The Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show will be celebrating its 40th year when it opens on the weekend of 25/26 April at Stafford County Showground.
The organiser, Mortons Media, is planning a one-off 1940s-themed event in recognition of the 75th anniversary of VE Day, which falls on the following weekend of the show.
Exhibition manager Nick Mowbray said: “Reaching a 40th anniversary for any event is no mean feat, and we are particularly proud that our Stafford show still manages to reach out so far and wide at such a ripe age. Linking the show anniversary up with a respectful nod to VE Day is the right thing to do, and we are really looking forward to what we envisage will be a spectacular weekend for all involved.”
Highlights for the weekend include a 1940s-themed hall, with a Spitfire and Hurricane taking centre stage, surrounded by an abundance of privately owned classic motorcycles and displays from owners’ clubs too.
Classic motorcycle clubs are encouraged to theme their stand and make the most of the fancy dress element, with increased prize money up for grabs for the top three, courtesy of show sponsor, Carole Nash Insurance.
Showgoers and traders will also be in with a chance to win a cash prize for joining in the theme, with two £100 prizes to be won per day for the best-dressed visitors, and a £300 prize for the best trade stand too.
Outside, the popular Classic Racer GP paddock will have a bigger and better firing-up area, with all manner of different machines making some serious noise over the two-day event.
The show will still be sticking to its roots, with thousands of classic motorcycles to see, a huge indoor and outdoor autojumble and more than 900 traders in attendance. There will also be the usual Bonhams auction