It’s called Abergavenny Steam Rally but within the mix of tradition and nostalgia there is also bang up to the minute action adventure and crazy stunts and so much more besides. Truly something for the whole family, and a great value day out writes Douglas McArthur of Abergavenny Rotary.

There is literally something for everyone, and the opportunity to join in with the sights, sounds and smells of a fabulous show. And you may get to bang your own drum in the process.

’Upbeat Music and Arts’ works with schools and organisations to open eyes and minds to new possibilities and uncover hidden abilities and talents by raising expectations and requirements of students.

Through working with their music and arts specialists, Upbeat’s mission is to deliver high quality learning experiences that raise skills, self-esteem, confidence and aspirations.

This summer 2018 they are working on a World Music project with all Year 6 pupils moving to King Henry VIII School from the local primary schools. This ‘transition’ project will culminate in a mass performance at the school on June 20.  

The focus is on community, collaboration and integration. Excitingly, Upbeat will be providing open Samba workshops at the Steam Rally on Sunday and Monday for all comers to experience the enjoyment of community music making and for these students to share their learning.  

In the arena, we present The Stannage International Stunt Team, a true family affair, Mark, Janine, and Aaron Stannage have worked world wide for over 18 years, bringing excitement to audiences of all ages.

Team leader Mark Stannage started his professional career at the tender age of 14, now with over 34 years experience specializing in car, motorbike, fire and high fall stunts, performing some of the most spectacular stunts ever seen on film or TV.

Mark and his family perform their spectacular High Fall Show, Flaming High Fall Show, High Falls on Fire, Motorbike and Quad Stunts,Ramp Jumping, Car Jumps, Mountain Bike Stunts, plus Fire and Explosions.

Son Aaron following in his father’s footsteps, at only 23 years old has 20 years experience as a stunt performer. Aaron has performed on various TV shows and newspaper features in the last few years and is fast becoming a star in his own right, just finishing his first feature film in 2017, and is a Guinness World Record Holder.

The Rockwood Dog Display Team provides great family entertainment. The display takes the audience through every aspect of dog training from obedience performed to music, dogs jumping through 10inch hoops, agility, fly ball and active Man Work where a dog is seen to apprehend an armed criminal.

Also relevant in today’s world, a child is saved by her dog while being absconded. A great visual effect is created when all the dogs in the team demonstrate their skill and courage by negotiating the 80 ft ramp with four fire squares. The dog display will delights the audience with their comedy routines and tricks.

The show culminates in an exciting agility relay race, with two teams racing against the clock and the audience cheering on their chosen team The dog display is all beautifully performed to music and includes an informative and amusing commentary by Martin Winfield.

The dogs well-being and care is always the priority, with the handlers and all the members handle their dogs with compassion and above all patience. Some of the dogs have been rescued and perform spectacular stunts like parallel bar walking and fire retrieving.

The team has had countless appearances on National TV including, "That’s Life", "The Wogan Show", "TFI Friday" "The Generation Game", "The Pets Rescue Road Show", “Rolf’s amazing animals”, BBC Children’s TV,    “ITV This Morning” and “Dogs With Jobs” for The National Geographic Channel on Sky TV.   

Added to the usual attractions of the Steam Rally, which takes place on Sunday and Monday, the Bank Holiday weekend promises to be a delight for the whole family in Abergavenny.