In pictures: It’s full steam ahead as Haddenham Steam Rally nears half-century

Alongside the ever-popular steam engines and other attractions, the 49th Haddenham Steam Rally and Heavy Horse Show also paid tribute to part of Fenland history.

Thousands enjoyed the annual show at the weekend (7-8 September), with Saturday’s better forecast meaning it proved “really busy”, according to rally secretary Ruth Young.

She said: “We always try and put a special display on, and this time it was ‘Fenland in the 40s’.

“The display covered all sorts of bits and pieces, including the Fen floods. We had something called a ‘Buffalo’ here – it was a tank – which helped through the flood defences.”

The Fens flooded in 1947. “I didn’t know until this display,” said Ruth. “They had a lot of snow and when it thawed, it caused a lot of the banks to break. So that’s where they used those Buffalo machines.”

Among the host of attractions were vintage tractors, an old tyme fair and the extraordinary Wall of Death motorcycle display.

Ruth added: “There were 45 full-size steam engines this year – the most we’ve had in a while.”

Next year will be the Haddenham Steam Rally’s 50th edition and Ruth reveals that preparations for it will start “around November time”.

“We’re always looking for volunteers and any local groups who want to come and help us. We’re all volunteers that do this so the more people we can get to help, the better.”

For more on the Haddenham Steam Rally and Heavy Horse Show, visit haddenhamsteamrally.co.uk.