WSRA Steam Rally 2026
– A well-earned pause and a year of renewal
The WSRA has taken the positive decision to pause the 2026 Rally, giving our incredible volunteers a well-earned year’s break after their tireless commitment and enthusiasm over recent years.
Just like Glastonbury, a ‘fallow year’ provides a valuable opportunity for the land to rest and recover and for the TEAM to take time out, reflect and prepare for an even better event in 2027. It’s an opportunity to prepare for the introduction of new legislation and ensure that we continue to prioritise the health and safety of our staff and visitors. It will also allow essential land recovery and maintenance work to take place. This includes substantial fencing, planting and reseeding following the recovery of a large area of land previously used for stone processing. The new plantings will need time to establish, before the fields are ready to host major events again.
This year away is a positive and practical step to ensure both our volunteers and the Rally fields have the chance to recover and thrive.
The WSRA Trustees would like to express our deep gratitude to every volunteer whose hard work and dedication have made the Rally such a success. Your commitment is the heart of the WSRA, and we want to give you the time to rest and recharge.
During 2026, the charity plans to focus on alternative fundraising events away from the Rally fields—fresh opportunities to raise funds, engage our community, and celebrate everything that makes the WSRA special. We warmly encourage our volunteers and supporters to share their ideas and get involved as we plan the year ahead.
Together, we’ll make 2026 a year of renewal—and look forward to welcoming back the Rally, refreshed and stronger than ever, in 2027.
For more information please contact:
Edward Martin – Chair of Trustees – edward.martin@wsra.org.uk
Regular features at the Steam Rally include:
- working traction engines, tractors and road rollers.
- vintage cars, motorcycles, fire engines, buses, military and commercial vehicles.
- vintage agricultural vehicles and tractors.
- stationary engines.
- parades of vehicles in the ring and around the site
- demonstrations of steam engines and tractors at work.
- brake van rides on the Barnstaple line.
- beer tent and refreshments.
- family fun, children’s entertainments and model train rides.
- Artisan food and drinks , crafts and models.
