Newsletter-success | Classic Bike Shows

The International Classic Motorcycle Show sponsored by Carole Nash, established in 1981, is an annual event that celebrates classic and vintage motorcycles from around the world. The event is held at the Stafford County Showground and features a range of exhibitions, trade stands, and live demonstrations of classic bikes in action.

Motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the world attend the event to admire and appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of classic bikes. The event also features a range of competitions and awards for classic motorcycles, including the prestigious Best in Show award.

Overall, The International Classic Motorcycle Show is a must-attend event for anyone with an interest in classic and vintage motorcycles, offering a unique opportunity to see some of the world’s most beautiful and historic bikes up close.

Guest of Honour - Henry Cole!

The one and only TV presenter and motorcycle adventurer, Henry Cole will be guest of honour at The International Classic MotorCycle Show sponsored by Carole Nash! Renowned for his passion for classic machines and tales of two-wheeled adventures, Henry will be meeting fans and chatting on-stage throughout the weekend. Henry says: "Stafford is always a great day out, whether you're looking to buy a classic bike, a basket case or some accoutrements (or just gaze in awe at some beautiful machinery). I'm especially excited to be at this year's event, joining in the celebrations for the centenary of the Brough Superior SS100. As always, it's a chance to meet like-minded folk and talk motorcycles, sheds and the finer things in life. I can't wait!"

World First Display - Brough Superior SS100s

To celebrate 100 years since the launch of the Brough Superior SS100, the Stafford show will host a truly unique display of over 20 Brough Superior SS100s, including some of the rarest and most famous Broughs ever made, all gathered together at once.

Among the iconic line-up is the 1929 JTOR V-twin JAP-powered ‘George VI,’ previously owned by T.E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, which was in his possession until 1932. Another legendary bike confirmed is the 1927 JTOR V-twin JAP powered ‘Works Scrapper,’ built by Freddie Dixon, which earned the title of the world’s fastest in 1929. Also confirmed for the show is the 1926 KTOR V-twin JAP powered ‘Cunliffe Brough,’ renowned for its striking lilac and nickel finish.

That’s not all! On the Sunday, Bonhams will also be auctioning two Brough Superior SS100s, expected to fetch over £300,000 each in their iconic sale.

Trade & Autojumble

The Stafford Classic Bike show is the KING of classic motorcycling events.

With more than 900 traders onsite, Stafford offers the biggest selection of spares, parts, paints, clothing, reg plates, oils, lubes, chains and carbs; just about everything you could possibly need to get the most out of our favourite hobby. Both inside the halls and outside you will also find the best motorcycle autojumblers from all over the UK. You just need to brush up on your negotiating skills!

From complete, mint classic bikes to battered garage finds, everything is for sale at Stafford.

Private Entries

Thousands of painstaking hours are spent by owners ensuring their exhibit is in its best possible condition ready for display and inspection by the packed crowds and award judges. As would be expected at the April show, there is a focus on British machines and marques such as Cotton, Norton, Sunbeam, BSA, Triumph and Ariel that all feature heavily. But the likes of Suzuki, Laverda, Indian and Harley-Davidson – among others – do provide an international flavour, too. Alongside the machines on the show’s club stands, the private entries will compete for a host of show awards including the coveted Best in Show.

Club Stands

Classic Brit bikes, exotic continentals, rare contraptions… the wonderful and expansive mix of club stands packed into the halls at Staffordshire County Showground has it all. A quick browse of the A-Z list and all the big-hitters are there from the likes of the multi-interest VMCC and VJMC through to the specialist owners’ clubs covering marques such as Francis-Barnett, Sunbeam, Velocette and Norton among others.

Bonhams Auction

The Bonhams motorcycle auction is a highly anticipated event at The International Classic MotorCycle Show, featuring a wide range of rare and historic motorcycles from around the world. The auction provides an exciting opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to acquire unique and valuable motorcycles, many of which are not often seen on the market.

Each year, Bonhams carefully curates a selection of motorcycles for the auction, with a focus on quality, rarity, and historical significance. Past auctions have included iconic motorcycles such as the 1938 Brough Superior SS100, the 1915 Harley-Davidson Model J, and the 1960 MV Agusta 500/3 Grand Prix racer.

