The Gloucestershire Steam and Vintage Extravaganza at South Cerney Airfield (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

For the first time this year Ken Fox and The Wall of Death

9:10am Friday 3rd August 2012 in What's On

COME rain or shine, The Gloucestershire Steam & Vintage Extravaganza, now in its 38th year, will take place once again at South Cerney Airfield, Cirencester.

From Friday - Sunday, August 3-5, the extravaganza will attract more than 15,000 visitors and raise money for local and national charities. The show has grown dramatically in recent years and is now widely regarded as one of the biggest and best steam, vintage and countryside events in the UK.

The show was originally conceived for steam enthusiasts, but the range of exhibits has grown year on year. It now boasts a huge array of vintage transport, from buses & coaches, commercial vehicles, classic cars and motorcycles through to military vehicles, tractors, engines and historic caravans. A live action arena will be an integral part of the show with interactive demonstrations taking place every day.

For the first time this year Ken Fox and The Wall of Death will thrill the crowds. The Wall of Death is indeed one of the last great live shows travelling today and attracts people to shows across the country. Ken Fox is recognised as the World's Leading Wall of Death Rider and has numerous television appearances to his credit. There will be tricks and stunts and a breath taking display of skill and balance.

Considered by many visitors to be the heart of the show, the steam section prides itself in trying to be different from other events of its kind; the 2012 display will be the largest ever. Packed with more than 100 full-size steam engines of all descriptions, makes and type. Special Features for the 2012 show also include a unique display of gigantic Road Locomotives that are travelling up from Cornwall to attend the show, a reunion of Barnes Bros Steam Rollers, a gathering of Fowler T3 Rollers. It is hoped that the visiting engines from New Zealand will be there as well as a 'very special guest', not forgetting the return of the incredible Steam Car display. All the usual trimmings associated with the event will be in place at the new venue including a large Steam Timber Arena, and of course the demonstration arena where engines are encouraged to venture out and display to their maximum potential.

The Military section will also be of interest with over 100 unusual vehicles on display. The Dakota from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight has confirmed that they will be performing a flypast at the show on Friday and Sunday.

So popular is the car section that in 2011 more than 500 classic and veteran cars attended and this year promises a similar number. This section will cover vehicles ranging from the dawn of the motoring age through to collectables up until the 1980s.

For those who prefer two wheels, the huge motorcycle display area will contain more than 150 models - the most ever assembled for the event. Rising from only a few exhibitors two or three years ago to more than 30 last year, even more caravans are expected this year and the bus section has also grown from humble beginnings to become one of the biggest bus and coach gatherings anywhere. A show not to be missed and a great day out for all the family.

Gates open: Friday - Sunday, 10am Adult: Friday: £7, Saturday or Sunday: £10, Weekender: £15; Concessions: Friday: £6, Saturday or Sunday: £9, Weekender: £13; Juniors: Friday: £4, Saturday or Sunday: £5, Weekender: £8 Under 5's free of charge; Friday family ticket: £18 (2 adults & 2 children), Saturday or Sunday family ticket: £25 (2 adults & 2 children), Weekender family ticket: £35 Discounted tickets are available to buy online at www.steamextravaganza.com or from Cirencester Tourist Information Centre.

A free vintage bus service will be operating around the perimeter of the site, and to and from Kemble railway station throughout the show to connect with selected First Great Western Trains. For details of the bus schedule, please refer to the website www.steamextravaganza.com.

Buses will depart from outside the main show entrance. All profits donated to the Cobalt Appeal Fund, Diabetes UK & The Midlands Air Ambulance.