It’s been a blast!
On Monday, 26th May 2025, the Mid-Wales Vintage Machinery Club proudly hosted the 39th Annual Caersws Vintage Rally, and what a day it was! Despite the gloomy skies and occasional downpour, crowds from across the country turned out for a fantastic family day out, packed with the sights, sounds, and smells of yesteryear, and all in support of our 2025–26 charities: Lingen Davies, The Game Change Project, and Dementia Matters in Powys.
This year’s rally was full of unforgettable moments. Mid-Wales Off Road delivered a thrilling display, entertaining guests in the rain with powerful machines tackling obstacles and sliding around to the sound of cheers and laughter. People stood watching in amazement, raincoats and all, as the drivers pushed the limits of their vehicles.
Our car boot sale was bustling from the early hours, while the vintage auction drew big crowds and featured an impressive array of lots, fantastic quality, plenty of variety, and something for everyone.
The craft tent was absolutely full, both with display exhibits and with local artisans who had spent weeks preparing handmade items to showcase and sell. From artisan food and drink to hand-crafted cards, crochet, pottery, stained glass, and even live 3D printing demonstrations, the creativity on display was truly inspiring.
For the first time ever, we had a working thrashing box and baler on site, a mesmerising piece of agricultural history that drew curious crowds throughout the day. It was a powerful reminder of how farming used to be done, long before modern automation took over. Just nearby, a fully operational line shaft display wowed visitors with its belts and pulleys driving saws, grinders, churns, drills, mills, and more. Children and adults alike gathered to watch, ask questions, and marvel at the ingenuity of early engineering.
This year also saw record numbers of classic cars, vintage tractors, engines and classic motorcycles, with the showground packed full of beautifully restored vehicles from across the decades. Our steam section, whilst still modest in scale, has been growing steadily. We’re already exploring ways to make it an even more prominent feature next year.
The steam train was a favourite with visitors, winding its way alongside the showground, giving our guests a unique view of our event. And of course, the vintage tea room was buzzing, full of conversation, warmth, and more homemade cakes and biscuits than you could shake a stick at!
What makes the Caersws Vintage Rally truly special is that it’s run entirely by volunteers. Club members, their families, exhibitors, and site support teams all give up hundreds of hours planning, building, baking, meeting, and laughing to make this event happen. It’s a labour of love, powered by passion, not profit. For one day each year, everyone comes together to focus on what really matters: fun, friendship, and charity.
As we look ahead to 2026, we’re preparing to celebrate a huge milestone: 40 years of fundraising, vintage exhibits, and family fun. We’re already planning our most exciting rally yet, so keep an eye out later this year for a glimpse of what’s to come.
We also truly value your feedback. Over the years, we hope we’ve shown that we don’t just listen, we act. So please, tell us about your day, share your photos, and let us know what you’d love to see next time. Your stories and suggestions shape the future of the rally.
On behalf of everyone at the Mid-Wales Vintage Machinery Club, thank you for joining us in 2025. We can’t wait to welcome you back for an extra-special 40th anniversary celebration in 2026!
Kindest regards,
Toby Lloyd – Show Secretary