The Gloucestershire Steam & Vintage Extravaganza, now in its 39th year, will take place once again at South Cerney Airfield, Cirencester. From Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th August 2013 the extravaganza will attract more than 15,000 visitors and raise money for local and national charities.
The show has grown dramatically in recent years and is now widely regarded as one of the biggest and best Steam, Vintage and Countryside events in the UK. Attracting thousands of exhibits from all corners of the British Isles, as well as some from further afield it really is the place to see 'The British way of life' at its best, and in a beautiful location in the heart of the Cotswolds.
The show was originally conceived for steam enthusiasts, but the range of exhibits has grown year on year. It now boasts a huge array of vintage transport, from buses and coaches, commercial vehicles, classic cars and motorcycles through to military vehicles, tractors, engines and historic caravans. A live action arena will be an integral part of the show with interactive demonstrations taking place every day.
Our fun fair at the Gloucestershire Steam Extravaganza is one of the finest collections of vintage rides. There is no shortage of thrills and spills that can be found by riding upon the 'electric yachts', the waltzer, the big wheel, the steam-driven 'gallopers' and, of course, the dodgems. The popular Ken Fox Wall of Death will be included in the fairground again for 2013.
Smaller rides are available for young people as is a traditional arcade and various side stalls. Hundreds of curiosity stalls should also keep visitors engrossed for hours with displays of Victorian memorabilia ranging from antique sewing and knitting machines and model dolls houses to vintage garden tools and 1940s to 1950s home wares.
The Chairman of the Stroud Vintage Transport and Engine Club, Martyn Slater, says: “The Gloucestershire Steam & Vintage Extravaganza is the biggest of its kind run entirely by volunteers and I am proud to be involved. As well as raising money for local and national charities, our aim is to provide a safe and happy environment for everyone to celebrate our unique transport history, in hope that we can inspire future generations to get involved in the preservation of historic vehicles.”
There will, as usual, be a large display of vintage tractors with overseas and domestic manufacturers represented with a diverse selection of models, types and modifications. The display will provide a visual history of this humble but vitally important machine. This year more than 150 vintage tractors will be displayed dating from the 1920s to the 1980s showcasing manufacturers such as David Brown, Massey Ferguson, Nuffield, Zetor, Leyland, Farmall and Field Marshall to name but a few. The now infamous 'Dancing Tractors' will also return to the main arena, which is a fun display not to be missed!
The Gloucestershire Steam & Vintage Extravaganza is a great day out for all the family as children can have fun on the nostalgic fairground rides, see the distant Cotswold hills from the big wheel and get their heads in a spin on the waltzers while listening to music from yesteryear.
