Fireworks off but steam spectacular rolls on

A fireworks display planned to celebrate the 60th anniversary of a steam festival has been cancelled because of extreme heat, organisers said.

Despite the change to the programme, thousands of visitors continued to attend Welland Steam and Country Rally, near Malvern, Worcestershire, on Saturday and Sunday, which features more than 140 working steam engines, vintage fairground rides, live entertainment and traditional British food stalls.

Site manager Pete Evans said safety had to come first.

"We took the responsible attitude because the steam engine obviously has a fire in it and it spits sparks. We didn't want to set the Malvern Hills on fire," he said.

"Being the responsible people that we are, we stopped that.

"We would usually have a big, big firework display, and a big one was ordered for our 60th but we've taken advice from Worcestershire firefighters, and we're not holding the fireworks because of the risk," Evans said.

Now in its 60th year, the festival has attracted enthusiasts from across the UK and Europe, with organisers welcoming more than a dozen coach parties from overseas.

"We've had over a dozen coaches from all over Europe inside this morning, so we are attracting a global audience," Evans said.

Among this year's highlights is a display of about 200 Marshall tractors alongside steam engines spanning generations of engineering history.

Evans said seeing so many working engines in one place had become increasingly rare and was only possible because of the dedication of owners and volunteers.

"It's our history [and] it's what put Britain on the map, when we had an industrial nation, and when we built things.

"Some of them are still doing what they were designed to do over 100 years ago.

"We've got over 140 steam engines on site, and they are all operating," Evans said.

The festival also features vintage attractions, live music and a traditional beer tent, with demonstrations and family activities taking place throughout the weekend.

"There's a fantastic catering line-up with all celebrations of British food," he added.

Reflecting on the milestone anniversary, Evans said reaching 60 years was a testament to the volunteers and supporters who had helped keep the event going.

"It makes you proud just to be part of it.

"We are going forward from strength to strength. We've got a good few youngsters coming up through, and we're confident of the next 60 years," he said.

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