Full Steam Ahead… The Grand Henham Steam Rally

2018 sees the return of the Grand Henham Steam Rally. Now in its 44th year, this well-loved event is a great day out for adults, children, dogs and anyone visiting Suffolk. Taking place from the 15th – 16th September and located at the gorgeous Henham Park, an estate just North of the village of Blythburgh, this two-day steamy extravaganza hosts a wealth of exciting activities in a picturesque setting in the Suffolk countryside. Open from 10 am – 6 pm each day, we predict that Saturday visitors will be returning for the Sunday with there being so much to enjoy…

Running for forty-four years, the steam rally has increased in both size and popularity. Each year new and wonderful elements are added to the steam rally lineup, and we’re sure this year won’t disappoint. The 2018 rally has a huge amount of activities and shows on the bill including Stuart Barns’s world-famous Dog and Duck Show, which will take to the Len Murray Arena. Travelling all over the world with a wealth of wildlife knowledge, Stuart is an expert in animal behaviour, shown through his amazing display of sheepdogs as they heard ducks… you’d be quackers to miss it. Also on the bill is Nigel Oakley. A leading figure in the world of working horses, Nigel helps keep alive the tradition of real horsepower which served industry and agriculture for centuries. Nigel and his team will be displaying both Shires and Suffolk Punch horses along with a variety of horse-drawn vehicles. 

A bandstand with live music will be keeping visitors grooving with the likes of The Rogue Shanty Boys and UKE3A Ukulele Band taking to the stage along with many other acts throughout the weekend. There will also be amazing displays the Ken Fox Wall of Death, chainsaw carving and threshing demonstrations. An amazing vintage fairground for those thrill seekers out there will be found at the estate, and a children’s corner with the likes of Punch & Judy and Andy the clown will keep the little ones entertained. Along with all of this plus more, at the heart of the rally will be, of course, steam power in all its glory plus many vintage vehicles. 

Tickets for the event can be purchased via the steam rally website henhamsteamrally.com/tickets and are cheaper than buying on the day. Accompanied children and parking are free!

If the Grand Henham Steam Rally is of interest to you, Suffolk Secrets offer a fine choice of holiday cottages close by to the event, including cottages on Henham Park itself and many in Southwold, Reydon and Blythburgh which are just a short drive away. suffolk-secrets.co.uk/southwold-surrounding-villages