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Everyone’s going loco for vintage vehicles at two-day extravaganza celebrating Dartford’s industrial and social heritage

The two-day extravaganza celebrating Dartford’s industrial and social heritage was a hit as people gathered to have a look at the locomotives.

The steam rally is now in its seventh year but this time Dartford council teamed up with the Dartford Remembered Facebook group, as well as Trevithick’s Industrial Dartford, to host the Dartford Remembered Live weekend at the same time.

Freddy, one, and Lily, four. at the Dartford Steam Rally
Freddy, one, and Lily, four. at the Dartford Steam Rally

Alongside all the vehicles, including Dartford’s 1930s fire engine, there were displays and activities for all the family.

With the Liz Burville Dancers, Punch & Judy, giant retro games, talks, photographs and memorabilia from the 1960s to the 1990s – including a special focus on the First World War – there was something for everyone.

The annual Steam and Industrial Heritage Show honours Richard Trevithick, a 19th century inventor and engineer.

He was an early pioneer of steam-powered road and rail transport and died at The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel in Dartford’s High Street in 1833.

Adrian Herbert with his 1904 Humberett, talks with Ken Walton and Hugh Nisbet.
Adrian Herbert with his 1904 Humberett, talks with Ken Walton and Hugh Nisbet.

He is buried in the old St Edmund’s cemetery, East Hill, and, as is tradition, on Sunday a parade of full-size steam engines travelled in convoy from Overy Street to his memorial stone, where a wreath was laid.

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