Ballymena to Play Host to Largest Vintage Show in NI
Wednesday, 17 June 2009
Today (17th April 2009) sponsors and organizers of the province's largest Classic and Vintage Vehicle show gathered at Ballymena Showgrounds to announce the details of what will be one of the summer's biggest and best family events.
The annual Association of Old Vehicle Clubs (AOVC) show will, this year, be hosted in Ballymena Showgrounds - an all weather venue - on 27th June and is sponsored by Classic and Collectable Club Insurances Ltd (part of Autoline Group); Irish Vintage Scene, Ireland's only vintage magazine title; and supported by Ballymena Borough Council.
AOVC Chairman Reg Bell said: "Our committee spends many months coordinating this event and this will be one of the biggest yet. In previous years we've been forced to cancel due to poor weather but we're delighted to have found an all weather venue in Ballymena Showgrounds which means the show will go on rain, hail or shine!"
"This year promises to be one of the biggest shows yet, with over 300 individual entries to date and the closing date is still a number of weeks away. We're also expecting around 50 clubs to participate in the event. There'll be some notable appearances from 1930 Austin 16/6 Burnham Saloon from Gosport in the UK and an Aston Martin DB6 Vantage from a NI owner."
This year's show has been specifically designed to satisfy vintage enthusiasts, families and sightseers alike. Thousands of visitors are expected to attend the one-day event to see hundreds of classic cars, motorbikes, scooters and tractors from Ireland and the UK; car sales, model cars; and a special celebration of 50 years of the Mini presented by Graham Robson who is also the event compere. In addition, there'll be amusements, market stalls, a food court and a craft fair and a shuttle bus service to nearby shopping centres.
The Mayor of Ballymena Borough Council, Cllr Maurice Mills said: "We are delighted to welcome the AOVC Classic Show to our town for the first time this year. Ballymena Showgrounds is an ideal venue for this event, located next to the heart of the town centre, it provides easy access to the event and retail outlets simultaneously. We hope that this event will become an annual fixture on our summer events programme for many years to come."
Event Sponsor Classic & Collectable Club Insurances Ltd (CCC Insurances) spokeswoman Pamela Doherty says: "We've been involved with the AOVC shows for a number of years and we're excited to be part of this summer's event which has generated huge interest among our classic vehicle clients. On the day we'll be hosting a stand with live 'quote me' service and will be putting up some attractive prizes."
Event Sponsor, and editor of Irish Vintage Scene Tom Heavey says: "As the magazine marks it's third year as Ireland's only specialist classic title we wanted to increase awareness in NI and this show presented us with a fantastic platform to reach NI classic enthusiasts. We'll be there on the day to interview enthusiasts, report on clubs attending and compile a photo diary for our website and magazine."
Prize draws on the day include a weekend for two in the Connemara Coast Hotel and annual subscription to Irish Vintage Scene as well as a host of spot prizes.
The event takes place on 27th June in the Ballymena Showgrounds, just 40 minutes from Belfast and less then two hours from Donegal. Free shuttle buses will be operating all day to and from Ballymena town centre and nearby shopping centres for anyone who wants to indulge in some retail therapy while the motor enthusiasts are at the show.
With tickets priced at £10 (payable on entry) for 2 adults and 2 children, it promises to be a great value day out for families. Check out the dedicated web site for full entry prices www.aovcclassicshow.co.uk
Closing date for vehicle entries is 23rd May 2009, entry fee is £7 and forms are available online at www.aovcclassicshow.co.uk/entry_forms
For details of Irish Vintage Scene features on the day visit www.irishvintagescene.ie
For EVENT information contact AOVC Assistant Secretary Dessie Boyd, Tel 028 9065 4355, Mob 07990 501137 or email assistantsecretary@aovc.co.uk
For PRESS information or interviews contact Catherine McGinn at MAC Public Relations, Tel 028 4173 9017 or email info@macpr.co.uk
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Admission Adult £5.00, Child £3.00, Concession £3.00, Family Ticket £10.00
