STEAM AND VINTAGE rallies are not just about cars and steam engines, as the Gloucester Steam and Vintage Extravaganza proves.

 

Widely known as one of the UK’s largest steam, vintage and countryside events, near Cirencester, this rally has quite a following of enthusiasts.

 

It will take place 2 – 4 August this year, with weekender tickets or daytickets available. Why not find a caravan site nearby and spend a relaxed weekend exploring the many parts of this event and the surrounding countryside.

 

All profits are donated to the Cobalt Appeal Fund, Diabetes UK and the Midlands Air Ambulance, so your family day out will also contribute to all three of these good causes!

 

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This year there will be more vintage caravans, campervans and unique car-conversions than ever before. The last few years has seen numbers of caravan exhibitors rise from only two or three to over thirty caravanners who showcased their pride and joy at last year’s show.

 

The turn out for 2013’s event is expected to be just as big, with more people taking an interest in caravanning as a more affordable holiday option. I have explored the appeal of back to basics caravans in ‘yesteryear’s High-tech gadgets’ and the enduring enjoyment of caravan holidays.

 

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With exhibits ranging from 1920s to relatively modern vans, you will see a wide range of eras and styles. This reflects the popularity of caravanning and gives a unique chance to look around inside other people’s holiday accomodation. Many of the vintage classics have been beautifully restored, leaving out the mod cons in preference for back-to-basics caravanning. There are also inventive home builds based on unusual cars.

 

The Extravaganza also has hundreds of classic car exhibitors, steam engines, and even more vintage transport, such as buses, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, military vehicles and tractors.

 

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Plus, there will be vintage funfair rides, including steam-driven ‘gallopers’, dodgems and smaller rides, as well as a traditional arcade and lots of trade stands.

 

There is plenty of entertainment, with interactive demonstrations in the live action arena every day, while people can spend hours looking at the various curiosity stalls and displays of Victorian memorabilia. 

 

There are many caravan sites nearby and the area is ideal for exploring Cirencester, Cheltenham, Gloucester and Oxford as well as the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside.

 

Click here to buy Advance tickets online at a reduced price, or from Cirencester Tourist Information Centre by calling 01453 890891.

 

Tickets:

Under 5s go in free.

Friday

£7 for adults, £6 for concessions, £4 for Juniors 

Saturday and Sunday

£10 for adults, £9 for concessions, £5 for juniors, £28 for families (two adults and two children)

Weekender tickets can be bought to gain entry to the show on all three days

£15 for adults, £13 for concessions, £8 for juniors and £35 for families.

 

For more interesting shows and rallies to visit this summer, keep checking Practical Caravan’s homepage.