The Bonhams motorcycle auction at The International Classic MotorCycle Show is not just a chance to acquire a rare and valuable motorcycle, but also a unique opportunity to be part of the rich and fascinating history of classic motorcycles. Whether you are a collector or simply a lover of vintage motorcycles, the Bonhams auction is an event not to be missed.

GP Paddock

The Grand Prix Paddock, also known as the ‘Live Start Up Area’, is famous for giving classic bike fans an up close and personal experience of the sounds of days gone by.

The Live Firing up area is one of the most exciting attractions at The International Classic MotorCycle Show, providing visitors with a rare opportunity to see classic motorcycles in action. The area features a range of vintage bikes, from early pioneers to more modern classics, which are fired up and run for visitors to see and hear.

The Live Firing up area is a unique opportunity to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of classic motorcycles as they were intended to be used. Visitors can expect to see a range of bikes, from rare and exotic models to more everyday workhorses, with something to appeal to every taste and interest.

The area is staffed by knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers who are always happy to share their passion for classic motorcycles and answer any questions visitors may have. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or simply curious about the world of classic motorcycles, the Live Firing up area at The International Classic MotorCycle Show is a must-see attraction that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The Competition Hall

One of the many highlights has to be the Competition Hall located just next to the Live Start-up Area. This April sees the return of bike enthusiast, engineer, off-road nut, crowd favourite and thankfully our compere for the weekend, John McCrink.

Among a slew of classic racing machines crammed into the Competition Hall, we’ll have bikes spanning a hundred years of motorcycling. Classic bikes from the world of motocross, trials, road race, enduro and grass track will all be represented, most of which are still ridden in anger. Don’t worry, there are always a few trailer queens among these well-used machines, showing off the craftsmanship and care that we enthusiasts lavish on our bikes. Make no mistake, this hall is for proper racing fans!

Outside, McCrink will host a trials demonstration led by the Owd Codgers Trials Club. Old they are, codgers they may be, but these boys can still ride a bike!

Live Displays

Wall of Death

The Fox family have been touring and entertaining since the 1920s. With their vintage Indian Scouts and 20ft high vertical wall, it is a show that needs to be seen to be believed! All those who witness the spectacular performance will remember it for the rest of their life. The noise, the speed, the smell, the proximity of the bikes ridden to the top of the wall (barely six inches from the audience) it is an experience never to be forgotten!

*Entrance to the Wall of Death is chargeable.

A kick-start to the new classic motorcycling year, the Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic takes place at Newark Showground. Having been established in 2012, it offers a welcome respite from the hectic holiday season and a chance to get lost exploring the hundreds of stunning classic machines on display.

With a good mix of traders, dealers and autojumble plots, it’s the perfect place to grab a box of parts and spares, as well as finding that inspiration needed to finish your restoration for a summer of riding… or perhaps pick up a new project.

Scooter World

Scooter World has to be one of the best elements of the Winter Classic Show. A dedicated team of Scooterists manage to pull in some of the UK’s best scooters be it custom, classic, or just darn right cool! It’s also a season opener of the clubs who gather from across the UK to show off their two-wheel beauts and talk shop.

See all your scootering event favourites like the ‘Fire-up’ sessions, club stands and privateer entries in abundance; you’ll also be able to listen to all-day scooterist-friendly music whilst you relax in the ‘Chill-out Area’.

Trade & Autojumble

Not to be confused with the monthly ‘Normous Newark Autojumbles we also run at the showground, the autojumble at the Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic is drip-fed throughout the site, with stalls inside the main hall, outside and in the additional halls too. Hundreds of traders pitch up at the show with a vast range of autojumble for visitors to browse through as soon as they walk through the gates.

Trade stands at the Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic are both varied and plentiful! Hundreds of traders are in attendance, selling anything from leather jackets to vintage machine manuals. Make sure that you go round all the halls on-site, because you never know what you’ll find around the corner! It’s the perfect way to spend the rest of the Christmas cash!

“Best year’s trading since the inception of Scooter World” - Shaw-Fire Lambretta Scooter Spares

Club stands

Both classic bike and scooter clubs are regarded as the jewel in the crown at this event. Keeping the heart of the scene beating through their work-hard, play-hard approach, the owners’ clubs take pride of place wherever they pitch up! They help make the show what it is with their phenomenal collections of incredible machines, not to mention their love for classic bikes and scooters! Cash prizes are up for grabs for the best three club stands that go out of their way to put on a good display – who will be the top three in 2025? You’ll have to stay for the awards ceremony on Sunday to find out!

