Twitter Steam Rally 2 gears up for 1st May

As revealed in the March issue the Twitter Steam Rally, which in the summer of last year provided online entertainment for many a steam enthusiast stuck indoors by Covid restrictions with no live-steam events to go to, is getting a sequel, and we now have more details of this year’s event.

“We said in May 2020 that the Twitter Steam Rally was a one-off, never to be repeated event,” Anthony Coulls, whose daughter Charlie came up with the concept, told EIM.

“We hoped that by 2021 the world would have changed for it not to be necessary, and we looked forward to a real rally season. In the end, it was not to be, and a second and third lockdown put many folks back into a gloomy prospect with early season rallies being cancelled.

“The online community formed with the Rally continued, and in January 2021, dozens of people saw the first half of the year written off for shows and asked if there could be a second Twitter Steam Rally. The small rally admin team had a quick chat and said yes, they would go for it. Only this time it would be on 1st May, the Bank Holiday Saturday.”

Anthony added that this year’s event will benefit from lessons learnt while making the first one happen. “Unlike 2020, where we flew by the seat of our pants, there is more organisation happening this year in advance – a bit like a real rally – only there will be no mud, portaloos or bins to worry about.

“We hope that thousands around the world will join in with the 8,500 in the Facebook Group already and the thousands more on Twitter itself and Instagram. There will be a full programme on the day, including live streams and the chance to showcase your own exhibit.”

Rally plaques are in production and other souvenirs are being followed up, including a new mug design. Several partners are also interested in supporting aspects of the event, including the Best in Show as sponsored last year by Legacy Vehicles.

All this helps with the rally’s serious side, raising money for charity, one of this year’s chosen charities being Wetheriggs Animal Sanctuary in County Durham, where Charlie Coulls is a volunteer.

Other charities will be publicised as the event grows; “Last year, nearly £4000 was raised for charity, let’s try for £5000 this year,” Anthony added.

“Photos, videos, live streaming, all are welcome. Bring your own chips and doughnuts and we shall enjoy our wonderful hobby hopefully across the world in safety from our gardens, yards, fields and sheds!

“You don’t have to have an exhibit to take part, just search on Facebook or Twitter for #Twittersteamrally2 and see what happens and who shares what. From Mamods to Marshalls, it’s all going to be there. Join us again – 1st May 2021 – the Virtual Event of the Year.”

Are you a supplier launching something new that EIM readers will be interested

in? Send details to 12 Maes Gwyn, Llanfair Caereinion, Powys, SY21 0BD

or by email to andrew.charman@warnersgroup.co.uk

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