre costs, and that it can only run 56 yards (51 metres) on a gallon (4 litres) of fuel!”

Is there food and drink

There will be a bar as well as vendors selling soft and hot drinks and beverages, and along with a healthy eating stand you can get all your favourites from burgers, hot dogs, pizzas and more.

How much has it raised for charity?

So far The Great North West Truck Show has raised £165,000 for charity, the main two being Reubens’s Retreat, a sanctuary where children with complex conditions can relax and find comfort, and make memories with their families; and Jolly Josh which provides a purpose-built haven for children living with complex medical needs and physical disabilities. Manchester Children’s Hospital has also benefited along with other charities and causes throughout the North West, including Merseyside.

Anything else?

There’s a truck pulling challenge, and a Lorry Loader Challenge, says Kieran. “And this year we have even got a truck that’s been converted into a classroom, so if people want to learn about what skills are needed to become a truck driver and walk away with a new career opportunity, they can.”

How much are tickets?

Tickets start at £7.50 for one day and £10 for a weekend ticket for young people under 16; adult tickets are £15 and £25, and family tickets for one day are £40. There are camping options – and under-fives are free.

Find out more about the Great North West Truck Show here.

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