Category: Events and Shows

1. Vintage motorcycles display at South-West's largest festival of transport

   Posted on 7:45am Tuesday 25th Jun 2013

   The Gloucestershire Steam & Vintage Extravaganza, now in its 39th year, will take place once again at South Cerney Airfield, Cirencester.

   From Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th August 2013 the extravaganza will attract more than 15,000 visitors and raise money for local and national charities. The show has grown dramatically in recent years and is now widely regarded as one of the biggest and best Steam, Vintage and Countryside events in the UK. Attracting thousands of exhibits from all corners of the British Isles, as well as some from further afield ­ it really is the place to see 'The British way of life' at its best, and in a beautiful location in the heart of the Cotswolds.

   The show was originally conceived for steam enthusiasts, but the range of exhibits has grown year on year. It now boasts a huge array of vintage transport, from buses and coaches, commercial vehicles, classic cars and motorcycles through to military vehicles, tractors, engines and historic caravans. A live action arena will be an integral part of the show with interactive demonstrations taking place every day. Our fun fair at the Gloucestershire Steam Extravaganza is one of the finest collections of vintage rides. There is no shortage of thrills and spills that can be found by riding upon the 'electric yachts', the waltzer, the big wheel, the steam-driven 'gallopers' and, of course, the dodgems.

   Smaller rides are available for young people as is a traditional arcade and various side stalls. Hundreds of curiosity stalls should also keep visitors engrossed for hours with displays of Victorian memorabilia ranging from antique sewing and knitting machines and model dolls houses to vintage garden tools and 1940s to 1950s home wares.

   The Chairman of the Stroud Vintage Transport and Engine Club, Martyn Slater, says: “The Gloucestershire Steam & Vintage Extravaganza is the biggest of its kind run entirely by volunteers and I am proud to be involved. As well as raising money for local and national charities, our aim is to provide a safe and happy environment for everyone to celebrate our unique transport history, in hope that we can inspire future generations to get involved in the preservation of historic vehicles.”

   The huge motorcycle display area will include more than 130 models – manufacturers from England, Italy, Japan, India, the USA and other countries being represented. Among the marques on display will be Honda, Yamaha, Harley Davidson, Moto Guzzi, HRD, AGS, James, Triumph, Royal Enfield, Rudge, Baker, BMW, Norton, Velocette, BSA, Panther, Francis Barnett, Matchless and Greeves. The very popular Ken Fox Wall of Death will be included in the fairground again for 2013.

   Ken Fox Wall of Death, one of the last original Wall of Deaths dating back to 1929, having been handed down from three generations. Ken’s oldest son Luke Fox and his girlfriend Kerri Cameron are the main riders; together they perform tricks and acrobatics on their 1920’s Indian motorcycles their show culminates in the Hell Riders Race, a high-speed chase featuring three riders on the wall at the same time.

   The Gloucestershire Steam & Vintage Extravaganza is a show not to be missed and a great day out for all the family as children can have fun on the nostalgic fairground rides, see the distant Cotswold hills from the big wheel and get their heads in a spin on the waltzers while listening to music from yesteryear.

   Reduced advance tickets are available from here

   Admission Information:        Show opens at 10 am.

   FRIDAY                                    Adults - £7/Concession - £6/Junior - £4 (under fives free)

   SATURDAY or SUNDAY          Adults - £10/Concession - £9/Junior - £5/Family - £28 (under fives free)

   WEEKENDER                           Adults - £15/Concession - £13/Junior - £8/Family - £35 (under fives free)

   Notes: Family tickets              Includes two adults and two children.

   Weekender tickets                 Includes entry to all three days but no overnight camping.

   Discounted tickets are available to buy online at www.glossteamextravaganza.com or from Cirencester Tourist Information Centre, located next to the Corinium Museum. 

   A free vintage bus service will be operating around the perimeter of the show site, and to and from Kemble railway station throughout the show to connect with selected First Great Western Trains. For details of the bus schedule, please refer to the website www.steamextravaganza.com

   The Gloucestershire Steam & Vintage Extravaganza,

   South Cerney Airfield, Cirencester

   Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th August 2013

2. TT LEGEND PROVES A HIT

   Posted on 7:37am Tuesday 25th Jun 2013

   IT WAS an opportunity to get up close and personal with a true sporting great at the weekend, and thousands of people made the most of it at the brand new Carole Nash Newark Bike Bonanza.

   John McGuinness, fresh from completing a remarkable 20th TT victory at the Isle of Man event, spent hours meeting fans as well as participating in fascinating Q&A sessions with Newark Bike Bonanza compere Steve Plater on Saturday and Sunday (June 22-23).

   The ‘Morecambe Missile’ told organisers how great it was to be taking part: “I’ve had a fantastic time here in Newark. “I’m especially pleased to see such a varied crowd; we have the older, established bike fans as well as the new generation who are coming through, and that really is what it’s all about.”

   Along with McGuinness, the show featured many other top names from both road-racing and track disciplines with local riders Alex Lowes and Ben Wilson, TT starlet Conor Cummins and Samsung Honda ace Jason O’Halloran completing a superb line-up. The Classic TT, a much-anticipated event heading for the iconic island this August, also came in for discussion among the competitors.

   McGuinness shared his thoughts: “I’m looking forward to celebrating the history of the TT with this fun new event.

   “It wouldn’t do the TT justice if there wasn’t any competitiveness though and I know when I pull that helmet on the race instincts are bound to kick in.”

   The special guests also lent a helping hand at the Newark Bike Bonanza awards presentation where Chris Thompson’s 1981 250 Yamaha RD250 took the Best In Show accolade.

