Kicking off today, the event will feature 18 bands, hundreds of classic cars and motorbikes and dirt drag racing. 

“It’s a celebration of traditional rodding and the culture that comes with it,” organiser Kyle Ford said. 

“There are people coming from America, New Zealand and all across Australia for it.

“We would expect 5000 to 10,000 people over the three days.”

Mr Ford said the event, entering its fifth year, had grown from a small gathering on a football field to an internationally recognised show.

“There’s not really anything else that goes on like this in Australia which is both broad and specialised,” he said. 

“It appeals to everyone, but is also narrowed down for die-hard enthusiasts.”

Joe Fermosa travelled from Sydney with a group of 15 car lovers to attend the event, stopping in Bendigo yesterday.

“I would have spent thousands of hours working on it,” he said of his 1934 Ford coupe. 

“I had a mate stay up for 72 hours straight working on his car to get it ready for the weekend. 

“It’s a lifestyle, not a hobby.”

The event runs until Sunday at the Newstead Racecourse. 

For more information visit chopped.com.au