Dartford’s annual Steam Rally is set to return to the town on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th May 2016.
Organised by Trevithick’s Industrial Dartford and supported by Dartford Borough Council, the free event draws visitors of all ages from miles around with its displays of steam engines, stationary engines, vintage vehicles & motorcycles, tractors, heavy horses and lots more.
Saturday’s events will take place in Central Park from 10am to 5pm with the engines and vehicles on display as well as demonstrations, children’s rides and live music.
Sunday will see the event move to the town centre with entertainment for all the family and food stalls around One Bell Corner from 11am until 2pm. The steam and vintage vehicles will gather in Spital Street and Hythe Street at noon ready for the road run which will take place at around 1.15pm.
The event celebrates Dartford’s industrial heritage and history as well as the life of Cornish engineer Richard Trevithick who worked, died and was buried in the town.
Councillor Jeremy Kite, Leader of the Council, said, “It’s our pleasure to support the Steam Rally once again this year. The event’s always a huge success and has been growing in popularity over the past eight years. It has something for everyone and is a real spectacle for all to enjoy.”
Colin Wheeler from Trevithick’s Industrial Dartford said, “The Steam Rally always draws a great crowd of enthusiasts and families and it’s fantastic to be able to celebrate and share the town’s industrial history and heritage with a new audience.”
More information about the Steam Rally, along with details of other events taking place this summer, can be found at www.dartford.gov.uk/events
For details of Trevithick’s Industrial Dartford visit www.trevithicksindustrialdartford.co.uk
Steam Rally – Dartford Borough Council
Saturday 7th May – Central Park
On Saturday 7th May from 10am to 5pm, Steam in Dartford brings together steam engines large and small, stationary engines, vintage vehicles, tractors, heavy horses and industrial heritage displays all in the beautiful surroundings of Central Park.
- 10am: Most vehicle exhibits will be in place
- 11am – 12noon: Bosville Valley Stompers live on the Bandstand
- 11.30am: Punch & Judy
- 12noon: Miniature Steam Engine Road Run
- 12.30pm-1pm: Bosville Valley Stompers live on the Bandstand
- 1pm-2pm: Dartford Concert Band on the Bandstand
- 1.30pm: Punch & Judy
- 3pm-4pm: Dartford Concert Band on the Bandstand
- 3.30pm: Punch & Judy
PLUS: Children’s fairground rides * Blacksmith demonstrations * All types of vintage vehicles * Museum displaying Dartford’s industrial history * Miniature train rides * Steam fairground organ * Show competition for children * Industrial history stalls * Heavy horses
Sunday 8th May – Town Centre
On Sunday 8th May, the focus shifts to the town centre for the road run and family entertainment.
- 9.30am-10.30am (approx): Service at Holy Trinity Church including a celebration of the life and work of Richard Trevithick
- 11am-2pm: Food stalls, vintage fire engine, steam fairground organ and carousel at One Bell Corner.
- 12noon: Vehicles gather in Spital Street/Hythe Street
- 1pm: Mayor of Dartford pays tribute to Richard Trevithick outside the Royal Victoria and Bull Public House
- 1.15pm: Wreath is taken up to St Edmund’s Pleasance, resting place of Richard Trevithick
- All vehicles leave to continue their parade around the town