   Thompson and his Yamaha will now go into the Classic Bikers Club Bike of the Year 2013 online vote, which will be decided later in the year. The high-octane action came thick and fast throughout the weekend with champion-stuntman Steve Colley and extreme-mountain bike rider Danny Butler wowing the crowds with breath-taking displays.

   Ken Fox’s world-famous Wall of Death was on top form also, as the incredible team of dare-devils defied gravity to keep onlookers thoroughly entertained. Many worthy causes were highlighted too; the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance, Nottinghamshire Fire Brigade, the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership and Lincolnshire Blood Bikes were all at Newark Showground over the weekend, showcasing the vital work they undertake in road safety.

   A special charity auction held on Saturday evening saw more than £1300 raised, with the money being shared between the ambucopter and the TT Riders’ Association. With all of this and much more aside, the Carole Nash Newark Bike Bonanza lived up to high expectations and looks set to establish itself as a top summer event in the East Midlands region for many years to come.

3. MOTORCYCLES AND MUSIC COLLIDE FOR BILLING BIKE FEST

   Posted on 7:43am Monday 24th Jun 2013

   Motorbikes and music are set to collide as the Billing Bike Fest returns to Billing Aquadrome for a second outing on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July.

   Promising something for every biking taste, the show also has an impressive line up of bands performing throughout the weekend.

   Supporting the Marco Simmoncelli foundation, Billing Bike Fest will host more than 250 riders taking part in their 2013 charity ride out, as well as having hundreds of bikes on show from motorcycle manufacturers. Motorcycle clubs will showcase everything from great British classics to modern day heroes, Japanese elegance to American icons.

   Motorbike Clubs are invited to join in the celebrations with the organisers offering free space for clubs bringing up to ten bikes, with each owner receiving two weekend passes and camping per bike. Clubs wanting to bring over ten bikes will get the first ten free and then pay £25 per bike, again with the owners getting two free show tickets, giving you a free weekend away if you’re part of a club stand!

   Take part in the Custom Concours competition where the very best customised bikes will be displayed in a purpose built marque with awards for outstanding examples. Concours categories include Best in Show, Best Trike, Best Chop, Best Street fighter and Best Classic. 

   Get some expert advice or watch the experts in action with live demonstrations, browse the extensive retail village or search the treasure trove that is the Bike Jumble for that elusive spare or part. Whatever you love about motorbikes can be found at Billing Bike Fest.

   Hear the roar of the engine and soak up the fumes as you enjoy live action in the main arena from our special guests The Bolddog Lings Mini-X Tour, uses Britain’s best motocross and extreme sports participants, introducing the mobile Mini-bike freestyle ramp. The Joseph Peace fire stunt show team will also perform their modern circus stunt show on Saturday.

   Live music will once again take center stage throughout the weekend; Bands already confirmed include Manchester’s The Rainband, a four-piece indie rock band predicted by Rolling Stone magazine as the sound of 2013. Last year’s headline act The Great Divide also return along with Sons of Icarus, Dionysus Unbound and Foo Fighters tribute band The Four Fighters.

   And what festival wouldn’t be complete without the fantastic camping facilities at Billing Aquadrome including an indoor aqua park for all ages, go karting, climbing walls and much more.

   Adult ticket prices start from just £10 when booking in advance or £12 on the gate. Children under the age of 16 get free entry when accompanied by an adult. Parking is also free throughout. The show is open from 10am to 5pm each day. Camping is £25 per adult and £12.50 per child. Camping can be booked by contacting 01524 781453 (8am-8pm weekdays).

   To book day tickets call 0844 8540064 the latest updates visit www.billingbikefest.com

4. BMF Show organisers The Mulberry Group announce final arrangements for the Kelso Bikefest

   Posted on 7:45am Wednesday 19th Jun 2013

   ...July 5th - 7th Borders Union Showground, Kelso.

   Also a special guest appearance by Don Powell – original and founding member of 70’s Super Group SLADE.

   Don will be at the event over the entire weekend and will also be ‘jamming’ with the bands on Friday & Saturday.

   Show organiser Martin Chick said “We are really excited about having Don with us as a result of a collaboration with Sue Wilson, who raises awareness and funds for the National Autistic Society (NAS) Scotland”. “Sue is holding a series of events under the umbrella heading of Re-wind to the 70’s featuring: SLADE, Alvin Stardust, and The Rubettes (featuring Alan Williams) further details can be found at www.rewindtothe70s.co.uk”

   “Don has kindly agreed to spend the weekend with us and to ‘jam’ with the bands that are playing so it’s a great chance for show-goers to meet one of pop music’s true legends”

   In addition to the main stage music at Kelso, the bikefest will also feature Inch Perfect display team, Stannage International Stunt Team, an awesome Best in Show display in association with Principal Insurance and House of Custom, the BMF Club Games and the Cavalcade of Clubs.

   For those attending the show and not from the Kelso area, an organised ride-out on some of the best biking roads available will also be organised on Saturday morning (subject to the weather!!!)

   The BMF Kelso Bikefest is a fantastic event, smaller than the other two shows but with a real sense of community and bikers love it.

5. National Ride to Work Day - June 17th

   Posted on 8:39am Wednesday 12th Jun 2013

   This year's Ride to Work day is less than a week away and is your opportunity to save time, money and encourage others to take to two wheels and commute on a motorbike or scooter more regularly.

   It's easy to get involved - simply swap the car for the bike on Monday 17th June and encourage your friends to do the same! Don't forget non bike-riding friends can get a taste of life on two wheels through the industry approved Get On campaign which provides an accessible route into motorcycling.

   www.ridetoworkday.co.uk