A BIG car and motorcycle show is being held in the centre of St Austell on Saturday (September 5). 

The Show and Shine event is being staged by the St Austell Town Team which was set up last year and aims to promote the town and support local businesses. 

The organisers are hoping for around 100 cars and motorcycles from all over Cornwall, with most of the vehicles on display being at least 40 years old. Among the cars of yesteryear will be Morris Minors and Rovers. 

The show is being co-ordinated on behalf of the town team by Richard Snell who organises similar events elsewhere. 

Town team secretary Mark Gray, who is also a St Austell town councillor, said: “Show and Shine is the first major event to be staged by the town town, following on from smaller events we had already run, such as St Austell Pride and a Bake Off-style contest. 

“The aim is to bring people into the town centre to get the tills ringing in the shops. Plus there will be all the positive benefits of having an upbeat atmosphere in the town. 

The Show and Shine event aims to bring people into the centre of St Austell. (Picture: Andrew Townsend)
The Show and Shine event aims to bring people into the centre of St Austell. (Picture: Andrew Townsend) (Picture: Andrew Townsend)

“The cars and bikes will be on show in Fore Street, Biddicks Court and Duke Street, with these areas being closed off to traffic. The show will run from 10am to 4pm with owners being on hand at times to chat about the vehicles. 

“Around half-a-dozen town team members will be involved and we have about 20 volunteers who will be acting as marshals.” 

Trophies will be awarded in various classes, with vehicles in the show being asked to arrive in the town between 8am and 9.30am. After the show, they will be leaving between 4pm and 6pm. 

Further information for potential participants is available on the town team website, www.staustelltownteam.co.uk