Since Colins post was hijacked, I thought I would start a proper thread to give everyone a chance. It also means that I get to have my say first. I have been going to GDSF for a number of years now and heard much about it from various exhibitors and visitors. The GDSF is not like ANY other show in the UK. Some while ago I was given a set of figures showing how many steamers attended which show. The small shows had a few, medium shows had a dozen or so, large shows had up to 25. GDSF had 250. The event is a business not a hobby. I believe that it nearly went bust some years ago and the organisers do not want that again. Neither do the exhibitors or visitors. When staying on site, you had to be away by 16.00. One year they changed that to 10.00 in the pre event literature. therefore the last day cost a nights stay. I complained at the time. When I visited the show, the old
16.00 rule had returned. Perhaps Colin may be allowed to stay one night after all. I have emailed the organisers to ask if the 2 night rule only applies to pre booked camping. I will let you know the answer if I get one. I also noticed on the leaflet that arrived by post that the previously free entry after 17.00 will now cost. The engine display is poor, no question of it. When you see the way those guys are treated, I wonder why they turn up at all. They have to run their engines all day, every day regardless of weather. They are not allowed to have any vehicle or tent near their engine. They camp about 1/2 mile away. When the weather is wet, they huddle under a brolly. When it's hot, they choke on the dust. All this for 5 days. I wouldn't do it. The traders area is something else. a roadway 1/4 mile long with stalls both sides. There are 10 roadways like that. The stuff for sale ranges from new clothes & tents through engines & vehicles to rust. There are bargains to be had. Haggle. As I said, GDSF is not like a normal show. Security is a definite issue. Things get stolen. Normally I am fairly trusting. At GDSF I lock everything away. Personally, I like the show and hope to go again. My favourite is the traders area where I generally get some bargains and nearly always spend too much money.John