News

BANK HOLIDAY FUN FOR THE FAMILY

What annual event in our town is such a marvellous two days of fun and wonderment for the whole family, yet also manages to be one of the biggest charitable fund raisers in Wales and the Marches? Look no further than Abergavenny Steam Rally.

Thanks to Abergavenny Rotary Club, which spearheads the efforts of the many volunteers making the show possible, our Steam Rally has gone from strength to strength. As one visitor from the Midlands said last year: “Where else could you see such an array of vehicles, exhibits and things you had thought had gone forever, all brought together in the centre of town in a small but packed space?”

The show is in Bailey Park, Abergavenny, over the May Bank Holiday, Sunday and Monday, 26th and 27th May. Besides a superb gathering of Steam Engines and Organs, there is also a display of Vintage, Veteran and Classic Cars, Caravans, Motorcycles, Tractors, Military and Commercial Vehicles and Static Engines. A Model Tent, and a range of displays of handicrafts and country pursuits will show off the expertise of local people dedicated to keeping craft alive.

Each day there is a full programme of arena events to delight the whole family including vehicle parades, bands and the ever-popular Tug of War between hundreds of children and a mighty traction engine.

Local worthy causes are set to benefit from the thousands of pounds raised at this year’s bumper Steam Rally in Bailey Park. But another spin-off for Parkinsons Cymru is a special donation thanks to late entry exhibitors, the Rotary President’s chosen charity for his Presidential year.

“This is a real community venture and all thanks to the hard work of a dedicated bunch of locals organisations which help us marshal the event and make it such a great success,” said Rally Organiser David Hassall. “It is a tribute to those people who willingly give up their time for nothing to help make this event what it has grown into, and also why we are able to help so many good causes in the town. Our dedication is that so much given to the Steam Rally is used for the benefit of the town”.

Last year, with the Sunday first day enjoying sunny skies, the rally cleared well over £20,000, most of which went to local worthy causes.

Abergavenny Rotary Club President Dean Christy added: “It’s a great show, it is very much home-grown but attracts a vast audience of people who travel from near and far to experience the sights and sounds of a very different day out. The Rally came back with a bang after Covid with record crowds generating a huge buzz in Bailey Park and the town. We are hoping for some fine weather again and planning for an even bigger and better event this year”, said Dean.

Visitors and exhibitors are attracted from the length and breadth of Great Britain and this unique event is firmly established as one of the prime entertainment events in South Wales.

“This is a great boost,” said David. “The Steam Rally is Rotary’s major fundraiser and with the help of a lot of people we have kept alive a great show for the town. Because everyone works for free the local causes see a great benefit. As Rotarians we are committed to supporting the youth of the town and we do like to see a sizeable proportion of the money go to the various youth organisations. As a result of our interest in them, the youngsters reciprocate by volunteering to help us on the two days of the show. It’s a great community spirit and even the paying customers are more pleased to pay the entrance fee when they know that the money raised will stay in the town to help good causes. “

“There is vast array of things to look at, play on and eat and we have produced a show which is an absolute delight for the whole family. Without any contradiction we can say there is something for everybody and fascinating entertainment throughout both days.”

Defying Gravity This year sees the launch of a new arena show for the 2024 season “Defying Gravity”.

This new arena performance is the only show of its kind in the world, it’s fresh, new and has never been seen before.

The performance combines freestyle BMX and the extreme sport of mountainboarding which results in a breathtaking, jaw dropping aerial performance which will delight and impress audiences of all ages.

Tigers Children’s Motorcycle Display Team We are quite used to flabbergasted faces after a show when helmets come off and the age of our riders really hits home. How on earth do we have a 6 year old jumping through fire, or an 11 year old soaring over a car? The only pre-requisite to join us is that a child can ride a push bike without stabilisers. Some may have more riding experience, but our juniors in particular often come in as total blank canvases. But they are quick learners! Our rookies work hard trying out tricks and jumping, week by week, building the foundations of confidence and trust.

Get ready to cheer these kids on as they put on a memorable show for you all to enjoy!

Discounted advanced ticket sales were introduced for the first-time last year and proved to be very popular with the public. As well as saving money on the gate price they also give priority entry to the park and save on queuing times. A lot of people last year still paid on the day, but organisers are hoping for an even greater take up of the advanced ticket option this year. Early Bird tickets with a 15% discount are available until Sunday 19 May 2024. After that, they can be bought at the full price of £10 per adult either in advance online - saving queuing on the day, or by cash or card on the day. Children under the age of 16 can enter free.

If you wish to buy an early bird ticket in advance by Sunday 19 May 2024 and save yourself 15% on the price of £10, then just scan the QR code or go to the Steam Rally Website at http://abergavennysteamrally.co.uk/