Thousands attend sun-kiss Stradsett Vintage Rally

A popular West Norfolk event which had faced an uncertain future attracted thousands of visitors as the sun shone over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Organisers of the Stradsett Vintage Rally had indicated last autumn that the event would be scrapped after more than 40 years, because of rising costs.

But officials from the National Vintage Tractor and Engine Club’s East Anglian branch in February announced that it would take place again this year.

The rally took place on Sunday and Monday on the themes of crop establishment and 100 years of the John Deere agricultural equipment brand.

Organiser Gordon Carson said: “It was a brilliant weekend. There was a record amount of exhibitors, it must have been between 800 to

900.

“There was not a record amount of people this year, but there was thousands of people. The field was full.

“It is amazing to think the exhibitors came from all over the country, from Canterbury, Scotland, to show off their exhibits and support our local charities.”

The rally has been a major fundraiser for worthy causes since it began 41 years ago.

Donations are being shared between East Anglia Air Ambulance (EAAA), East Coast Truckers, The Magpie Centre: West Norfolk Riding for the Disabled Association, Addenbrooke’s Kidney Patients Association and Dementia UK following this year’s event.