Vintage transport festival returns

One of the UK's biggest festivals of transport is returning for its 48th rally.

The Gloucestershire Vintage and Country Extravaganza first started in 1975 and celebrates all kinds of transport, including cars, bikes and tractors.

The event attracts thousands of enthusiasts every year.

"Whilst it’s evolved over the decades, the mission remains the same - to inform, educate, entertain and celebrate our unique transport history," said rally chairman Martyn Slater.

Organised by the Stroud Vintage Transport and Engine Club, the event's very first rally was held on a football pitch in Stonehouse.

It is now among the largest events of its kind in the UK.

Run entirely by volunteers, it has been held at South Cerney Airfield, near Cirencester, since 2011.

Despite being cancelled during the Covid pandemic, organisers said the event had continued to thrive.

"The event industry has changed considerably since the pandemic, with many similar events falling by the wayside due to the ever-increasing costs, " said Mr Slater.

"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," he added.

The festival boasts a large array of vintage transport, including buses and coaches, classic cars and motorcycles, pushbikes, vintage caravans and tractors.

A major star of the show is the steam section, which is packed with 30 miniature steam engines, 70 stationary engines and 60 full-size steam engines.

"We've also got 600 cars, some of which are up to 100 years old," Mr Slater said.

The festival has three live arenas which feature demonstrations, vehicle parades and commentary.

Shire horses and beehive-making are among the displays people can see at the animal and countryside arena.

The festival starts on Friday and runs for three days.

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