THE 43rd Gloucestershire Vintage and Country Extravaganza (GVCE) saw 18,000 people flock to South Cerney Airfield this weekend (August 4-6).

Widely regarded as one of the biggest steam, vintage and countryside events in the UK, the three-day festival saw a growth in exhibitors of 25 per cent on last year.

Having moved to the airfield near Cirencester in 2011, the event continues to go from strength to strength, actively raising awareness and thousands of pounds for both national and regional charities.

Around 30 charities were represented this year, including Cobalt Appeal Fund and Diabetes UK, with over £150,000 donated in recent years to a number of causes.

The show is organised by The Stroud Vintage Transport and Engine Club (SVTEC) and is run entirely by volunteers.

Whilst visitor numbers were down on Saturday due to the wet weather conditions and thunderstorms, crowds turned up in abundance on Sunday.

Martyn Slater, chairman of SVTEC, said: “I am very proud and grateful to our team of volunteers for all their hard work both during the weekend and on the build-up to the show.

“The weather was not kind to us and caused its own challenges.

“To lay on an event of this magnitude, with the quantity and quality of exhibits is by no mean feat and takes a lot of commitment and dedication.

“A big ‘thank you’ to all the exhibitors for your continued support,” he added.

GVCE was originally conceived for steam enthusiasts but now includes a huge array of exhibits.

Each year the team strive to make the show even bigger and better with the quality, quantity and array of historic displays and dioramas.

This year’s show included nearly 700 classic cars from pre and post war, as well as 70 steam engines and 120 military vehicles.

What’s more, there was a live arena featuring non-stop classic vehicle demonstrations.