Full steam ahead for 50th Weeting Steam Rally

Weeting Steam Rally saw thousands of visitors celebrate the show’s special milestone year in the sun last weekend.

With its selection of steam traction engines, steam lorries and vintage tractors the three-day show at Fengate Farm in the village capped its 50th anniversary in style.

Wendy Young, rally co-ordinator, said: “We are overwhelmed by this year’s rally, it really had the feel of the rally back in it’s heyday,

“It was a record attendance for Saturday and I’m already thinking how we can improve for next year.”

The steam rally started on July 20 and 21, 1968, on the farm and was organised by Richard Parrot, of The East Anglian Traction Engine Club.

Around 15,000 visitors came to the inaugural event which displayed 26 traction engines, two steam ploughing engines, 13 veteran cars and nine commercial vehicles.

Continued popularity and growth meant this year the show had more than 100 steam engines and around 150 tractors.

Other exhibits on display included vintage and classic cars, motorbikes, stationary engines and military vehicles, with visitors given the chance to ride in a helicopter, a tank or a mini steam engine.

Demonstrations included steam ploughing, steam threshing, a steam-powered sawmill, stone crushing, a mini tractor pull and dog agility teams throughout the rally.

Music was provided by Britain’s Got Talent finalists, The D-Day Darlings.