Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza South Cerney Airfield, Cirencester, 2-4 August 2024

The Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza will make a welcome return to South Cerney Airfield, near Cirencester, on 2-4 August 2024.   The show has grown considerably from its humble beginnings in 1975 on a football field in Stonehouse, and is now among the largest events of its kind in the country run entirely by volunteers. Now after nearly 50 years, it’s regarded as one of the biggest and best steam, vintage and countryside events in the UK, celebrating all modes of vintage transport. Rally Chairman Martyn Slater said: 'The Stroud Vintage Transport & Engine Club is proud that, apart from enforced cancellation due to the Covid pandemic, the event has been an annual fixture in the rally calendar since the 1970s. Whilst it’s evolved over the decades, the mission remains the same: to inform, educate, entertain and celebrate our unique transport history – and it’s packed full of exhibits, displays, entertainment and stalls to keep the whole family entertained. The event features a vast array of classic transport, bygone skills, agricultural practices and, of course, modern-day restoration and pure grit and determination – the very bedrock that this nation was built upon.’

He continued: ‘The event industry has changed considerably since the pandemic, with many similar events falling by the wayside due to the ever-increasing costs. Thanks to the prudence of the committee and volunteers, we continue to “strive and survive” to provide one of the best-value family days out in Gloucestershire. What’s more, we’ve frozen the admission prices again for 2024!’
 
The Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza will once again boast a huge array of vintage transport, from buses and coaches, classic cars and motorcycles all the way through to pushbikes, vintage caravans and much more! There are three live arenas that are an integral part of the educational aspect of the show, and feature demonstrations, vehicle parades and commentary.
 
A major star of the show is the magnificent steam section, which is packed with 30 miniature steam engines, 70 stationary engines and 60 full-size steam engines of all descriptions. For many visitors, seeing the fabulous line-up of showmans’ engines, with their gleaming, twisted brass, really is a highlight. The ‘Demonstration Arena’ puts the mighty machines to the test, and there’s even the opportunity to drive one. Also, don’t miss the grand parade of miniature steam in the Alec Tanner arena, and be sure to check out the steamrollers in action.

Every mode of vintage transport is represented, and in motion – from a huge display of heavy haulage commercial and industrial trucks, mixed with classic plant and machinery, to more than 160 military machines, American auto trucks and ex-emergency services vehicles. You might even get a bit wet from the fire-tender demonstrations!
 
The tractor display is second to none, with many clubs choosing South Cerney as their national event. The display is filled with more than 200 tractors, showcasing a wonderful selection of agricultural machinery. 
 
But the event isn’t just about vintage transport…
 
The Animal and Countryside Arena – From ferret racing, rare breeds, shire horses and horse-logging to beehive-making – it’s all here among the rural displays and educational demonstrations. The popular dog show will make its return, with all money raised going to Teckels animal shelter – and with 2024 being the International Year of Camelids, ‘Camels through the Ages’ will be making its event debut. This entertaining show features fabulous costumes and informative commentary, to provide an insight into the long history of camel use and culture.

Kids of all ages will love it too – Don’t forget the vintage fairground attractions, some of which are powered by the steam engines. Take a ride on the steam-driven ‘gallopers’, Waltzers or The Yachts – the white-knuckle ride of the 1920s. Drive on the dodgems, see the fair from the air on the Carnival Big Wheel, or have a go on the traditional penny arcade games. You can take a sedate ride on the beautiful Carousel while listening to the fairground organs playing melodies from yesteryear, or board a 10¼in scale steam locomotive or ‘Chuffy the train’ for a passenger ride. Professor Collywobbles returns with his traditional Punch and Judy Show, and the model tent is a ‘must do’. Step into the world of miniature engineering with its models and diorama displays.
 
New for 2024: Swinging you back in time – Be sure to visit the new vintage entertainment tent, featuring live music, lindy hop dancing, vintage hair, and fashion through the eras. Why not dress up in your vintage finery and enter the ‘Best Dressed’ competition? Guest musicians include one of the premier Big Bands in the South West: The Midwest Big Band. This 18-piece Big Band has within its ranks some of the very best local talent – including professional conductor Bob Cutting (ex-Herb Miller band) – and will perform music from Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and golden tracks from the legends of swing.
 
Massive trade stand zone – Featuring more than 100 curiosity stalls and an autojumble to rummage around, it’s a great opportunity to find a bargain. Or visit the huge craft marquee housing a range of rural crafts and artisan small stalls. Meet the experts and learn about the skills and pastimes that have survived for generations, and continue to thrive today.

Food & drink – There are plenty of food and drink ‘pit stops’ across the showground. A firm favourite is the We’ll Meet Again Tea Room, a vintage-themed tea room set in the 1940s with vintage crockery, props and live music. It’s a great place to soak up the atmosphere and relax with a cuppa and delicious homemade cake.
 
FREE vintage bus rides – These operate around the perimeter of the show site, and to and from Cirencester town centre and Kemble railway station to the showground. The vintage bus service connects with selected First Great Western trains including Stroud, Gloucester and Cheltenham. Please check the timetable on the website.

Advance tickets available until Thursday 1 August. Visit: www.glosvintageextravaganza.co.uk