Following a recent meeting of the Elvaston Steam Rally committee the decision was taken to cancel the 2025 Rally, this being due to the year-on-year deterioration of the ground conditions of Elvaston Showground, particularly the poor drainage in key areas of the site.
As you may recall the 2024 event in July was cancelled for this very reason. Approximately 20% of the site was unusable due to standing water.
Over the preceding months up to November 2024 the ground conditions were regularly monitored by committee members, the surface water eventually receded but given the relatively low rain fall in this period it was disappointing to find the affected areas were still extremely wet.
With the 2025 event in mind, consideration was given to the possibility of rearranging the site layout to avoid the areas in question and limiting any possible financial penalties the DCC would impose for reinstatement of damaged areas, however this was considered not to be a practical solution and would seriously affect our ability to offer the public the usual high-quality event whist maintaining access and safety for all.
We were therefore forced to conclude that the Elvaston Showground would not be suitable to host a rally until remedial work is carried out on the affected areas.
Not to be deterred the committee also made enquiries regarding alternative venues, however, for various reasons this has drawn a blank for 2025.
We would be interested to hear any suggestions or offers regarding a new venue that would accommodate our future events, please contact the committee via their general enquiries email
During the summer of 2025 the committee propose to hold a small one-day gathering of a few Engines, Organs and Fair rides etc. Hopefully at a Public House car park. Again, any suggestions for a venue would be appreciated. The committee are extremely positive that the Steam Rally will return in 2026, in the meantime this gathering will hopefully keep us in the public eye.
The cancellation was a difficult decision and extremely disappointing, however, considering the ground situation and possible financial implications of another cancellation, we felt this was the most sensible decision.
We would like to thank all the exhibitors and visitors who have supported us throughout the years, and look forward to seeing you in 2026.
Disappointing, as I was considering this year's event, BUT 100% behind decision to call it off due to ground conditions.
I've attended (exhibited at) a couple of Classic Car Rallies where exhibitors needed to be towed off the exhibition field by tractor because under vehicle movements and footfall it became a quagmire! That has ongoing consequences beyond the disaster of the day, car clubs and individuals were reluctant to return in following years for fear of suffering the same conditions!
A disastrously bad experience can damn an event and lead to it's collapse in the future, better to disappoint for one year and leave hope for future years.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Elvaston Steam Rally 2025 - CANCELLED
