PREPARATIONS are already well under way for the 46th annual Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza, which returns to South Cerney Airfield, Cirencester, this summer.

One of the biggest and best steam, vintage and countryside events in the UK takes place from July 31 to August 2.

Set on an ex wartime airfield, the sprawling show site covers around 200 acres, with plenty to suit young and old alike.

In addition to the phenomenal size and range of exhibits, the event promises a rousing atmosphere with remarkable stories of barn finds, restoration projects and histories to be told. This year features nearly 1,000 classic cars from pre and post war, including more than 70 Classic American cars, 30 visiting car clubs, 370 motorcycles and scooters, 80 bicycles from 1903-1980, 35 miniature steam engines, 80 stationary engines, 70 full size steam engines, model engineering, 220 tractors, 70 buses and coaches, 140 military vehicles, 330 commercials from ex-emergency services to American auto trucks, 70 industrial trucks, classic plant and machinery, 50 vintage caravans and over 50 model aircraft to take to the skies above.

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The Live Action Arena will host non-stop demonstrations from spectacular Showman’s Engines to dancing tractors plus the opportunity to drive a steam engine and the Tigers children’s motorcycle display team.

There will be a grand parade of miniature steam in the Alec Tanner arena and there will be the chance to take a passenger ride on the 10¼ inch scale steam locomotive.

The popular Dog Show will take place on all three days of the show and there will also be fun and educational displays from bird of prey demonstrations, ferret racing, rare breeds, alpacas, shire horses, horse logging, reptiles and bee hive making.

Back by popular demand is the hilarious ‘Sheep Show’ – an entertaining demonstration of shearing and sheep dancing – get into the groove with the Sheep Show Shuffle.

The children’s area features traditional vintage funfair games, face painting, trailer rides, Chuffy

the ride on train and Professor Colliwobble with his Punch and Judy Show.

The extravaganza is organised by the Stroud Vintage Transport and Engine Club (S.V.T.E.C), a non-profit making organisation raising money for national and local charities.

The rally is one of the largest events of its kind run entirely by volunteers.

For ticket details and further information, go to glosvintageextravaganza.co.uk.