IT’S time to raid the change jar, empty the piggy bank and dig for coins behind the sofa as more than 500 traders make final preparations ahead of Staffordshire County Showground’s annual bike event.

Taking place on October 18-19, the Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show welcomes sellers of all the best bikes, biking bits, parts, pieces and accessories.

Around 30,000 visitors are expected to descend on the venue throughout the weekend as bargain hunters from across the UK and beyond head for the heart of Staffordshire.

Avid motorcycle restorer and top bike journalist Bertie Simmonds said: “The show is the highlight of the classic calendar and this year’s promises to be the biggest and best ever.

“There’s a real buzz in and around the showground for the weekend as the great and good of motorcycling come together for two superb days showcasing all that is best about biking.

“I for one will be searching for parts for my RD350R project in the autojumble stands; it really is amazing what you can find.”

Along with the trade and jumble items available, the traditional Bonhams Autumn Stafford Sale has a selection of lots creating wide-ranging interest in the motorcycle community with the auction house featuring a consignment of Barry Sheene memorabilia.

British musician and Blur lead guitarist Graham Coxon has donated seven machines from his prize motorcycle collection to the sale also, with proceeds to benefit UK children’s charity the NSPCC.

Coxon said: “These bikes have taken me on a lot of wonderful adventures up and down the country.

“As a parent, it seems fitting that they should be sold to benefit the NSPCC’s important work in supporting and protecting children all over the UK.”

Another highlight of the event is the appearance of a number of former race stars from across the generations. Frankie Chili, a Grand Prix and World Superbike star of the 1980s, 90s and 2000s is the show’s special guest of honour and he’ll be joined by Steve Plater, Jim Redman and Carl Fogarty who are all heading to Stafford in varying capacities.

The venue’s main ring will see the introduction of parade laps for the first time and this will supplement row after row of display machines – one of the biggest gatherings of concours bikes anywhere in the world.

There’s live action also in the form of trials demonstrations and the firing up of iconic race machines and many of the UK’s top motorcycle clubs will be putting together exhibits.

Advance tickets are on sale until Tuesday, October 14, with a one-day adult ticket costing just £10 – a saving of 20% on the gate price. For more details visit classicbikeshows.com or call the ticket hotline on 01507 529529.