By Charlotte Ikonen

The lost steam age came to life for hundreds of visitors at the British Engineerium open day in Hove on Sunday, February 10.

Around 500 members of the public were treated to staff in period costume, guided tours and a wide selection of fantastic engineering, with the newly opened Pump House in full operation.

On behalf of the British Engineerium, Hannah Staff said they were pleased with the turnout despite the torrential rain. 

The engineerium houses a large collection of steam engines, including the fully restored No. 2 Beam Engine. 

Martin Cyrulska 56, an engineering enthusiast travelled from London for the open day.

He said: “I am impressed at the amount on show considering the site is undergoing renovations.

"My favourite part is new Pump House, which is the reason I came down.”

Heavy rain meant the Jaguar display was cancelled. However, there were still classic cars dotted around on display. 

The engineerium is still undergoing renovations, and plans to have an underground railway and two cinemas built.

Tea rooms are planned to  open by spring, and subject to planning permission an ice rink, funded by Robert Cousins, will be operating from November. 

There are currently open days once a month.

Profits raised from the day go to the British Engineerium Trust to help future renovations of the site. At present, there is no date set for the full reopening of the engineerium.

For more information on future open days, visit www.britishengineerium.org.