Abergavenny Steam Rally (25th - 26th May, 2025)
This is one of a series of pages which I have uploaded to illustrate facets of steam rallies we have attended in the UK. Such events occur all over the country in the summer months, they are easily found by using your favourite search engine and may have anything between a handful of steam engines and hundreds (as at the Great Dorset Steam Fair which could probably be fairly described as having an excess of riches). Click here for the overall index for 2025.
Abergavenny is less than an hour from our home but before 2024 we hadn't been for 9 years! Back in 2015 it had appeared to be fading away steamwise and since there had always been something else to do over the late May Bank Holiday. I was keen to see the extent of 'churn' but in the event there were similar numbers of engine (16 instead of 15) and all but 4 had been here in 2024. Once again the Saunders collective was in attendance with 5 of their engines. There was a stiff breeze and a fair amount of cloud cover and the dancers clustered around 'Majestic' to keep warm while waiting their turn to perform for the early show.
Nevertheless, breaks in the clouds appeared and it wasn't too difficult to get acceptable photographic results. Having done well with last year's road run, I was happy that the entry to the grand parade was generally sunny. It made a pleasant change from being stuck at home recently although I thought admission at £12.50 was a bit steep for what was on offer and Castle Combe's £10 for a similar show would have been more appropriate.
Steam Rollers
General Engines
Lady Sarah was working with Hadrian Spooner's large sawing system.
Showman's Engines
These are from the Saunders' Collection and supported the stage shows..
