IN a cacophony of huffing, puffing, whistles and foghorns Abergavenny Steam Rally defied the brooding clouds hanging over Bailey Park and pulled out all the stops to entertain more than 10,000 people over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend.

Vintage cars, motorcycles, commercial and military vehicles and tractors met with fairground organs, industrial saws and steam engines from throughout the UK and beyond in the County’s most popular summer event organised by Abergavenny Rotary Club.

Dogs leapt through flaming hoops while flaming men plunged from dizzying heights to thrill the crowds. Giant shire horses, groomed to perfection and brasses gleaming, made countless new friends in their meet and greet arena.

There were open samba workshops from Upbeat Music and Arts who later this summer will be involved in a project with all Year Six pupils moving up to King Henry VIII Comprehensive School from local primaries.

Rotary president, Lionel Elton commented, ‘Sunday was a bit of a challenge weather-wise but everyone who visited over the weekend thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle. So many people look forward to the steam rally, it gets bigger and better each year.’