About the WSRA Rally
The WSRA Steam and Vintage Rally is run by a team of dedicated volunteers. The primary aim of the rally is to raise funds for the owning Charity the West Somerset Railway Association, (WSRA) which in turn supports the West Somerset Railway.
The Rally also aims to promote and cultivate interest in steam and vintage transport and of course to ensure a thouroughly enjoyable day out for the community and all supporters of the West Somerset Railway.
The rally is great fun, whether you participate as an exhibitor, volunteer as a helper or just come along for an enjoyable day out.
2023 Rally feedback:
Brilliant day and amazing event. The ground was very good and the odd rain shower wasn’t and issue. Have to say the West Somerset Railway Association refreshments tent was brilliant. My son who is gluten free never had the opportunity for cake at large events but not today, the staff there had GF food well catered for. Thanks to everyone for your hard work, we had a fantastic time. The train ride from West Somerset Railway Bishops Lydeard was an added bonus!
It was our first visit to the show and we had a totally brilliant weekend from the moment we arrived on Friday evening to the time we left on Sunday – every Marshall / member of security/ rally volunteer we encountered was most polite and helpful and we are recommending this event to our friends for next year ! Normally at the end of a 2/3 day event you would avoid the portaloos however we never had to worry about lack of loo roll, sanitizer etc and the bins were never overflowing! The band of volunteers who organised and staffed this event should be very proud of themselves- see you next year
Rally News From Facebook
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.
Useful Rally Info
The WSRA Steam and Vintage rally takes place in a rural location with very limited network availability and whilst some card payment facilities are available, visitors are advised to bring plenty of cash for spending.
The Rally is a family event and we welcome well behaved dogs and their owners. Dogs must be kept on a lead and under close control at all times. Dog breeds and types banned under the Dangerous Dogs act are not permitted at the rally. Dog owners must be responsible for collecting and disposing of their dog’s waste products.
Opening Times
The rally is open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday August 3rd and Sunday August 4th 2024.
Health and Safety
We are very aware of the need to look after our exhibitors and visitors. We have continued with additional toilet facilities, cleaning and hand wash facilities this year and our on site precautions are being constantly reviewed and improved. A full list of our policies, risk assessments and plans is being compiled and will be available HERE.
Where to find us
The Rally is held each year on the grass fields of the West Somerset Railway Association’s 33-acre site at Norton Fitzwarren, 3 miles west of Taunton. The site is mostly level, with a slight rise to the northwest corner. Car parking is on a grassy field east of the main site, courtesy of a local farmer, with access off the B3227.
A special Train Shuttle service will operate from Bishops Lydeard station to the rally site, and a Bus Service will operate from Silk Mills Park and Ride via Norton Fitzwarren Village to the rally site.
