A big influx of visitors is set to descend on Bridgnorth as organisers of the Trevithick Steam ‘Rally in the Valley’ look forward to a bumper event.
Organiser Brian Davies said that 250 camping pitches had been booked at the Severn Park area from tonight, when the event is launched with a concert. “To have this number is amazing, as last year we only had about half a dozen pitches,” he said.
Mr Davies also revealed that more than 350 exhibitors and over 100 trade stands were lined up. “These numbers just show that the Trevithick event is now known all around the country. The marquees are going up at the park where the ground is surprisingly hard despite the rain.
“We are working with the town council and they have supplied us with large quantities of wood chippings. The forecast is for showers on Friday and for lots of sunshine on Saturday and Sunday,” he added.
A centrepiece amongst the display will be the working replica of the 1808 engine Catch Me Who Can. The original engine was built at Hazeldine’s Foundry near Severn Park and the replica has been constructed by engineer David Reynolds at Bridgnorth’s Severn Valley Railway station.
“The replica is almost complete and the ‘Rally in the Valley’ will give us the final donations to complete it,” explained Mr Davies.
He said the exhibits, including traction engines, tractors, vintage machinery, classic cars and motorcycles, commercial and military vehicles would be arriving at Severn Park today.
Mr Davies appealed to people wanting to come to the concert tonight (gates open 6.30pm, start 7pm, cost £3, no concessions) to obtain tickets as soon as possible, as there was limited space in the marquee.
Another concert will be held tomorrow (gates open 6.30pm, start 7.30pm, tickets £5, no concessions and unsuitable for children or those with a genteel nature).
Tickets are available in advance from the visitor information centre at the Listley Street library, or from Knickerbockers Ice Cream Parlour in Low Town.
The ‘Rally in the Valley’ opens from 10am-5pm tomorrow and Sunday. Admission is £5 for adults and £3 concessions, with under-12s free. All proceeds will be in aid of Trevithick 200 and other local charities.