WESTBURY’S popular Westbury Transport and Vintage Gathering goes from strength to strength and this year’s event has attracted even more exhibitors.
Vehicles and stationary engines from a by-gone age will once again converge on Bratton for the two-day event over the Easter weekend, on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th April.
Now in its 16th year, the Westbury Transport and Vintage Gathering, previously known as the Transport Extravaganza, prides itself on providing something for all the family. The range of exhibitors increases each year, with stationary engines, military vehicles, classic/vintage cars, motorbikes, fire engines, tractors, steam engines, horticultural machinery, and more coming from all over the country.
Some of the stalls will be selling transport memorabilia and there will also be general stalls bringing everything from tools and sweets to shoes. Car boot sellers are welcome along with stall holders. Further attractions are there to keep the children entertained.
The exhibition arena at top field, Bratton, will be open from 9.00am on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th April. Entry costs £2 for adults, with no charge for children and there is plenty of free parking available. On the Saturday, the arena can also be accessed via the Faresaver bus 87.
16 years of successful
exhibiting
Westbury’s first transport extravaganza was held in April 1995 and the event has continued every year, changing from a one-day event to a two-day event five years ago. It was first held on land owned by Westbury car auctions, and after a couple of venue changes is now held at top field, Bratton, on the B3098.
Organiser Keith Miller puts the ongoing success of the event down to the friendly, relaxed atmosphere the event enjoys. Visitors love the range of exhibits and things to do on the day, while it’s become very popular with exhibitors for the chance to relax and share their hobby with likeminded people.
“I think what people like is the fact that it’s a nice spot, the access is good, the ground is good, but more importantly it’s the friendly relaxed atmosphere,” said Keith. “We’ve got a lot of exhibits coming from a wide area, it’s becoming very well known on the circuit, but we don’t want to get too big and impersonal – the whole point is that it’s a gathering where people can relax and enjoy themselves. It’s chilled out and laid back.
“The core people are people who come year on year – there are people who have been coming 16 years and still enjoy it, but every year we have some new ones as well.
“Everybody’s exhibit is the best on the field. You might have someone come along with just a small stationary engine, but they have rebuilt it over the winter and it’s their pride and joy, everything is special. We always welcome additional people to come along with their exhibits – all they have to do is give me a call on 01373 864 166.”
