FANS of all things steam and vintage are in for a treat this weekend when the 44th annual Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza returns to South Cerney Airfield near Cirencester.

The show, regarded as one of the biggest and best steam, vintage and countryside events in the UK, back tomorrow until Sunday, is set to be the biggest in its history.

Set on an ex wartime airfield, the sprawling show site covers around 200 acres and has events lined-up to suit all ages.

In addition to range of exhibits, the event will hear remarkable stories of barn finds and restoration.

This year features nearly 1,000 classic cars from pre and post war, including over 70 classic American cars, 30 visiting car clubs, 335 motorcycles and scooters, 80 bicycles from 1903 - 1980, 30 miniature steam engines, 90 stationary engines, 70 full size steam engines, model engineering and 200 tractors.

Additionally there will be over 70 buses and coaches, 130 military vehicles, 315 emergency and commercial vehicles, 70 industrial trucks, 50 vintage caravans and over 50 model aircraft taking to the sky above.

The live arenas showcase non-stop demonstrations including the showman’s engines, full-size steam engines to dancing tractors and, new for 2018, the Tigers children’s motorcycle display team.

The popular Countryside Arena actively promotes animal conservation and includes ferret racing, rare breeds, alpacas, shire horses, horse logging, reptiles and bee hive making.

New for 2018 is the vulture flying display and back by popular demand is the ‘Sheep Show’, an entertaining demonstration of shearing and sheep dancing.

Local animal rescue centre the Cotswold Dog and Cat Home will also host a fun Dog Show on all three days.

There is plenty to keep children entertained including a vintage fairground, penny arcade games and passenger rides on board a 10¼ inch scale steam locomotive.

There are also plenty of food and drink ‘pit stops’.

Rally Chairman Martyn Slater said: "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. We are very proud of it, it’s one of the largest events of its kind, run by volunteers and whilst the show has evolved over the years, our mission remains the same - to inform, educate, celebrate and preserve our unique transport heritage."

The show is organised by the Stroud Vintage Transport and Engine Club (S.V.T.E.C), which raises money for national and local charities.

The Club has donated over £180,000 for charity in recent years.

Entry 10am-5pm.

Free vintage bus service operating around the perimeter of the show site, and to and from Cirencester Town Centre and Kemble railway station

Visit glosvintageextravaganza.co.uk for more.