Our first ever visit to a Steam Rally was on the 18th and 19th June 2022. We headed a short distance over the border into Leicestershire for the return of the Ashby Magna Vintage Rally. Ever since setting up the business the former Midsummer Vintage Festival has been a priority booking for us, and it did not fail to live up to the hype.
Saturday 18th June
The first day of the show was dampened by the weather forecast, which sadly proved to be mostly accurate. We ploughed on through the rain, opening for business only 10 minutes late! We are getting better at setting up!
Despite the rain some intrepid members of the public ventured out to join us at the Ashby Magna Vintage Rally. They (and we!) were treated to some incredible exhibits, including the two giant Fairground Organs on opposite sides of the showground. The music from these created a great atmosphere – aided by the steam from the many traction engines on display.
While it was quiet we were both able to have a look around the showground. We then headed back to the stall to enjoy our front row seats to the main arena displays. We loved seeing the parade of vintage tractors; and were impressed with the number of younger people driving.
Over lunch time it was the turn of the Steam Engines to take to the arena for their parade. Again we were blown away with the quality of the engines, and the range of ages involved in keeping them running. Penny was less than impressed by the unofficial loudest whistle contest though. Amazingly the owners of these engines then offered up the chance for members of the public to have a drive. Kyle wasted no time in running through the rain to jump onto the footplate of ‘Odin’ the steam roller. He was really pleased to get onto the only engine with a roof as it was during the heaviest spell of rain! He was still soaked to the skin after though.
Sunday 19th June
Sunday dawned bright and sunny as we arrived back on site to a very damp stand, so it was back on with the wellies for day two. As there was no rain forecast for Fathers Day we moved the stall around. We moved our tables as far forward as possible. Clara claimed this was to help people see the jewellery. Kyle was convinced it was so she was closer to the arena to see better.
Due to the better weather, and less conflicting events there was a much improved attendance for both the classic car and military sections of the showground. It was also a lot busier with visitors so we didn’t get out to see most of the new arrivals.
Some highlights were the white Ford Consul parked directly behind the stall; and the return of the Standard Heavy 12 which we voted as car of the day on Saturday. We also had one of our dream cars on the opposite side of the stall to the Ford Consul, a 1949 Citroën Traction Avant.
A big surprise for us came from seeing an old friend with his WWII Dodge Weapons Carrier. A truck that both of us have loved being able to use while taking part in WWII battle reenactment events in the past.
The highlight of the weekend for Clara came at the end of the Steam Engine parade today. She got to drive a traction engine, having left the stall before Kyle could try for a second go! You can see just how happy she was in the photos below.
Finally we want to take the space here to thank the organising team for putting on a great event. After a gap of three years we appreciate everything you have done to bring the Ashby Magna Vintage Rally back. Our special thanks to Joshua for being so welcoming and helpful with the booking and stall management process. We cannot wait to return in 2023.