FANS of classic cars, steam engines and tractors are counting down the days for one of the biggest events of the year celebrating a bygone era.

Stroud Vintage Transport and Engine Club (SVTEC) stage their 42nd Gloucestershire Vintage and Country Extravaganza at South Cerney Airfield in Cirencester on August 5-7.

The show is widely regarded as one of the biggest and best steam, vintage and countryside events in the UK and attracts thousands of exhibitors and visitors from across the county and actively raises money for both national and regional charities.

“Our goal has always been to give the best value for money family day out in Gloucestershire, with something for all of the family to enjoy,” said SVTEC chairman Martyn Slater.

“The show has evolved a lot over the past 40 years, but the mission remains the same - to inform, educate, entertain and celebrate our unique transport history and the preservation of historical vehicles.

“We actively encourage interaction between exhibitors and visitors, and have a nifty on-site Wi-Fi to enable visitors to find out more history and information about specific vehicles displayed.”

The vintage extravaganza displays nearly 700 classic cars from pre and post war, 230 motorbikes and scooters, 70 bicycles from 1903 - 1980, 30 miniature steam engines, 91 stationary engines, 70 full size steam engines, model engineering, 200 tractors, over 60 buses and coaches, 105 military vehicles, 240 emergency and commercial vehicles, vintage caravans and model aircraft flying displays.

Visitors will have the chance to drive a steam engine, enjoy the vintage fun fair, watch a Punch and Judy show and browse curiosity stalls with plenty of food and drink stalls around for pit stops.

The Countryside Arena features dog agility, ferret racing, rare breeds, animal conservation, alpaca’s, shire horses, horse logging, sheep shearing, falconry displays and children’s pony rides.

And if that is not to taste there is always 1940s inspired Lindy Hop dancing and the Steamed Up Brass Band or a massage, facial or beauty treatment in a converted horse box, called the Beauty Box.

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

For more details of costs to visit and about opening times go to glosvintageextravaganza.co.uk