AN ARRAY of steam engines, tractors and much more descended on a small corner of the Herefordshire countryside as a popular annual event returned to the county after a three-year wait due to Covid.

The crowds were back and they poured in to the field from early Saturday morning eager to catch up and enjoy the spectacle of steam and all the associated events of the steam rally.

 

Much Marcle Steam Rally 2022. Picture courtesy of John Batley.

Much Marcle Steam Rally 2022. Picture courtesy of John Batley.

 

The first Much Marcle Steam Rally was held on the weekend of July 19 and 20 1986, after which the Herefordshire Traction Engine & Vintage Club was formed.

The event had to be cancelled last year. Chairman Chris Barnard said at the time it was a "very difficult decision" to cancel the show.

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He added that "We needed to keep everyone safe so we can all hopefully enjoy a better show in 2022."

 

A horse drawn cart at the steam Rally. Picture courtesy of John Batley

A horse drawn cart at the steam Rally. Picture courtesy of John Batley

 

As well as the engines themselves there were plenty of vintage and classic cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, tractors and even ducks parading in the ring, not to mention a tug-of-war with the children against one of the mighty steam engines.

Meanwhile tractors ploughed and shire horses paraded throughout the weekend.

 

There were a number of classic cars on show at the event

There were a number of classic cars on show at the event

 

The tractor pulling event drew the crowds with their mighty bellowing and clouds of smoke, even drowning out the buzz of the old fashioned timber sawing nearby.

Tractor pulling has been a major part of the event since its introduction in 2013.

The aim of the competition is for a tractor to pull a heavy sledge along the track, with the winner being the tractor that can pull the sledge the furthest.

After the event, chairman Chris Barnard said a big thank you to everyone that had supported the rally to make its return possible.

He said: "We had a fantastic weekend and it was great to see a full model tent full of exhibits and to see faces both new and old.

"A huge thank you to everyone who helped with the set up and breakdown of the rally, and to all the exhibitors, sponsors and public who supported us, without whom it would not have been possible."