The Elizabethan house and estate of Parham Park at Parham between Storrington and Pulborough in West Sussex is set for a weekend of nostalgia next month with the return of the Sussex Steam Rally.

On Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th July 2024, the park will resound to the sound of steam engines, vintage and classic vehicles, working exhibits, local trade stands, and family-friendly fun.

The Sussex Steam Rally is one of the biggest events in the county, and the setting is the ideal place to see the many historic vehicles while enjoying a family day out.

The event promises more than 1,000 exhibits on display from across the Weald of West Sussex and southern counties.

These include more than 50 steam engines, rollers, road locomotives, lorries, showman’s engines, and miniature engines.

The main arena will host parades of steam-powered vehicles and vintage vehicles, as well as the family favourite of The Steam Games.

Visitors will have the chance to steer a full-size steam engine and watch demonstrations of sawing wood using steam power.

As well as the main arena, visitors can enjoy all the fun of the fair with a traditional Funfair with its vintage rides.

Handmade gifts and treats will be available in the craft and refreshments tent, which will also stock local ciders and real ales.

The rally is being organised by Sussex Steam Shows Ltd, a non-profit company that has been organising Steam Rallies in West Sussex for 16 years, starting with the Dial Post Steam Rally in 2008 followed by the Wiston Steam Rally which ran from 2012 until 2019.

Each event is staged to support local and national charities and raise sufficient funds to continue to hold future events.

The main charity supported since the first Wiston Steam Rally has been Service by Emergency Rider Volunteers (SERV) Sussex. SERV Sussex, which provides transport services for blood, blood products, and other urgent medical items for NHS Hospitals across the county.

Parham Park is in Pulborough, West Sussex, postcode RH20 4HR, and further information about the event and early bird ticket details can be found at www.sussexsteamrally.co.uk/tickets.

Also in West Sussex, two historic traction engines will be seen together for the first time in 20 years at the Amberley Museum’s Large Steam Show on Saturday, 6th and Sunday, 7th July.

In Dorset, the Swanage Railway hosts vintage vehicles at its annual ‘Roads to Rail’ events next to Norden station near the village of Corfe Castle.

We are delighted to be returning to Parham Park for a third year. We are excited to be hosting a weekend of fun-filled family entertainment at Parham Park.

Anne Whittingstall of Sussex Steam Shows