Sidecarland

The Baston Car and Bike Show

by Roy and Chris

This show has grown over the years from a small village show to a huge event that, in 2019, was held in the grounds of Grimsthorpe Castle, near Bourne in Lincolnshire.  This was the last time that the orginal organisers held the event; unfortunately, the 2020 show was cancelled due to Covid.

This year the event was organised by a company called “Live Promotions “and they did a good job; the event was well attended.  There were loads of cars on display, together with some trikes, but no outfits, and there were fewer solos than normal.  However, the weather forecast for the day was terrible, with thunder storms and torrential rain predicted for most of the day – not good if you were sitting on your bike in that lot.  I was lucky and met a friend who offered me shelter under his club canopy!!

Ducati had a club stand here; they are also going to the MCN show at Peterborough. They told me that they hoped to have a large stand there, although the club also has another event to attend on the same day, so it will be interesting to see what they have at Peterborough.

I noticed that lots of people walking around were carrying umbrellas – this proved to be a good move as the rain came down hard.   One trader had used his brains and had brollies for sale.

In spite of the weather there was plenty to do and see.  The live music was good and the trade stands included period clothing, insurance, memorabilia and specialist repairs. 

Your entrance ticket entitled you to go into the castle free of charge; this proved very popular and a long queue soon developed.  For the children there were plenty of rides to have a go on.  The many different food and drink outlets catered for most tastes. 

Live Promotions had originally hoped to make this a two-day event, with camping over the weekend; however, it went back to the normal one-day affair, but camping was still allowed.

Totally new was the firing up of “Oklahoma Willy”; this is a jet-powered VW pick-up truck, using a Rolls Royce engine.  It was awesome – what a machine!!

Awards were given out for Best Vehicle in Show and Best Club stand.

There were various bands and other entertainments arranged to keep those camping on Saturday evening happy.

I will go again next year.  Hopefully a couple of motorcycle clubs that I meet regulary at this show will also turn up; I expect that the weather put them off this time.

For me it was nice to get out to a large show again, to meet up with friends and to wander around and kick some tyres.