The 40th annual Gloucestershire Steam & Vintage Extravaganza took place at South Cerney Airfield, Cirencester on Friday 1st thru to Sunday 3rd August 2014 and was hailed a huge success. 8,000 visitors flocked through the gate on Sunday alone, making it the best attended day in the events 40 year history. Numbers were naturally down on Friday and Sunday due to the tropical wet weather conditions. The show saw approximately 12,000 visitors throughout the weekend and raised money for both local and national charities including the Cobalt Appeal Fund, Diabetes UK and Anne Edwards School, South Cerney and many others.
The show is organised by The Stroud Vintage Transport and Engine Club and is the biggest event of its kind ran entirely by volunteers, and would not be able to take place without the huge support of the dedicated section leaders, exhibitors, volunteers and visitors. Since moving from its existing site at Kemble Airfield in 2011 to South Cerney Airfield, the show has grown considerably and is widely regarded as one of the biggest and best Steam, Vintage vehicle and Country event in the UK.
The 2014 Gloucestershire Steam & Vintage Extravaganza boasted a huge array of exhibits including, a countryside arena, dog show, falconry display, aerobatics display, vintage fairground, Wall of Death, hundreds of stalls and even an air display. This year saw 80 steam engines, 400 classic cars, 180 classic tractors, 100 vintage cycles, 220 classic motorcycles, 60 vintage buses, emergency vehicles, 70 military vehicles, model aircraft, radio controlled planes, caravans, traction engines and one of the largest gathering of commercial vehicles in the UK, plus a world record number of auto trucks in attendance.
Martyn Slater, Chairman of the show and the Stroud Vintage Transport and Engine Club, said: “We are thrilled with the turnout of both exhibitors and visitors over the weekend and are very grateful to our team of volunteers, section leaders and the local community for their support and for making it such a success. As well as raising money for local and national charities, the aim of the event has always been to provide a safe and happy environment for everyone to celebrate our unique transport heritage, in hope that we can inspire future generations to get involved in the preservation of historic vehicles and living history. The sheer scale of the show means that there is always something new to see. We always strive each year to make the show even bigger and better with the quality, quantity and array of historic displays and dioramas. This year we have already received fabulous feedback, many hailing it as the best yet.”
Martyn Slater continued “We apologise for the inconvenience on Sunday with the congestion, caused not only be the record number of visitors to the show, but nearby roadworks, traffic diversions and an abnormal wide-load vehicle passing through the area at the peak show entry time added to the high volume of traffic and delays.”
The show would welcome your feedback, and pictures. If you have any feedback in regards to the event, or would like to be involved in 2015, please contact Martyn Slater the Chairman of the Stroud Vintage Transport and Engine Club via email: [email protected]
Plans are already underway for next year’s show, which will take place on the weekend of 31st July – 2nd August 2015.
Here are just a few of the many comments we have received today from show visitors:
Dave Lester ‘A brilliant show, second to none, The best so far’
Graham Chrimes ‘Absolutely fantastic event, the weather really helped on the Sunday. As an avid photographer of Heritage and Vintage vehicles, the range and amount of exhibits was second to none. The family atmosphere was great, this was my favourite event of the year. Well done to all involved’
Sam O’Brian ‘Thanks to all involved for a great day, amazing effort from all of the exhibitors and a large handy food tent for when the rain got too much on Saturday - brilliant fun had by all the family’
Steve Tyrell ‘What a Cracking weekend we have just had, well done guys you have a great show, something for everyone. Our Family had a really great time and look forward to next year. Great Job!’
Beryl Varnam ‘A huge success! Well done to all the organisers and exhibitors. Congratulations on yet another fantastic show!’
Shar Rose Angel ‘Thanks you for a great weekend, we will definitely be back next year, it’s the best steam fair by far!’
The Gloucestershire Steam & Vintage Show is organised by The Stroud Vintage Transport & Engine Club. The Clubs objective is to increase knowledge and interest in all types of aspects of classic and vintage vehicles, their heritage and preservation. Membership to the club is open to all, subscriptions are annual and costs JUST £10 per household (family), under 18 year olds are FREE. Membership includes: exclusive day trips, with the opportunity to visit rare and exclusive collections and museums, have passenger rides in historic vehicles, receive regular e-Newsletters and meet socially with like-minded people.
