The Vintage & Country Extravaganza returned for its 44th year at South Cerney Airfield for this sprawling event packed show and the weather was absolutely fantastic with 25-30 degrees certainly called for shorts and t-shirts and even sun cream for some.
There was Vintage displays of nearly 700 classic cars, including over 70 Classic American, 230 Motorbikes, scooters, 70, 30 miniature steam engines, 90 stationary engines, 70 full size steam engines, model engineering, 200 Tractors, over 80 Buses and Coaches, 120 Military Vehicles, 240 Emergency and Commercial Vehicles, 60 Industrial Trucks, 50 vintage Caravans and a large model Aircraft flying display. Also a Live Arena with non-stop demonstrations from steam to dancing tractors and much much more. Plus the opportunity to drive a steam engine and see the spectacular Showman’s Engines.
A Vintage Fun fair with the popular Fairground Organs, 'electric yachts', waltzers, big wheel, Punch and Judy, steam-driven 'gallopers', traditional penny arcade games, plus a ride on a model stream train, or ‘Chuffy the train’, and traditional games.
The Cotswold Dog and Cat Home from Cambridge in Gloucestershire, hosted the now ‘famous Dog Show’ with categories such as Scruffiest Mutt, Quickest Sit and Waggiest Tail, plus the Countryside Arena featured ferret racing, rare breeds, animal conservation, alpaca’s, shire horses, horse logging, sheep shearing, falconry displays to sheep dancing and reptiles!
A massive trade stand area with over 100 trade stalls, models tents, craft marques and specialist displays of memorabilia from a bygone era.
There were plenty of food and drink ‘pit stops’, a firm favourite was the vintage tea room with regular music and 1940s inspired Lindy Hop dancing. Plus live music from songstress Betsy Harmony, performing a delightful selection of 1940s songs from Andrew Sisters to Vera Lynn, to a right old ‘knees up’ sing-along plus regular sets by the ‘Steamed Up Brass ’
Jump4Heroes, The Royal British Legion Extreme Human Flight Team, parachute display team descended into the arena on all three days of the event. They support and raise awareness of the Armed Forces charities. There was a vintage bus offering free rides around the showground on all three days.
There was camping for those who wanted to stay for the weekend and enjoy the evening entertainment at the bar.
All profits from the 2018 Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza will be donated to regional and national charities
Rachel