Gloucestershire Vintage and Country Extravaganza (31st July - 2nd August, 2026)
This is one of a series of pages I have uploaded to illustrate facets of the steam rallies we have attended in the UK. Click here for the 2026 introduction and overall index.
I have to confess that I am no great fan of the South Cerney event, it's not surprising given that it has jetissoned the word 'steam' from its title. Compared to other steam rallies that I get to, its large sprawling, treeless site lacks warmth and atmosphere, it's all rather soulless. Yes, getting in (and out afterwards) is easy enough, the toilets all work and the large playpen is a continuing delight.
If you are familiar with Onslow Park or Old Warden Estate, then you'll know what I mean, but there's nothing that can be done with the present venue. In case you have yet to visit, I should explain that most of the site is given over to road vehicles of all shapes, sizes and ages and there are numerous tented 'commercial' outlets and 'special interest' displays; it's many years since I last inspected them which must make me a very boring old man. Basically, I know what I like!
However, whoever came up with the idea of the redesigned near content free programme should be found another job. It must have been a late decision not to publish the traditional version which is currently on the web - https://programme.glosvintageextravaganza.co.uk/steam-section/.
The good news for me and other gricers is that the succession planning necessary to install a new steam organiser had apparently gone smoothly. My Friday visit revealed some 62 road engines present by the end of the day although in fact, I had missed one, as Rod Smith later told me. Unfortunately just one of them was a 'new engine' for me, if what you want to see what it was, you'll have to go almost to the end of the report. It was a near cloudless day and that made the late afternoon productive for the photographer. Peter Hall visited on Sunday and found no extra engines.
If you haven't discovered it yet, a recent addition to this website is a collection of lists of engines attending UK rallies in 2025 and 2026. There is no intention to add pictures to it, but for those looking to explore pastures new, it may offer some idea of where to look for a different experience. It's been a very time consuming exercise and, at the moment, I don't anticipate adding more data beyond the 2024 season. Please let me know what you think about it especially if you have your own relevant data.
Choose the page you are interested in and within that, click on a thumbnail for a larger image. Then click again to return to the page.
In the light of the above, I fear that this sign at the
point where visitors transition
from the steam area to the rest of the show sends entirely the wrong
message...
(It's no doubt H&S or insurance related.)
