TORRENTIAL downpours took the steam out Welland Steam and Country Rally on Sunday (July 26), as organisers cancelled the day’s activities for safety reasons.

Heavy rain had turned the fields into a muddy quagmire and visitors had to be turned away.

Pete Evans, site and safety officer, said: “The ground is so wet – it is like a swamp, it’s terrible.

“It was a difficult decision to make - something we’ve never done before in 51 years – but we had to do it for the safety of the public.

“People have been saying it was the right decision and we put out the message through the press and social media so visitors haven’t had a wasted day.

“I would be lying if I said we weren’t down in the dumps about it but we’re still smiling and looking forward to a bigger and better event next year – hopefully with glorious dry weather.”

He added that the organisers have always financially planned for such circumstances and will not face any money problems because of the day’s lost revenues.

Despite Sunday’s washout, thousands of people had already attended the rally over the weekend to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the age of steam, with Saturday benefitting for glorious sunshine.

The sell-out event featured restored steam engines, vintage tractors and even a working steam train stopping at the newly-created Welland Halt.

Enthusiasts from all over the world travelled to attend the annual show, which has been running for five decades.

This year’s event included a ‘pop-up’ Victorian café and a special appearance by the legendary 1970s Scottish chart sensations the Bay City Rollers, as well as a farmers' market and old-time fairground.

All of the regular favourites were also on show such as vintage commercial and military vehicles, hundreds of cars and bikes manufactured between 1900 and 1970, and traction engines and road rollers.

And the rally was well received by those enjoying the action on Saturday before the weather turned.

Stephen Day, of Castlemoreton, Malvern, said: “It has been absolutely fantastic and even my three-year-old enjoyed it.

“The displays are awesome and it has been an excellent family day out – spot on.”

Mike Holford, of Clows Top, said: “I have been really impressed.

“I’ve not been here for about five years and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it today.

“I liked all of the trade stands and the working field is very impressive.”

Paul Ingham, a regular visitor of the rally, added: “This event is great every year and the sun has come out as well which is brilliant.”

The rally was formally opened by West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin, who was given the opportunity to tour the attractions alongside Worcestershire County Council chairman Ian Hopwood.

She said: “Malvern’s cyber valley is at the cutting edge of innovation but once a year people travel to this premier event from all over the world to cherish the memories of years gone by.

“There are attractions to appeal to people of all ages and it seems to grow larger every year.

“It really does have the feel of a steam age Glastonbury festival as fans gather to celebrate our national engineering heritage.”