Lincoln Steam Rally 19th August 2023

[Steam Boy Hertford]

With the Great Dorset Steam Fair not running this year, I thought I'd give Lincoln a go. Although there was a fairly good turn-out of Traction Engines, I have to be completly honest - It has become a huge shadow of its former self, with over 100 Traction Engines, back in its heyday. It is very unlikely that I'll return again UNLESS numbers improve over the years to come, so much unused space around the whole Showground but not just for Engines, mind you.

https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjARNMF

[Gaudin98]

Nice to see a balanced view of the show, not just steam

[Mr B]

From what I heard the Commercial section entry was limited by 50% this year.

There is still strong demand to attend

[Arfursteam]

Great photos thanks for sharing

[iain]

There was certainly a lot of gaps everywhere. There seemed to be a fair number of new rallies that are now on this weekend?

It certainly needs a boost one way or another but how I don't know. I bet that's the fewest engines for maybe 20+ years. I can certainly remember the first time they had 100, quite a feat at the time, and that was over 20 years ago.

I'm not sure if they used to be more local engines than there is now, I don't know how the membership of the Lincolnshire club currently stands?

[Allbo]

It's a possibility that some are staying away for a year or two to see how the traveller issue has been resolved.

[iain]

That was 2019 in fairness, last year i don't think there was any issues (although they announced it was on late) and i didn't see or hear of any this year.

Be interesting to hear what the gate was like in the end.

[Steam Boy Hertford]

Thanks for the compliments. On the subject of travellers - a small group have been staying in the carpark at the Matalan quite close to my workplace. I'm not getting involved or anything, but surely there are far better and suitable places to do 'caravaning'? What next...use the exterior of my worplace to host a steam rally? Just kidding

[DTM537]

Originally Posted by Allbo

It's a possibility that some are staying away for a year or two to see how the traveller issue has been resolved.

This seems to be a common theme across several rallies - including Dorset.