Burton Brewers Custom Show | EVENTS

The first quarter of the year is meant to be a quiet one in the world of scootering, not so much any more, though. 

With pre-season events, a week in Lanzarote with VFM, big birthday parties, weddings and funerals, it meant I had to miss the inaugural visit to the new venue for Burton Brewers excellent custom show. We didn’t want you lot to miss out, though, so one of the organisers has written this report for us, and the photos have been supplied by Andy Gillard from ScooterNova and Gaz Collins.

New beginnings

2026 marked the 20th year of the Burton Brewers Custom Show. Over the years, the event has grown significantly.

This year saw us move to our sixth venue, as we continue our search for locations capable of accommodating the ever-increasing number of attendees at the show. For the first time in many years, we also had to move away from our traditional end-of-February date due to venue availability. The show was held on March 7th.

Adventure Farm

This year, we chose to host both the daytime custom show and the evening event at The National Forest Adventure Farm in Tatenhill, just outside Burton. Although normally a working family farm attraction, the venue has extensive experience hosting large events.

One of the biggest improvements was the car park, which was around five times larger than our previous venue. This removed a major logistical headache and provided plenty of space for all forms of transport. For the first time, it also allowed the Brewers to offer overnight camping for motorhomes and vans. With entry still only £5 for the entire day and night, it remains fantastic value and a great kickstart to the scootering calendar.

Sweet 69

Ahead of the show, we had 69 scooters pre-booked for the custom competition, including several first-time appearances. One of the most anticipated debuts was the long-awaited “Queen of Hearts – People’s Princess Lady Diana” Series 1 Lambretta, owned by Darryl Braga.

Other new entries included John Whiteman’s four Lambrettas and the impressive Harry Potter Series 2 sidecar combination. Also making its debut was the freshly finished Prodigy Monza GP, which was ridden into the show, along with Shaun Hale’s Pepsi-themed scooter.

The Deer Barn served as the main hall for the custom scooters. In the adjoining room, we hosted the Seven Boars SC club display, alongside Jag’s striking Copper Chopper.

Tribute

One particularly poignant scooter on display belonged to a local lad, Ravi. His small-frame scooter had been hidden away for 37 years before making a surprise appearance at the show. While not a full custom build, it carried deep nostalgia for many Burton scooterists. Ravi and Agy were tragically lost in a car accident in 1997, so seeing the scooter again meant a great deal to many who remembered them.

Good turnout

Despite the cool weather, we still welcomed a strong turnout of riders arriving on two wheels, including visitors from South London Scooter Club, Bradford Discharge, and many Midlands-based clubs.

Outside in the farmyard courtyard, there were 24 traders, with a further four stalls on the car park, giving visitors plenty to browse – from rusty old parts and spares to new helmets, clothing, and plenty of shiny scooter accessories.

Queen of hearts

As always, the custom show results were announced during the day, accompanied by a slideshow featuring the winning scooters. We had three chopped autos on display, two of which took home trophies. All winners received handmade trophies depicting the category they had won. Brewers members also voted for their favourite scooter of the show, and it was unanimously agreed that Queen of Hearts would take the Best of Show title as well.

Heavy Sol

Once the results were announced, it was time to clear the hall and literally set the stage for the evening event. The site was cleared in around an hour and a half, leaving only the campers on the car park while Heavy Sol set up and sound-checked and Jason Watson prepared for the night ahead. In the second room, local DJ Bobby Ball kept things going, giving people a choice of music once the band was on.

My World

Heavy Sol performed a special track dedicated to the Brewers – “My World”, played in honour of Stephen Haynes – a moment that always fills the dance floor. After the band finished their set, Jay carried the night through to midnight (which seems to get earlier every year!) before it was time to wind things down and clear the rooms.

The show must go on

After speaking with the venue owners, it’s safe to say they were very happy with how the event went. It looks like we may have found a new long-term home for the Burton Brewers Custom Show – and so the story continues.

A huge thank you to everyone who supported the event. We look forward to seeing you throughout the year and doing it all again next year.

Words and additional photos: Ian Vanes-Jones, Burton Brewers SC

Main photos, Andy Gillard and Gaz Collins