Event Report: Burton Brewers
“If God were a scooterist, he’d be a Brewer.” The words of the late Steve Haynes, describing how this event always seems to attract excellent weather every year. For 2019, he couldn’t have been more correct…
It’s a long-time favourite for many, and a great way to kick off the season. Stu Smith reports on the Burton Brewers event
Opening
By February most of us are chomping at the bit to get out on our scooters. Situated early on the scootering calendar the Burton Brewer’s event always gives us that opportunity, and allows us to brush away the dark winter months, which have mainly been used to make upgrades and adjustments to our scooters ready for the season ahead.
The ‘do’ was held at the usual venue of the National Brewery Centre, Burtonupon- Trent, which was pushed to capacity for the day.
In the week prior to the day of the event the weather had been promising, but it rose to a higher level on Saturday, which could have been Steve’s smile shining down…
New layouts
Dealers and traders occupied the Worthington Suite, the main rear courtyard area and some of the space in the custom show marquee, which had been reorganised from its previous layout.
“We decided this year that we’d position the dealers and traders to the sides of the marquee and fill the main centre space leading down to the stage with custom show scooters,” explained Sarah and Helen.
It has to be said, this new set-up paid dividends. As soon as you approached the entrance to the marquee your eye was immediately tempted inside by the depth of the custom show entries.
Filling up by the second
The gates officially opened at 11am, and groups of scooters, individual scooterists and scooter club ride-outs started arriving.
Scooter parking at the front and at the rear of the building was almost full by noon. The constant stream of scooters were then directed to park in the convenient adjacent over-flow parking areas.
In the meantime, the main entrance to the venue was seeing a large surge of arrivals, which developed into a queue nearly 100 yards long at its peak!
Something for everyone
Inside, the custom show saw 45 entries, with nine additional Burton Brewers Club entries (which were not judged).
The custom show entries were of the highest standard and of all categories, which contributed to the atmosphere of excitement that was building in the marquee.
In the meantime, while keen onlookers looked round the scooters on show, Chris’ Olds, aka ‘DJ Marshmallow Factory’ kept smooth scooter tracks flowing, and if you fancied a drink or a bite to eat there was a bar at the entrance to the marquee and hot food available nearby.
Outside, the atmosphere was buzzing, and the unbroken sunshine was beaming down. The picnic tables next to the Brewery Tap bar were full of event-goers taking in the sun, exchanging stories, having a beer and enjoying the day. In the meantime, scooters could still be heard all around the venue.
Results announced
Just after lunchtime, the ridden-in custom show winner was announced, which went to Tony Holland from Rotherham and his Lambretta GP/YPVS street-racer.
At 3pm the main custom show results were announced. The top award of the day, the Steve Haynes memorial ‘Best in Show’ was presented to Darryl Braga for his fantastic Ayrton Senna-tribute Lambretta street-racer by honorary member of the Brewers for the day, Owen Longdon.
More in the tank
The evening’s entertainment started to kick in just after 7pm. In the Worthington Suite, Longshot Sounds delivered a constant set of Reggae, Ska and Two-Tone belters to a full house.
While this was going on, revellers in the marquee were treated to a variety of scooter tracks from the live band, Sub Culture and DJ Chris Olds.
Brilliant day
The turn-out was fantastic and this year saw more than 2,500 visitors to the event. One thing is for sure, everyone is always given a warm welcome by the Brewers. Their event is always well organised and for an entry fee of only £3 you couldn’t ask for any better way to open the season ahead!