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Category: Events and Shows

  1. Gloucestershire Steam and Vintage Extravaganza celebrates its 40th Show‏

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    The Gloucestershire Steam & Vintage Extravaganza, now in its 40th year, will take place once again at South Cerney Airfield, Cirencester.

    From Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd August 2014 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 a nostalgic road trip into bygone years.

    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. 

    This year the show celebrates its 40th year, an amazing feat and we want to celebrate with everyone especially those born on 6th or 7th September 1975 - the weekend of the very first show. If you were born on that weekend, we will send you one complimentary ticket for the show. (DOB ID will be required). Please contact: [email protected]

    Vintage ExtravaganzaThe popular motorcycle display features more than 130 models representing manufacturers from England, Italy, Japan, India, the USA and other countries. Among the marques on display is Honda, Yamaha, Harley Davidson, Moto Guzzi, HRD, AGS, James, Triumph, Royal Enfield, Rudge, Baker, BMW, Norton, Velocette, BSA, Panther, Francis Barnett, Matchless and Greeves. The popular Ken Fox Wall of Death, one of the last original Wall of Deaths dating back to 1929, will make a welcome return to wow the crowds as they perform tricks, acrobatics and high-speed chases on their 1920’s Indian motorcycles. The classic car section alone features over 600 vehicles, showcasing veteran, pre-war, post-war, American to modern classics. Alongside regular exhibits are rare and remarkable stories of restoration projects and histories to be told. 

    Gloucestershire Steam & Vintage Extravaganza is packed full of exhibits, displays and curiosity stalls to keep the whole family entertained 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. Alongside the hundreds of vintage vehicles, there will be the popular steam driven vintage fun fair, 'electric yachts', waltzer, big wheel, steam-driven 'gallopers', face painting, dodgems and traditional arcade games, plus an Animal and Countryside area with poultry, Shire Horses, rare breeds, Alpacas and Ferrets with an arena demonstrating Horse Logging, Falconry and dog agility.

    There we will also be a vintage tea dance which will include lots of cake! If you are a lindy hop dancer, why not join us! A prize will be awarded for the best dancers, performing in vintage clothes. Lindy Hoppers to receive free tickets if taking part, please contact: [email protected]

    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.”

    The Gloucestershire Steam & Vintage Extravaganza is a great day out for all the family.

     

    Admission Information: Show opens at 10 am.

    Ticket prices Pre Sale On the day

    FRIDAY Adult £5.60 Junior £3.20 Adult £6.00 Junior £4.00

    SATURDAY or SUNDAY Adult £8.00 Junior £4.00 Family £20.00 Adult £10.00 Junior £5.00 Family £25.00

    WEEKENDER Adult £12.00 Junior £6.00 Family £28.00 Adult £15.00 Junior £8.00 Family £35.00

    Family tickets Includes two adults and two children. Juniors (Age 5-15)

    Weekender tickets: Includes entry to all three days but no overnight camping.

    Discounted tickets are available to buy online at www.glossteamextravaganza.com or from Cirencester Tourist Information Centre, located next to the Corinium Museum. Public enquiries contact T: 01453 890891

    A free vintage bus service will be operating around the perimeter of the show site, and to and from Kemble railway station throughout the show to connect with selected First Great Western Trains.

    The Gloucestershire Steam & Vintage Extravaganza, South Cerney Airfield, Cirencester

    Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd August 2014

  2. BMF Tailend Show is cancelled

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    The BMF is sorry to learn that its contractor used for organising the three BMF Shows, Mulberry Events Limited, has announced that it is now entering into voluntary liquidation. As a result it will not be able to run the BMF Tailend Show this year and will not be able to carry out any further business for the BMF.

    The Directors of Mulberry Events Limited have issued a statement thanking the BMF, Exhibitors, Clubs and other support services for their help, support and contributions over the past five years of working with the BMF.
    As a result of this announcement, a decision has been made by the BMF to cancel the Tail End Show at Peterborough, planned to have been held on 13/14 September 2014.

    The BMF will work with the Liquidators of Mulberry Events Limited in an effort to recover from them monies paid by members and exhibitors in relation to the now cancelled Tailend Show 2014. A further press release on this will be issued in due course.

    There will be a lot of hard work and planning from this point so the BMF can reorganise arrangements to carry on with its events, in whatever form, for 2015 and onwards. A further press release on this will be issued in due course.

    The BMF events have been an integral part of the organisation's activities from the time of its formation in the 1960's. Events have had an important role in generating funds to support the BMF's activities in protecting riders interests, but also to create interaction with the membership and raise public awareness of motorcycling. However the BMF is now no longer reliant on show income to fund lobbying activity.

    Despite the news of the Liquidation of Mulberry, the BMF is keen to state that it is in good financial health and will continue to represent the interests of motorcyclists throughout the UK.

