After nearly four decades, the iconic Lincolnshire Steam and Vintage Rally has been permanently cancelled due to various insurmountable challenges.
The rally, a mainstay of the Lincolnshire Showgrounds’s August bank holiday weekend, has been running at a deficit for the previous two years due to growing expenses.
Chairman D. Glyn Macdonald pointed to rising insurance and road sign costs as well as ongoing alterations to health and safety laws as reasons for the event’s failure.
He shared the news, saying: “Needless to say it has been a very hard decision but we feel the time has now come to bow out.”
The cancellation marks the end of an era for the Lincolnshire community, where over 1,500 exhibitors displayed a spectacular collection of steam engines, vintage vehicles, motorcycles, and tractors. In addition to its cultural significance, the rally raised money for regional causes and brought together enthusiasts from all over the world.
Fans and attendees expressed their disappointment at the rally’s end. Catherine Cox, from West Yorkshire, said: “Beyond sad about this. My husband and his parents rallied their miniature engines here for 33 years,” and Ryan Evans, a Design Engineer added: “I’m very sad to see this. I have attended many times since around 2005 as a child and have enjoyed each and everyone I have attended.”
Share your cherished memories, photos, and videos from past rallies on the Lincoln Steam Facebook page.