Wheels set to turn in Laois on Halloween Portlaoise vintage spectacle

Building on the success of last year’s return of the Indoor Motor Show held in the Laois Shopping centre in Portlaoise, the Ballinakill Vintage and Classic Owners Club show committee are back in action to organise this very popular national event over the October Bank Holiday weekend.

The show on Saturday, October 19 marks the 11th year of the committee’s activity organising the event a special exhibition is planned for this year as they aim to set up the display by country of origin. They are now calling on all classic vehicle exhibitors with classic models to consider this when attending and expect the lineup to include major manufacturing countries of England, France, Germany, Italy and Japan.

A callout to the rarer countries of production will also be made especially those of Irish origin.

Unfortunately, the club is not in a position to accept entries from the American manufactured variety as these have proven difficult to manage at the tight entry and exit ramps to the show. A special display of vintage vehicles will also have prominence at the event along with a vintage toy display.

The show will officially be open to the public at 11 am and close at 5pm.

The club is also hosting a collection on the day for the local Hospice which is being overseen by the Portlaoise Lion’s Club in partnership with Laois Vintage Limited.

Entry is free of charge to the general public however donations are welcome no matter how small and will go directly to the Hospice collection.

The venue provided by Laois Shopping Centre attracts visitors and exhibitors from all over Ireland and is centrally located in the county capital, being the last large show of the year in the calendar of events, it is increasingly popular and being an indoor event avoids the weather issues we have seen all Summer, a car care and restoration autojumble will also compose part of the show activity.

Both exhibitors and visitors are protected from the elements with free covered car parks provided along with the exhibition space. All other amenities including shops cafés and toilets are under the same roof and easily found by escalator or lift.

Many attending past events have made a long weekend of it and placed the vehicles for show on Saturday, attended on the Sunday and left safely for home on Monday. This is achievable again with many B+B’s and hotels within walking distance and secure storage with the venue, early booking is advised. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured for the Ballinakill Vintage and Classic Car Owner's Club's Indoor Classic & Vintage Motor Show 2023 Launch were left to right: Laois Vintage Club Chair Ger Whelan, Noelle Graham, Ballinakill Vintage Clubs Sean and Geraldine Duff, Mary Delaney, Chair Laois Hospice, Bernie Kilbride, Pat Flynn, Club Chair, Ken Meredith, Gordon Bennet Vintage and Classic committee member David Clegg, Chair Irish Classic Car Run Committee, Kevin Doyle, Laois Shopping Centre Manager. Photo Denis Byrne

To avoid disappointment, vehicles should be in position before 11 am and must be pre-1993 models unless part of a specific display by the club. In the interest of pedestrian safety cars are required to remain in position until the show ends.
Individual owners are reminded that no engines will be permitted to run during the show times and all vehicles entering must provide own insurance and comply with the directions of marshalls on site.

All stall holders and exhibitors are requested to book their space at least two weeks in advance, contact 0879616754 for more information on bookings. A commissioned commemorative plaque will be presented to the exhibitors on receipt of registration forms on the day of the show.

Pictured at the luanch Geraldine Duff, Pat Flynn Ballinakill Vintage and Classic Car Owners Club with Laois Shopping Centre Manager Kevin Doyle. Pic: Denis Byrne

The Ballinakill Vintage and Classic Owners Club would like to thank the Laois Shopping Centre management and clients for its continued involvement in hosting this show and providing such an excellent exhibition space for this charity event.

They would also wish to acknowledge the support provided by Laois Hire in the supply of traffic safety equipment