A record number of more than 430 exhibits are lined up for the third annual ‘Rally in the Valley’ to be held at Bridgnorth’s Severn Park later this month.
Visitors will be able to see a host of attractions on Saturday and Sunday, July 17 and 18, ranging from steam traction engines to classic cars and tractors, to military vehicles.
“Back in January the organisers announced their decision to withdraw from the event,” said David Spruce, who is leading a band of enthusiasts who have been able to make sure it goes ahead.
“The rally had started with 75 exhibits in 2008 and had grown five-fold for the following year,” he explained.
“If the rally had finished it would have meant yet another popular attraction would have been removed from the annual list of events in the town.”
Mr Spruce said that since the new team had come together they had been aware of the financial difficulties everyone was facing and had made a bold move to reduce the admission charges for this year’s rally – meaning that adults will be charged just £3 and accompanied children under 12 years will be admitted free.
“We believe that the Bridgnorth location is one of the best on the rally circuit and was definitely worth saving as the exhibitor numbers prove.
“Shropshire has an enormous wealth of enthusiasts and exhibits to show at these type of events, but the costs of travelling around the region is becoming very costly and they are now looking to support their local rallies,” said Mr Spruce.
The rally will be opened by the mayor of Bridgnorth, Councillor Val Gill.
One of the highlights of the weekend will be the return visit to Shropshire of Dr Busker, the last of the Victorian pianists, who is well-known on the steam rally circuit. He will be on stage next Saturday from 8pm.
The replica ‘Catch Me Who Can’ will not be on show this year as work is continuing to complete it.