Weeting steam engine rally celebrates 40 years

One of the region's most popular steam engine extravaganzas is gearing up to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Vehicles from the first ever Weeting Steam Engine Rally and Country Show will be on display at Fengate Farm, near Brandon, for the three day event that starts today .

One of the region's most popular steam engine extravaganzas is gearing up to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

Vehicles from the first ever Weeting Steam Engine Rally and Country Show will be on display

at Fengate Farm, near Brandon,

for the three-day event which starts today.

The rally, which was founded by farmer Richard Parrott in 1968 to help raise funds for a new village hall, has grown into a major agricultural show attracting about 20,000 people a year.

Organisers are hoping for some better weather for the 40th birthday celebrations after the first day

of last year's event had to be cancelled because of heavy

rain.

Sallyann Helms , rally coordinator, said the farm was set to welcome increased entries, including almost 70 steam engines, 150 tractors

and 90 trade stalls as a result of the anniversary.

She added that the layout of the

170-acre showground had changed considerably this year.

Grand ring attractions will include parades of some of the engines from the first Weeting Rally, a harvesting through the ages display, sheepdog demonstrations and performances from the Snakewood Dog Agility Team.

There will also be a community tent, craft marquee, fairground

rides, bouncy castles, mini quad bikes, laser combat, helicopter

flights and ploughing demonstrations.

The Weeting Steam Engine

Rally and Country Show will open from 10am to 11pm today and

tomorrow, and 10am to 5pm on

Sunday. For further information,

visit www.EDP2.co.uk/dailylinks.