Thousands flock to Norfolk's Strumpshaw Steam Rally

Sarah HallThe age of steam returned to a corner of Norfolk over the weekend, with thousands of people taking a trip back in time at the Strumpshaw Steam Rally.Sarah Hall

The age of steam returned to a corner of Norfolk over the weekend, with thousands of people taking a trip back in time at the Strumpshaw Steam Rally.

The smell of steam, smoke and soot helped transport visitors back to bygone times as the crowds wondered at massive steam engines, vintage cars and classic motorcycles.

A full programme of parades took place each day, where owners of the lovingly-preserved machines demonstrated their mechanical marvels.

There were more than 600 exhibits at the event, which started on Saturday and was continuing today .

As well as the traditional steam engines, also on show were miniature steam engines, commercial vehicles, old-fashioned bicycles, tractors and military vehicles.

The main ring also saw sheep dog demonstrations, shire horses and the music from the cadet band.

There was also an old-time fairground, complete with big wheel, carousel and dodgems, while the sound of traditional organs filled the air.

There were dozens of stalls selling crafts, stamps, tools, collectable toys and clothing, while the bar was doing a brisk trade.

Many chose to camp at the rally, which is now in its 18th year, and takes place at Strumpshaw Hall, just down the road from Brundall.

Organiser Paul Worbey said the drizzly weather on Saturday had given way to glorious sunshine yesterday, which forecasters were predicting would continue today .

He said: 'It's been an excellent weekend so far and the crowds at this event just go from strength to strength. I took over last year and I think I've put my stamp on it, with a few more different events and a few more showmen's engines.

'We're running it in conjunction with the steam museum here and I hope it will encourage people to visit them to see what they are all about.'

Mr Worbey said exhibitors had travelled from as far afield as Dorset and Nottinghamshire for the event and said he hoped about 15,000 people would have visited the rally by the time it ended today .

The Evening News's Do Different Do Norfolk campaign urges people to make the most of the events which Norfolk has to offer. Members of our team were also at the event with goodie bags.

The gates opened at 9.30am this morning. Entry costs �8 for adults, �2 for children aged 13 to 15 while children 12 and under go free.

Make sure you check out our Going Out supplement in the Evening News every Friday for your guide to what's on in and around Norwich. You can also visit the Going Out section on our website at www.eveningnews24.co.uk