03/11/2025
For those who may not have got the news, Strumpshaw Steam Engine Rally is no more. Sad news indeed, not because it was one of the nearest rallies for me, but because it was the first steam rally I ever attended. That first visit, on an off chance 10ish years ago, sparked a whole new direction capturing our social history and the amazing rally family, for many a lifestyle choice. Thank you doesn't seem enough, but a massive thank you to everyone involved over the years. Not having what many consider the season opener right on my doorstep will be a big big miss, not just for me, but for the rally family.
Strumpshaw Steam Museum regrets to announce that the steam rally scheduled for the late May bank holiday in 2026 will not take place, although the museum will remain open.
The cost of staging the rally has increased markedly since the Covid pandemic and continues to do so. Other factors in this decision include the cost of VAT, increased administration, loss of some land due to veteran trees having to be fenced off, and the constraints of fitting the rally into the available space.
The museum would like to sincerely thank the organisers, volunteers, suppliers, caterers, traders, exhibitors, public visitors and everybody else who has contributed to the event over so many years. Thank you all for your support, and we hope you will remember the Strumpshaw Steam Rally fondly.
The museum will remain open (Sundays and bank holidays from Easter Sunday to first Sunday in October) and the other events planned for 2026 will continue – Easter Egg Hunt, Norwich Classic Vehicle Club Funday, Strumpshaw Tree Fair, Strumpshaw Trosh, and Model Event.
We look forward to welcoming friends old and new at these events.
