Lappa Valley’s Beloved Locomotive Zebedee Steams into West of England Rally at Stithians
Lappa Valley's beloved steam locomotive Zebedee made a triumphant appearance at the West of England Steam Engine Society Rally, held at the Stithians Showground from 15th to 17th August 2025
Rail enthusiasts and families alike were delighted to spot Zebedee arriving safely and in high spirits at Stithians over the weekend.
The rally, celebrating its 70th anniversary, featured an impressive line-up of over 100 full-size steam engines — the largest gathering Cornwall has seen in years. Attendees were treated to working demonstrations, vintage trailers pulled by live steam engines, and splendid displays of vintage vehicles, tractors, and rural crafts.
Zebedee, although not a full-size engine, added a special charm—offering nostalgic glimpses into Cornwall’s narrow-gauge rail heritage, delighting both young visitors and seasoned rail buffs. The team from Lappa Valley also distributed a range of free merchandise and half price entry vouchers.
Matt from Lappa Valley said: “Thank you to everyone who came to see us at the WESES Rally at Stithians Showground, and to the organisers for the invite. We had such an incredible time over the three days and it was great to see so many friends old and new.”
The Lappa team also indulged in a few activities themselves, with Lappa’s owner Keith Southwell driving a steam roller and Evan learning how to steer a Traction Engine.
As one of Cornwall’s premier steam events, the West of England Rally combined heritage celebration with family fun — featuring fairgrounds, live music, countryside crafts, and even sheaf pitching contests late into Saturday night. Against this rich backdrop, Zebedee’s appearance stood out as a touching reminder of Cornwall’s narrow-gauge legacy — connecting modern audiences with a bygone era.
