Dear Exhibitor
As you are aware, the Three Cocks Vintage Society has been running its annual rally at Boatside Farm near Hay on Wye for over 43 years. I would like to begin by sincerely thanking you for your continued support — whether you have been exhibiting with us for just a few years or for many decades. Your involvement has always been hugely appreciated.
We are a small society of around 30 members, with realistically only about 20 active members who carry out much of the work. Because of this, and due to rising costs, we have found it increasingly difficult to continue staging the rally in its present form. The cost of running the event now exceeds £20,000, covering traffic management, security, parking stewards, toilets, electricity, marquees, seating, and more. These costs have risen year on year, while footfall has remained static or declined. Raising ticket prices does not appear to be a viable solution, and despite all our efforts, the rally typically generates only around £3,000 surplus at the end of the day, and this was only achieved by only allowing one free pass per exhibitor, which proved unpopular.
After a great deal of discussion and careful thought, it became clear that the rally, in its current format, had become tiring — both financially and physically — for our members. This is my second year as Chair, and I spent considerable time speaking with members to gauge their feelings. Sadly, it began to feel as though we were continuing out of obligation rather than enthusiasm. We strongly believe it is time for change, and as such, we will not be staging the rally in the format you have known in previous years.
Instead, we will be running a series of smaller, more manageable, and cost-effective events throughout the year. One of our biggest concerns was the risk of a weather-related washout, which could wipe out society funds built up over five or six years in a single weekend — something neither the society nor I, as Chair, could justify risking.
Later this year, we will be hosting:
· A model event
· A traditional working day, allowing members to plough and work the land
· A Vintage in Action Day on 9th August 2026
We are retaining our traditional date — the second Sunday in August — but with a brand-new event and venue. This year’s main event will take place at Clyro Court near Hay on Wye, the former home of the Baskerville family, famous for its connection to The Hound of the Baskervilles and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Our Vice President, David Hodby, has kindly made the ground available to us.
The new venue offers many advantages, including existing electricity and toilets, camping and reducing the need for extensive marquees. The site is flat with tarmac or stone roads and has extensive views towards the Black Mountains. The event will be smaller and more compact, but with a strong emphasis on what the public — and our younger members — want to see: machines moving, working, and being driven.
We are currently calling the event “Vintage in Action”, running from 11:00am to 5:00pm. Exhibits will be working throughout the day in dedicated areas, rather than short demonstrations in a main ring. This means visitors will always have something interesting to watch, no matter when they arrive.
There will be:
· Tractor pulling.
· Working horticultural machinery.
· Expanded harvesting displays.
· Bail stacking.
· Steam engine rides.
· Steam exhibits operating big equipment such as wood sawing, and threshing.
· Wheel making
· Butter churning. Etc etc the list goes on
For catering, Clyro Court will be running the bars, alongside a range of food options, ice creams, and — for the first time — a dedicated tea and cake tent run by the Land Army Girls, giving visitors a relaxed place to sit and enjoy refreshments.
Parking will be both on and off-site, there will also be a shuttle service from the main carpark in Hay on Wye, running vintage buses to transport visitors to and from the event, adding to the experience.
Exhibitor selection will work differently this year. Rather than open online registration, our section heads will act as curators, selecting vehicles to ensure variety and interest for the public. Space is limited, with approximately:
· 20 commercial vehicles
· 40 static exhibits
· 50–60 tractors
· 50–60 cars
· As well as military vehicles, static engines and much more.
If you have exhibited with us before, you may be contacted directly by the relevant curator. Exhibitors will receive two entry passes per exhibit. If we don’t have the room for your exhibit, we would still love you to come along and enjoy the day — we truly believe it will be a different, fresh, and exciting event.
We felt that the fun had gone out of the rally, and our goal is to put that fun back into what we do and what we love.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support. We hope to see you very soon. If you have any questions my phone is always on 07831 613 630.
Kind regards,
Paul Elkington
Chairman, Three Cocks Vintage Society
