Parham Steam Rally: Remembering grandest two-day show in Sussex as new Sussex Steam Rally is announced at Parham Park

Parham Steam Rally ran for nearly 20 years, having been started by steam enthusiast Phil Read in 1986.

The show covered 75 acres in the grounds of Parham House, between Storrington and Pulborough, and had a reputation as the grandest two-day show in Sussex.

Thanks to Phil, it grew and improved each year to become a major show in the south of England, attracting visitors from a wide area.

Steam fanatics were rewarded with fine displays of steam engines, and there were also fairground organs, street organs and some rare stationary engines to enjoy, too.

Vintage cars and motorcycles were on view and there were working demonstrations by traction engines, saw benches, as well as a traditional old time fair, complete with carousel, helter-skelter, big wheel and other amusements.

The show attracted around 20,000 visitors each year and the large craft fair, along with market and trade strands, kept them busy, with plenty of music and colour adding to the atmosphere.

Parham Steam Rally celebrated its 18th show in 2003 and for the first time, it was organised by Countryman Fairs that year.