Private Entries

Established as the season-opener for both classic bike and scooter enthusiasts, The Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic is THE place to immerse yourself in your favourite hobby!

The question is would you like to take part? Why not display your pride and joy at the show, be it an utterly original BSA or fully restored Vespa? We’re looking for the best classic bikes the UK has to offer to go into our private entry display.

All private entry display owners receive one free wristband to get into the show on both days, plus a vehicle pass. All displays are automatically entered into the awards too – so you could end up with a brand-new trophy to take home with you!

Guest of Honour

2026 guests to be confirmed later this year ...

The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show established in 1994

Celebrating the growing popularity of emerging and modern classics from the 1970s, 80s and now covering the retro-cool bikes of the 90s and 00’s, the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show has grown in popularity year after year and now regularly welcomes more than 30,000 enthusiasts through its doors. Taking place at the superb Staffordshire County Showground the event features over 900 traders, dealers and autojumble stands offering a wealth of parts and spares for every project.

2025 Star Guest

Get ready for a nostalgic treat as we are joined by former world 500cc champion Wayne Gardner.

Wayne – otherwise known as the ‘Wollongong Whizzkid’ – went from a boy riding around his hometown on a five-dollar dirt bike to becoming the 1987 World Motorcycle Grand Prix Champion and a national icon. Hear all his stories and more as he joins resident compare Jack Burnicle.

Live Entertainment

This year’s Stafford Classic Bike Show is just brimming with stuff to see and do. In amongst the thousands of classic bikes and trade stands. We’ve got live music from the inimitable Daisy Belles singing hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s whilst take a breather and with your picnic on the grass in front of the bandstand.

Bonhams Auction

The two-day mega auction will feature extraordinary collections of motorcycles for sale in what has become the World’s largest classic motorcycle auction.

The auction starts at 10am on both days with viewing beforehand and during each day. Access to the auction is with a catalogue which you can buy beforehand or on the day. Just visit www.bonhams.com and head over to the motorcycle section.

There really will be something for everyone.

Clubs

Stafford is the place for clubs and their members to meet and for visitors to talk shop about their bikes!

October’s show doubles down on the Japanese and European classics, so clubs like the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club, Ducati Owners Club, Moto Morini Club of GB and clubs representing just about every make and model will be at the show.

Panic not though, there’s still plenty of traditional bike clubs too such as the Vintage Motor Cycle Club, Francis-Barnett, Sunbeam, National Autocycle and Cyclemotor and the Thumper Club. among others.

Private Entries

Owners spend thousands of painstaking hours ensuring their bike is in its best possible condition, ready for display and inspection by the crowds and judges. As would be expected at the October show, there is a focus on Japanese machines and marques such as Suzuki, Honda, Ducati, Kawasaki and Yamaha all feature heavily. Alongside the machines on the show’s club stands, the private entries will compete for a host of show awards including the coveted Best in Show.

Trade & Autojumble

The Stafford show is the biggest of its kind in the world. Nowhere else on earth will you find so many traders and jumblers come together to offer such a wealth of items available to buy whether it be classic bikes, or the parts, pieces, spares and accessories for them; and you can add to that riding kit, tools, cleaning gear and memorabilia. Trade stands are spread across five large halls – including the huge Main Hall and balcony – so make sure you get your wish list drawn up in advance and give yourself enough time for a good rummage. You’ll need it, too, because outside you have rows and rows of autojumble stalls ready and waiting for you to explore.

GP Paddock

Head out to the Classic Racer GP Paddock where famous race machines of the past are fired up twice each day. Compere John McCrink and our star guests will be on-hand to give his thoughts on proceedings… that’s when they can get a word in edgeways over the deafening raw of some iconic monsters from racing’s glory days. You can almost smell the Castrol R!

Competition Hall

Located just next to the firing-up area, this hall will be packed with off-road machines ranging from motocross and trials enduro to road race bikes. If off-road bikes are your thing, then this hall is for you! We will be creating the best competition bike area to date, perfectly complementing the massively popular GP Paddock.

