Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza

[RWHB1]

THE SOUTH WEST'S LARGEST FESTIVAL OF VINTAGE TRANSPORT RETURNS

The Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza will make a welcome
return to South Cerney Airfield, near Cirencester, on August 2-4.

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 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 added: "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.

The grand finale to close the show on the Sunday, is the magnificent
Extreme Bike Battle display - making their Cerney debut. The Extreme
Bike Battle fuses multiple disciplines together for the ultimate
adrenaline-fuelled show. Witness jaw-dropping stunts to
gravity-defying tricks. You won't want to miss these world-class
performers pushing themselves to the limit. The spectacular show will
take place at 5pm in the main arena.

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 transport...

THE ANIMAL AND COUNTRYSIDE ARENA - From falconry displays, 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 fun dog show will make its return each
day, 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. Making their debut will be The UK
Association of Circus Model Builders.

NEW FOR 2024: Swinging you back in time - Be sure to visit the new
FREE vintage entertainment tent, featuring live swing music, lindy hop
dancing, hair demonstrations by Vintage Victory Roller, retro fashion
show, an introduction to Burlesque to dance lessons with 'Just Jive'
Swindon. 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 tearoom set in the 1940s with vintage crockery, props
and live music from the fabulous vintage performer Miss Em. It's a
great place to soak up the atmosphere and relax with a cuppa and
delicious homemade cake.

There's also the ever-popular BEER TENT located near the vintage
fairground featuring live music throughout the weekend. We are
delighted to welcome back the Cricklade Brass Band. The band was
formed in 1887, and are the oldest established, continuously active
association in Cricklade. Often assumed to be a professional band,
their team of young-at-heart musicians prefer to concentrate on being
an up-to-date, entertaining community brass big band playing a set
list of well-known tunes. The Cricklade Brass Band can be seen
Saturday and Sunday in the Beer Tent.

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.

STEAM TRAILER TRACTOR RIDES - operated by Gloucestershire Fire &
Rescue to help raise funds for the Firefighters Charity. The charity
provides mental, physical, and social needs of all serving and retired
members of the UK's fire family. Members of the local service will be
on hand with a fire engine too.

The steam trailer tractor rides are by donation and are another way in
which the Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza supports
charities, preservation projects and community initiatives.

[Earl Kitchener]

Forget all the above - just go! We've just got back after another excellent day out at this fine event. Great selection of engines, plenty of activity, good working displays and a fully working Lister powered line-shafting display. Take a few miniutes out too to see Will Brown show just how to get the most out of a Grasscutter Twist and nearby look out for the T Whitelegg Showtrac.

[RWHB1]

Nice one Roger! I am at Cromford another good outing!

Russ