Shepton Mallet is preparing for a rather noisier-than-usual Bank Holiday weekend as Truckfest South West returns to the Bath & West Showground.

The two-day trucking festival will take place on Saturday, 29 and Sunday, 30 August, bringing show lorries, competitions, trade stands and live entertainment to the Bath & West Showground on the A371.

The event will be open from 9 am until 5.30 pm on Saturday and 9 am until 4 pm on Sunday, with exhibitors arriving from Friday to get their vehicles into place. The show is one of a series of Truckfest events held around the country during 2026.

Truckfest has been running for more than 40 years and has grown well beyond a straightforward vehicle show. Its events combine rows of working, classic and customised lorries with arena entertainment, trade exhibitors, family attractions, food and drink and competitions rewarding some of the best-presented trucks on site.

For the serious enthusiasts, the show truck competitions cover categories including Best in Show, Custom and Paintwork, Classic, Vintage, Fleet, Rigid and Super Truck. There are also separate awards for combinations, company-owned vehicles and light commercial vehicles.

The live arena is traditionally where things get louder, with Truckfest events featuring vehicle demonstrations, stunt action and other performances alongside the static displays. Organisers say the event is designed to appeal both to haulage enthusiasts and families looking for a Bank Holiday day out.

The Bath & West Showground sits between Shepton Mallet and Castle Cary on the A371, with free visitor parking available on site. Public transport also links Shepton Mallet, Castle Cary and Yeovil with the showground.

For the operators bringing their own lorries, preparations begin before the public gates open. Truck check-in starts on Friday and continues into Saturday morning, while organisers have also reminded entrants that air horns should only be used under instruction from the events team in the main arena.

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That particular rule may come as some relief to anyone living within earshot of the Bath & West Showground.

Truckfest South West takes place at the Bath & West Showground, near Shepton Mallet, on Saturday, 29 and Sunday, 30 August.

More information and tickets are available from Truckfest South West.

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