For those not familiar with steam fairs, a steam fair or rally is an organised event where visitors can see an amazing array of steam power at work. There are usually steam powered vehicles, machinery and sometimes stationary engines. An event of this type is quite the spectacle and usually has something for every member of the family to enjoy.
In keeping with the steam theme there are often other crafts and skills on show from the great age of steam as well as some of the artisan skills such as wood turning, not to mention side attractions like a funfair and tasty farm food. You may well see horse powered transport as well.
The steam fair will have an arena or track where the vehicles are paraded and demonstrated and there will be trade stands galore related to the main attraction and other pursuits. There are opportunities to look at the vehicles close up and ask questions of the exhibitors.
Look out also for entertainment areas where you can hear music, enjoy a beverage from the beer tent while keeping an eye on the children’s play area.
In this article we look at the forthcoming steam fairs and rallies in the vicinity.
Northleach Steam Show
This fine steam event has been running since the 1950’s with a gap but has been revitalised again and has something for everyone. This is a traditional steam fair that takes place over two days in September, this year 2014 on 6th and 7th September. There are plenty of vintage vehicles and steam driven ones. From vintage cars and military vehicles to the steam traction engines, this fair is an enthusiast’s dream. All of the family will enjoy taking part in this spectacle and Northleach Steam Show also present a Real Ale Festival and plenty of live music amongst other attractions which include rural crafts, charity stalls and food glorious food. For more details, visit Northleach website.
Gloucestershire Steam & Vintage Extravaganza
This event is held annually in the heart of the Cotswolds at South Cerney. An extravaganza is the perfect description with a steam section that is a highlight of the event. Many of the UK’s assembled steam engines all converge at South Cerney to be part of this marvellous event. This three day spectacle will take place in 2014 on August 1st, 2nd and 3rd and an early start is advised as there is so much to see.
There will be the usual steam arena with spectator friendly steam action nonstop. Model aircraft will be on display and be sure to catch some of the aerial displays. Kids will love the countryside arena where they can get close up and personal with wiggly ferrets and noble Shire horses. The Timber arena is fascinating and you can see trees turn into furniture before browsing the trade stands located all around the grounds. A licensed bar and food stands keep visitors refreshed during a break, before the fairground, tractors and classic cars beckon.
The Cotswold Show
Cirencester Park plays host to the Cotswold Show on 5th and 6th July 2014, an exciting, highly anticipated annual event that celebrates the best of country living and vintage engineering. Steam traction engines are proudly on display alongside monster trucks and classic tractors. There is so much to do at the show from learning survival skills, seeing birds of prey, browsing the food fair and not least the animals from rare breeds to the pride of domestic animals. Be prepared to be exhausted as this show thrills the whole family from start to finish.
The Little Vintage Show
May sees the Little Vintage Show in Gloucestershire which has a variety of attractions to be seen including a fantastic steam display. On offer are vintage tractors, steam engines, military vehicles, vintage caravans, bicycles and motorbikes, so whatever your favourite you are bound to find it here. Lots of attention is given to entertainment and there will be family fun over the weekend of the 4th and 5th of May at this traditional show.
If the dates do not coincide with your stay at Cooks Green Cottage, don’t worry, we have found a very useful website with a list of events that are happening throughout the year which you can find here.