From humble beginnings in 1980, the show has grown and evolved into Britain’s greatest annual celebration of all that is best about the motorcycles of yesteryear.

The event is a magnet for enthusiasts, club members and traders alike – attracting thousands from all over the country and beyond. It features the finest themed club displays in the world and there is fierce competition for the much-coveted ‘best stand’ award and cash prize every year.

Dozens of private owners offer up their pride and joy for public scrutiny, including everything from immaculate showroom-condition motorcycles to rusty barn-finds freshly dragged from their decades-long resting place. This accessible show has a genuine family feel – with a host of personal touches that all add to the friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Visitors will also discover that the Bristol show’s retailers have a great deal to offer, with quality autojumble stalls from around the UK nestled alongside purveyors of everything related to the scene. From oils to tools, clothing to spares, painters to welders, The Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show is the place to find what you are looking for.

Guest of Honour - Alex George & Chas Mortimer

Alex George, a renowned former motorcycle racer, will be the guest of honour at the upcoming Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show. Known for his achievements in road racing, including several notable performances at the Isle of Man TT, George's presence adds a special touch to the event, celebrating his contributions to the sport. Attendees can look forward to hearing from this iconic figure, whose legacy in motorcycle racing continues to inspire enthusiasts and racers alike.

Adding to the excitement, we’re thrilled to welcome Chas Mortimer to the Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show. Mortimer’s distinguished career saw him become the only rider in history to win Grand Prix races across four different classes, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite. His wealth of experience and captivating stories from the golden age of racing promise to engage and inspire enthusiasts of all ages. This is a rare chance to meet a versatile legend whose influence spans generations.

Club Stands

With a friendly atmosphere, Classic Bike Shows’ annual trip to Britain’s southwest is well known for the extravagant exhibitions put on by the local motorcycle clubs who go all out to impress.

It’s not uncommon to see a fully home-made motorcycle garage or club café make an appearance at the show; complete with hand-painted backgrounds, members in fancy dress and tea and coffee on tap! Not to mention their incredible collection of prized motorcycles on display for visitors to get up close and personal to.

Our loyal clubs are at the heart of the show and help make it what it is and what it has been over the years. They work tirelessly to craft the most inspiring stands to provoke interest in their club and their motorcycles, and in turn, keep the classic movement alive. We salute them! So much so, that we offer cash prizes for the top three displays at the show every year.

If you’re a member of a classic motorcycle club and are interested in taking a stand at the show, please get in touch with the team today!

Private Entries

Bristol is also known for its incredible collection of some of the finest examples of privately-owned classic motorcycles in the country. We encourage owners to apply for a space sooner rather than later to ensure that they secure a space in the line-up that without fail attracts hundreds of visitors, photographers and journalists like moths to a flame!

All those who bring their motorcycle along are automatically entered to win a variety of different awards, including the prestigious “Best in Show” prize. Owners of private entries also receive two all-weekend entry wristbands…plus, not to mention, their bike is admired by thousands all weekend!

Trade & Autojumble

This event offers one of the earliest chances of the year for visitors to stock up on classic parts, spares, accessories and riding gear for the season ahead. It’s a very popular date on the motorcycling event calendar, attended by more than 16,000 enthusiasts every year. If you’re looking for a specific part to complete your latest restoration, chances are you’ll find it on one of the trade or autojumble stands at Bristol Bike Show!

Therefore – it’s the perfect place to pitch up with a trade stand and get those early few months of the year off to a great start! If you’re interested in trading at the show, simply get in touch with the team today.

The autojumble at Bristol bike show offers some of the purest classic motorcycle autojumble found in the Southwest of England.

Taking up the majority of the outdoor space at the show, and inside the large Edmund Rack Hall, the autojumble is usually the first stop for the majority of our visitors as soon as they walk through the gates – usually armed with a shopping list!

The show will also host a number of Sunday-only autojumble plots, bringing in more opportunity for visitors to double their number of bargains. If you’re interested in booking one of these pitches, they’re available for just £25. It’s the perfect opportunity for an early garage clear-out!

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Classic Bike Shows
Media Centre, Morton Way,
Horncastle LN9 6JR

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Our events…

Get in touch...

Classic Bike ShowsMedia Centre, Morton Way,Horncastle LN9 6JR

Classic Bike Shows
Media Centre, Morton Way,
Horncastle LN9 6JR