Vintage rally has run out of steam
AUNIQUE event which raised more than £330,000 for charity and brought hundreds of vintage vehicles will no longer take place after its organisers announced their retirement.
After celebrating its 10th event last year, the popular Leisure Lakes Vintage Vehicle and Steam Rally will not return this summer.
Formerly held at Riverside, the annual event moved to Leisure Lakes in 2016 and continued to grow in size.
Last year’s event showcased more than 500 steam, vintage and classic vehicles including trucks, tractors, motorbikes military and commercial vehicles, with highlights including the late Fred Dibnah’s iconic “Betsy” steam roller.
Other attractions included music, craft tents, tea rooms, food and drink stalls and vintage fairground rides.
But while the increasing popularity of the event had meant more visitors and exhibitors were attracted, it also turned organising each year’s event into a major operation, spanning several months.
Organisers were devastated when a heavily waterlogged field caused the cancellation of the 2018 event, and in 2016 it was postponed for three months because of similar problems.
Announcing the news, organisers Peter Wareing and Alan Atkinson apologised for the decision as they announced the work involved had become too great and that no-one had been able to step in and take over.
Writing to exhibitors, traders and volunteers, they said despite their sadness, they were extremely proud of their achievements in organising the 10 events and would retire with many fond memories.
In a statement, they said: “After a great deal of consideration, the team behind Leisure Lakes Steam Rally are retiring.
“We hope we have brought you 10 years of enjoyable memories and would like to thank everyone who has ever visited for their amazing support in helping us raise £330,637 for charities and good causes. Hopefully all exhibitors, volunteers and traders should now have been informed directly.
“We would like to apologise for not carrying on, but we hope you all understand and wish us well in retirement.”
As well as showcasing the vehicles, the event aimed to support local charities and all of the money it raised was donated to nearby causes.