Kingpin Takes Over Manhattan

            Kingpin Takes Over Manhattan

By Mark Humphrey

Ringwood, Vic/Aus. 2^nd March 2016. The Manhattan Hotel in the Melbourne suburb of Ringwood was the launching place for Kingpin Kuztums 2016 series of “Rats Tatts & Pin-ups” and as has been the case with past events the venue was packed with Rock a Billy rollers out looking for a good time.

Arriving late to the venue the first thing that hit me was how big this lifestyle themed series of events has become. The Manhattan looked impressive with hundreds of party goers cruising amongst hundreds of custom rats, Streeters, rods and bikes that had filled a number of car parks reserved for the show.

The 2016 series follows on from a successful 2015 series in much the same format with plenty of trade stands and merchandise available for keen shoppers along with make-up and hair care professionals that form part of the signature series that is “Rats Tatts & Pin-ups”.

The motorcycle guys were out in force this time out with the largest display of custom and signature bikes seen at a Kingpin event. Lots of cool rides on display for the admiring public. Street Rods have always been a feature of Kingpin Kuztums events and the Manhattan gig was no different with the huge main carpark filled to capacity with gleaming rods and pre 78 classic machines. It was refreshing to see so many new rides parked side by side in the Manhattan carpark and demonstrates just how big these events are becoming. To have that many cars parked at the Manhattan with so many regulars missing indicates just how big the promoter Rob Bellio has built his signature series in such a short time.

Inside the ALH venue live music was belting out of the speakers with 5 bands booked in to entertain the rock and rollers for over 7 twisting hours. An Elvis show was a new feature for Kingpin and proved to be very popular with the rockers on the floor. Food and drink specials were offered up on the day for the Kingpin following with an outdoor carpark booth serving up fast food throughout the day. The kids were taken care of with a jumping castle, clowns and magicians providing the junior entertainment.

All up it was another impressive display of custom motoring and partying by the Kingpin Kuztums crew with it must be noted, the massive support of the Australian Licenced Hotels group (ALH). I’m not sure if the ALH group thought they would see numbers like this so early in the promotion but judging on the public that packed into the venue on the weekend they have certainly backed a winner in Kingpin Kuztums.

The “Rats Tatts & Pin-ups” show will feature 3 more times in 2016 at ALH venues across Melbourne along with some Kingpin social cruise nights at nominated ALH venues. Meanwhile the Kingpin Kuztums lifestyle series makes it way down to the Victorian Market this Sunday starting at 9am. How cool to have custom rides parked under the historic roof line of the Victorian Market. As per usual live music will feature on the day along with some highly customized rides. This event promises to be something special.

For more info on the Kingpin Kuztums series check out the Kingpin Kuztums facebook page.

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