Pictures by Rich Kelsey and Ian Thomas
The annual Gloucestershire Vintage and Country Extravaganza 2024 returned to South Cerney stronger than ever, writes Rich Kelsey.
From Friday to Sunday the volunteer-run event showcased displays of hundreds of classic cars, both pre- and post-war, including American automobiles, motorbikes and scooters, and bicycles from the early 1900s to the modern era were also on show.
Some of the main attractions were full-size and miniature traction engines, steam rollers and stationary engines. Also the stands and areas showcased model engineering and displays of vintage and classic buses and coaches (some of which you could ride on around the site), military vehicles, emergency and commercial vehicles, industrial trucks, and vintage caravans.
Highlights included wood sawing with steam power, also an ex-steam ploughing and dredging engine that in the 1950s was converted to diesel by mounting a Daimler-Benz truck engine on top of its defunct boiler.
The showground had arenas with a constant stream of live steam traction, through to falconry and many other exciting activities. A vintage fairground, live music and Lindy Hop/swing dancing also made the show a brilliant place to spend the weekend whatever the weather.
This year was in total contrast to 2022 when Storm Antoni brought wind and 25mm of rain. It was almost totally dry except for a short-lived thunderstorm mid-afternoon Thursday, the day before the show.
All three days saw good spells of sunshine and temperatures peaking at 24.5c (76f) on Friday.
We and our Wings & Wheels Society Dursley would like to thank the SVTEC team and all volunteers/exhibitors that work so hard throughout the year to make this very special show happen. Cheers to you all, keep up the excellent work.
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