22nd & 23rd July 2023 saw the welcome return of the Silloth Vintage Rally on Silloth Green, after a three-year break due to covid and then a lack of volunteers. It was good to be back, and it was lovely to hear all the positive comments from those who were pleased to see the return of the Vintage Rally.
Despite the rain, we had a good turnout of vehicles and exhibitors over the weekend. The junior football tournament went ahead on the Saturday. As well as playing some inter club matches, teams from Maryport and Seaton also joined in. Despite the weather the players all had a great day and were presented with medals and certificates on behalf of the Vintage Rally Committee. Entertainment was provided by the On The Edge Motorcycle Stunt Display Team, providing an entertaining and professional display of motorcycle stunts – with 15ft jumps up vertical walls, drop offs and other interactive stunts. The Mavericks Show Team, a western re-enactment group, were camped out over at the former putting green for the whole weekend. Their Western camp was like stepping back in time, portraying the Wild West, entertaining the public with living history and shoot-out shows. Musical entertainment was provided by Carlos and local band Somethin’ Brewin’. Fairground rides were provided by Fletchers Fairground. Alan Matear also brought his two beautiful Clydesdale horses – April on Saturday and Claire on Sunday – spending the weekend talking to visitors about the two horses and about Clydesdales in general.
The event this year was sponsored by Cove Ltd who own the Solway Holiday Park for which we are extremely grateful. We also received grants from Silloth-on-Solway Community Shop and the Robinrigg Community Fund.
We would like to thank all the businesses who advertised in our programme. A thank you also to everyone who kindly gave a donation. Harrisons kindly provided us with trailer to use as a stage and a skip, as they do for most of the events on the Green, for which we are grateful. Thank you to the Town Council for allowing us to use the Green and to the grounds’ maintenance staff for all their help and assistance. We are unable to charge for entry to the event and without this valuable support, the event simply couldn’t take place. So, a big thank you to you all.
We would like to thank all the exhibitors and visitors who attended the rally over the two days. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves despite the rain and it was great to see all the vehicles on display – from a penny farthing bicycle to the striking American Kenworth truck belonging to Geoff Brown. Geoff was presented with the Best Vehicle in Show shield and a certificate by Alan Tinnion, on behalf of the Vintage Rally.
Finally, we must thank all our volunteers for all their hard work over the weekend and in the days, weeks and months before the rally – in the planning, preparation, setting up, breaking down and organising of the event, ensuring everything runs as smoothly as possible. Without their efforts this would not be the successful event it is today. We would especially like to thank our new volunteers who came forward last year to enable the event to continue.
We look forward to seeing you all again next year. Keep an eye on the Vintage Rally website for the date of next year’s rally:- www.vintagerally.co.uk