THE doors will soon be open for the 34th Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show and this year’s event is set to be a real spectacle.

With 18,000 visitors expected, 60 clubs putting on displays and 600 classic motorcycles restored to pristine condition, the show, taking place on the weekend of February 8-9, is set to be bigger and better than ever before. As is now tradition, many of the UK’s top clubs will be flocking to the Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, to showcase the best that the classic world has to offer.

The London Douglas Club has promised a wide ranging display and, in Cotton’s centennial year, the Cotton Owners and Enthusiasts Club will be making a special effort with 16 bikes earmarked for display; the earliest being a 1926 Blackburne. Although the show is predominately about motorcycles, 2014’s offering will also have a good helping of scooters on display including the Soul City Scooter Club and the Bristol Lambretta Club. And the Stonehenge Section VMCC will have their usual collection of immaculate machinery, including Jim Devereux’s 1931 Ariel SG which was featured in the February 2014 issue of The Classic MotorCycle. The prize money up for grabs this year ranges from £100 for individuals to £250-£750 for clubs so, with John Phizacklea bringing along a 1947 EMC Mk.1 that is sure to be up to his prize winning standards, there will definitely be an atmosphere of friendly competition. As far as trade stands go, there will be a wide variety of sellers offering everything you need to get your bike prepped and ready for the summer.

In attendance will be City of Leather, known for visiting India to track down specially made pieces of clothing, Davida Helmets offering retro headgear and Metalman – offering you the opportunity to go DIY and make your own metal parts. West Midlands Motorcycle will also be there selling top quality clearance items and Motorcycle Lifts will make working on your bike that little bit easier with the bike benches it supplies.

“Bristol is the traditional season opener and is looked forward to by many involved in the classic movement,” said James Robinson, editor of The Classic MotorCycle. “There are always a few surprises with some top quality restorations making their debut, the atmosphere is always friendly and it’s a pleasure to attend.”

Gates are open from 10am until 5pm on both days. Tickets are £10 when purchased in advance and £12 on the day.