By Justin Flynn
Organisers of Geelong’s second ever Rat’s Tatt’s n’ PinUp’s are confident they can exceed last year’s mammoth crowd.
The 2016 event was held on a bitterly cold day and with decent weather this time around, Kingpin Kuztoms event organiser Rob Bellio said this year’s show could be huge.
“Last year was so successful – we obviously want to build this for the future. We’re assuming this year is going to be bigger,” he said.
“The car park last year was packed, but it was seriously cold.”
Rats, Tatts, and Pin Ups is part car show, part music festival with a little bit of everything thrown in for good measure.
“It really is for everyone – we encourage families to come down,” Rob said.
“We’ll always have the kids entertainment. The great thing about our events is that people dress up which adds to the atmosphere. Kids are catered for, and we make provisions to ensure everything is safe. Women love the bands and there’s always something to look for in the trade stands. Last year was an incredible success being an unknown event.”
Show’n’Shine is a car show open to anything Pre’78 (chrome bumper) and there will be some serious motorcycles on shown – ‘the Badder, the Better’ is the policy.
“We’re hoping to get 700 to 800 cars with the right weather,” Rob said.
The band line-up is impressive.
Four of the five bands are first time appearances for Rat’s Tatt’s n’ PinUp’s.
Shot In Reno will play from 1pm to 2pm Aaron Schembri Band is on from 2.30pm to 3.30pm, Cadillac Drifters from 4pm to 5pm, The Raccoons from 5.30pm to 6.30pm and Little Billie rounds it all off from 7pm to 8.45pm.
Rob said last year’s event caught many by surprise.
“What we found were that people were in the car park ringing their friends and saying, ‘You’ve got to come down here and check this out’,” he said.
“The bands are hyped up. It’s something people can relate to, but have never seen before.”
Rat’s Tatt’s n’ PinUp’s is at Corio’s Gateway Hotel, from midday to late on 12 August. Entry will cost a gold coin, with all proceeds go to Beyond Blue.
Food vans and drinks are available along with trade stalls and extensive entertainment options for children.