    Roger Ellis
    BMF Chairman

  3. The Farmyard Party 2014

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    My husband Gary and I had heard for many years just what a great rally it was, and so we had some high hopes as we ended our three hour trike ride from Manchester...

    The Farmyard Party 2014, Duncombe Park estateAs we arrived in the pretty town square of Helmsley, North Yorks, we drove through the gates of Duncombe Park estate and up a long winding driveway.

    The first thing we came across was the stunning mansion house, originally built in 1713 and then rebuilt after a fire in the late 1890s. The sprawling house and gardens are set in 300 acres of land. As we rode passed, the fields opened up and all we could was row upon row of tents and bikes and people.

    This year was the 28th annual FYP and as in previous years, it was advertised as Europe’s biggest and best bike rally – for bikers run by bikers. We had high expectations, and I am pleasd to say we were not disappointed. Gary and I have been involved in organising similar events over the last few years, however nothing on this scale, it was easily twice the size of anything we were used to.

    Not only were there three big marquees, with bars and live music there was a large selection of caterers offering everything from freshly prepared Greek dishes and a Texan style smokehouse to the usual rally fare of burgers and bacon buttys. To go with the array of choice, there was ample seating both out in the open as well as undercover – including a marquee with sofas and comfy chairs!

    The Farmyard Party 2014, Stevie SimpsonOnce we had eaten our fill, and sampled the bars, we headed to the Blues tent and spent some time with Stevie Simpson, compere and host. We had hoped to watch the Frog and Bucket Comedy Rodshow, hosted by Rick Hulse (NABD Chairman) but even though it was the biggest marquee on site, it was over flowing with people trying to watch the show so we gave up and went shopping.

    The numbers of traders was impressive too, selling the usual array of goodies, from sweeties to sex toys (I kid you not). Having spent some of our hard earned pennies (not on the sex toys before you ask!) and a good amount of time wandering, we relaxed back at the tent in the gloriously warm weather and listened to the laughter from the comedy show drift across the site.

    fabulous weather - pre-arranged by the MAG committeeHighlights of the weekend for me? The Nickel band in the Blues tent, The Prog Doctors in the riders rights marquee and the Evil Puppies who brought the live music to a close, the fabulous weather (pre-arranged by the MAG committee I am told) and the great company of nearly 6,000 like minded individuals meant it is definitely going on my calendar for next year.

    The Wendy Lady

     

     

     

     

    The Farmyard Party 2014, leaving... we will be back!

     

  4. The North East's Premier Motorcycle Rally‏

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    Stormin The CastleStormin’ the Castle are pleased to announce the headline band for Friday night.

    TOSELAND will rock the Stormin’ Main Stage on Friday 29th August.

    The name Toseland may well be familiar with all the World Superbike fans, as the band is fronted by non other than James Toseland double world Superbike Champion, The bands last 3 singles have been A listed on both Planet Rock & Team Rock radio.

     

    Honest Jim's Cut-Price Beer Emporium

    Honest Jims Cut-Price Beer EmporiumAs you come in through the main gate, you'll notice a shifty-looking ex-pirate hawking slabs of beer from the back of a lorry. Don't worry, he's one of our's. For very little money, Honest Jim will sell you a slab of beer, which will save you the hassle of riding into town to buy it. As with all Stormin' products, all profit goes to MAG's fighting fund. This means that the more beer you drink, the more money you raise for a great cause! As a beer-enthusiast myself, I can honestly say that drinking beer for a great cause makes it taste all the better.

     

    Little Stevie & The Business - Saturday Iris Headline

    A very versatile band delivering awesome R & B, straightforward blues or upping the tempo with some popular 60’s and 70’s classics.

    Their performances are delivered by frontman, Mr.Entertainment ‘Little Stevie’ with great showmanship and some superb harmonica playing.

     

    The Hobgoblin Bar

    Bigger and better than the old Engine Bar, the Hobgoblin Bar made it's debut at Stormin' last year and was an instant hit. Housed in a 60' long marquee, it's got a solid floor, nice tables and chairs, funky decor and beer. Lots and lots of beer.

    Naturally, given the name of the venue, Wychwood Brewery beers are very much in evidence, but a wide range of other beers are available there, as are spirits and possibly even wine. I didn't actually look for wine, because i'm a bloke, therefore I only looked at beer and whisky. There is definitely beer and whisky for sale in the Hobgoblin bar.

    Due to popular demand, the Oil City Shakers will be performing again this year in the Hobgoblin Bar on Saturday afternoon. If you like foot-stomping blues, rock and roll, slide guitar, harmonica and gravelly-voiced vocals with your beer, then do yourselves a favour and stop in at the Hobgoblin Bar for a couple.

    As with all the booze sales at Stormin', the bar profits go to MAG, so you'll be drinking for the future of motorcycling!

    Get your ticket for £30

    Tickets are now available for this years rally, click the link for more information on how to order.

    See you there

    www.storminthecastle.co.uk