Minis to hit the big time in Masterton

VROOM: The Mini Nationals are coming to Masterton this weekend. PHOTO/FILE

Masterton's Queen St will be transformed into a Mini enthusiasts' paradise for the British Mini Nationals event this weekend.

The town square will be lit up in red, white and blue, and the CBD will be decorated with British decorations and bunting flags for the event.

The Modified Mini Register's Committee has been working with Masterton District Council to organise the event that will bring more than 100 Minis to the town for Labour Weekend.

"As a club MMR, Modified Mini Register, don't have a particular home base so members are from all around the Lower North Island, and it was decided it would be nice to have the Nationals somewhere that had never had it before," spokesman Graham Strang said.

"We found, from working over here in the past, and seeing events and things that the council get in behind, that it seemed to be a really event-friendly place. Compared to a lot of councils, these guys are really supportive."

The Mini Nationals will kick off with a Meet and Greet at Copthorne Hotel on Friday evening, and then on Saturday Queen St between Jackson St and Lincoln R d will be closed off for the Show n Shine from 9am-1pm.

Mr Strang said it was great to have the support of Masterton District Council and Masterton businesses and individuals.

"The cinemas have movies showing, the Copthorne is the base for the whole thing and we've got various sponsors from around the place.

So BNZ, Paper Plus, Caltex are on board, Pak n Save, Lonestar, Burger King, Subway, some local cafes, Specsavers, Foot Clinic, Ten O'clock Cookie Caf to name a few."

Mr Strang said there would also be a guitarist playing God Save the Queen on the top of the Regent 3 Cinema building and that other musicians would be playing a stage in Queen St.

"There's also what's called Rocker Cover Racing taking place at the event," he said.

A rocker cover racer is made up of the top part of an engine, with wheels and items put on it as well as being decorated.

"Kids are welcome to bring along anything they have on wheels and race it down the ramp."

Council liaison Barbara Wilson said she was looking forward to seeing the event unfold.

"I'm looking forward to seeing the cars all lined up and seeing the turnout we get in Masterton," she said.

"We've been making bunting flags and British decorations will be given to shops."