Kelsall Steam & Vintage Rally
The Kelsall Steam and Vintage Rally has been on my list for years, but due to work commitments I've never managed to make it. This year, I finally set aside the time and headed over on the Sunday to see what all the fuss was about.
Set in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, the show is organised by a dedicated team of local enthusiasts. It's hard to believe that what is now one of the country's biggest steam and vintage rallies actually started with a vision off a one-off event back in 2001.
As the organisers explain: "The event was only ever supposed to be a one-off event back in 2001 when Uncle Frank told everyone he knew, 'All come to my house, fetch your vintage trucks, tractors, cars etc. Don't worry, Geoff will sort it.'"
It didn't take long before Uncle Frank's farm to became too small, and the event moved across the road to Geoff and Marie's farm, where it has continued to grow ever since. Today, the rally covers more than 75 acres and attracts exhibitors and visitors from across the UK and Ireland.
There's a reason this event has earned such a strong reputation. Alongside one of the largest displays of commercial vehicles in the country; including classic, vintage and modern trucks, you'll also find lawn mower racing, tractor pulling, falconry displays, traditional Punch and Judy shows, magnificent Shire horses, steam engines, trade stands and plenty more. It's one of those events where every member of the family can find something to enjoy.
Like many outdoor events this summer, the weather certainly turned up the heat. Despite the crowds, everything ran incredibly smoothly. Clear roadside signage and a fantastic team of marshals kept traffic moving, meaning visitors weren't left sitting in queues for long before being directed into the spacious parking fields. It was all impressively organised and ran like clockwork.
Once inside, the scale of the show really hits you. Wherever you look there's something to see, and it feels as though the displays stretch on forever. The atmosphere throughout the day was welcoming and relaxed, with families, enthusiasts and exhibitors all enjoying themselves. With plenty of food vendors, trade stands and well-maintained facilities spread across the site, everything you need is close at hand.
For truck enthusiasts, there was no shortage of vehicles to admire. From modern show trucks to beautifully restored classics and rare commercial vehicles, there was an incredible variety on display. Two entire fields dedicated to ERFs and Fodens were a particular highlight, showcasing some truly iconic vehicles that brought back plenty of memories for visitors.
With exhibitors travelling from all over the UK and Ireland, it's easy to see why the display is regarded as one of the best in the country.
The popularity of the show is reflected in the demand for exhibitor spaces too. Applications begin flooding in as soon as bookings open each year, so if you're thinking of displaying a vehicle in the future, it's definitely worth keeping an eye on the dates and getting your application in early.
After finally making my first visit, it's easy to understand why so many people return year after year. Kelsall Steam and Vintage Rally has managed to retain that traditional, old-school rally feel while continuing to grow into one of the biggest events of its kind. It's friendly, well organised and packed with something for everyone. A fantastic day out and one I'll certainly be adding to my calendar again next year.
