A POPULAR vintage rally that was due to take place this weekend (September 19 to 21) has been cancelled due to the adverse weather forecast.

Organisers of the St Mawgan Steam and Vintage Rally made the decision following concerns the charity event could run at a loss.

The event was due to showcase vintage steam engines, tractors, cars, bikes, military vehicles, dancing diggers, quad bike stunt show and the world’s first 100 per cent methane-powered production tractor.

A spokesperson for the St Mawgan Steam and Vintage Rally Team said: “We’re sad that the rally has had to be cancelled.

“This hasn’t been an easy decision. Over the past few days we’ve been glued to the weather forecasts, checking insurance, and talking it all through as a team.

“The forecasts for this week and weekend are just too unpredictable. Although the field is still in good condition right now, it’s land we’re privileged to use, and bringing in exhibitors and traders would risk damaging it. Something we’re not willing to do.

“We also had to think about the bigger picture. After two great but difficult years where the rally has taken a financial hit on the Sunday, due to weather, we simply couldn’t risk running at a loss again. Even if the skies cleared, attendance would likely be affected because of the forecast, and that could put the long-term future of the rally in jeopardy.

“It’s gutting, especially as this year was shaping up to be something really special. Even with our chairman laid up unwell, the rally team pulled together brilliantly.

“The plans and improvements we’ve made are proof that next year, with more reliable weather, we’ll be flying.

“The good news is that all the hard work hasn’t been wasted. Everything we’ve put in will roll forward to next year, and with insurance covering this year’s costs, we can focus on coming back stronger. That’s what we always do.

“We would like to everybody for their support, understanding, and the huge amount of effort that’s already gone in. The decision had to be made with our heads rather than our hearts, but the rally spirit is still alive and well and we’ll be back.”