News from Chris Robert's MBE PR

Attending this year will be the original gleaming white Volvo car driven by Roger Moore as the TV sleuth, ‘The Saint’. This iconic sports car with the registration number ST1 made its debut on our TV screens over 50 years ago.

Lovers of the late 1970s and early 1980s American television series, ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’, will remember ‘The General Lee’. This famous car – straight off the film set – is a 1969 Dodge Charger driven by Bo and Luke Duke and named after Robert E Lee, general of the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. It bears a Confederate battle flag on its roof and has a horn that plays the first 12 notes of the song ‘Dixie’.

Other famous cars include a 1956 Morris Commercial affectionately known as ‘Mandy Morris’ from the TV series, ‘Heartbeat’; a 1972 MGB Roadster, which was previously owned by HRH Prince Philip’s personal pilot; plus, a 1926 six-wheeler recovery truck featured in the TV programme ‘Bangers & Cash’.

For football fans, the Fairford Steam Show can offer you the chance to take a close-up look at the 1983 red Ferrari 308, originally owned by Liverpool Football Club and bearing the registration number 308 LFC! During the early 1980s, Liverpool FC was an unstoppable force, securing multiple First Division titles, League Cups and the European Cup. This specific Ferrari 308 is one of the most recognizable and highly prized sports cars of the 1980s.

Last but in no way least, is the Volvo truck that was used by rock legends, ‘The Who’ in the 1970s. The specific model used by the band was the heavy-duty Volvo F88 290 and was highly prized by ‘The Who’ and other touring acts – such as Elton John, Fleetwood Mac and Kate Bush – for its reliability, power and comfort on long-haul European routes. It is now fully restored and makes only occasional appearances at vintage commercial vehicle events. If this vehicle could talk, it would certainly have a story to tell!

A full procession of American vehicles will also take place to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American Independence Day and will be led by a beautiful 1971 Plymouth Roadrunner used by Tennessee State Troopers.

Children are also well catered for with a large fairground, Lego marquee and – new for 2026 – a Duck Hunt! Hunt the Rally Field for the hidden yellow ducks and win a prize!

All this takes place over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday August 15 and 16 in the Lake Field, Fairford GL7 4BT.

If you want a taster of what is to come over the weekend, the popular Steam-in-the-Square event will be back on the Friday night from 5pm. The Bull Hotel’s inside bar will be open in addition to an outside bar in Fairford’s Market Place and featuring real ale. Burgers and hot dogs will also be available to refuel those hungry steam engine drivers!

To book your tickets or find out more about this popular annual community event, please visit: https://fairfordsteamshow.co.uk/.