Following the huge success of the two previous events, the third annual Prescott Bike Festival on Sunday 7 April 2013 will be even bigger and better with many more bike manufacturers involved, a large display of historic, modern and race bikes in the paddock, more bike clubs than ever and lots of entertainment for all the family.
Most recently, we've had confirmation of several rare and interesting bikes that will at the Festival. These include the following bikes on display:
- David Jeffries' Suzuki GSXR1000 TT bike
- James Toseland' s first World Superbike, a Honda CBR600
- The original Old Spice Ducati 916 British Superbike
- The ex-Reve Red Bull John Reynolds Ducatti 996RS Championship bike
The many interesting bikes in action during the day now include the following:
- Tony Hudson's 1963 replica works Honda, four-cylinder, 250cc racer as ridden by Jim Redman, Mike Hailwood etc. It looks and sounds just like the real thing and revs to 16,000 just like the 1960’s works bikes
- The ex-BSB Honda CBR1000 entered by North Glos Road Racing Club, ridden by Johnny Rea and prepared by HM Plant for Red Bull Racing
Also entered by North Glos Road Racing Club, the ex-Black Horse Kawasaki ZX10 Superstock bike ridden by Connor Cummins then Victor Cox.
For bikers who enjoy classic machinery, Adrian Sellars is bringing his 1956 Norton Manx and a reverse-head 350cc Norton. He will be joined by Clive Hurst with a 1974 three-cylinder, two-stroke 1974 Kawasaki and a 1975 1000cc PEM Kawasaki.
As an event to raise awareness and funds for the Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes and one of its member groups, Severn Freewheelers, the first annual Prescott Bike Festival in 2011 attracted in excess of 5,500 visitors and raised more than 52,000 for charities. The 2012 Prescott Bike Festival attracted more exhibitors, had even better displays, was visited by more celebrities and raised more money for charities.
After attending last year, MotoGP commentator, Steve Parrish, said: "I had a really great day at the Prescott Bike Festival. I was like a kid in a sweet shop with other like-minded petrol-heads. Riding a 220mph grand prix Ducati up a hill that I hadn't seen before certainly got my attention. Then I was given the keys to a brand new Morgan three-wheeler to take prize winners for a run. I can think of no better way to spend a Sunday."
The Prescott Bike Festival 2013 will build on the success of the previous years by introducing a number of new features. These include a 'Happy Hour' an hour of activity on the hill featuring rare race machinery and factory bikes – in fact, anything that's special, different, rare or exotic. This is no static display; every entry to Happy Hour will Run the Hill. Not only will spectators be able to get close to some really special kit, they can hear it fire up and Run the Hill.
During the day, spectators who purchased Run The Hill tickets (now sold out but there are still plenty of General Admission tickets available) also have two opportunities to ride their own bike up the famous Prescott Hill Climb course
Festival organiser, Gordon Downie, says, “Obviously the unique opportunity to ride the hill is a major attraction, but the Prescott Bike Festival promises so much more. With all major motorcycle manufacturers in attendance, fans will get the chance to see all the major models up close and personal, a host of trade stands as well as famous racers and great lunchtime entertainment too. The festival really is set to offer something for every motorcycle fan.”
Other features of the Prescott Bike Festival 2013 include:
Dealer stands from the likes of Ducati, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Enfield, Triumph, AJP, Harley, Victory, BMW and KTM
Demonstrations throughout the day by 10 times British Trials Champion, Steve Saunders
A demonstration of the exciting new motorcycle sport, Moto Gymkhana
An opportunity to meet celebrities including Nick Sanders (who has motorcycled around the world seven times) and Chris Hodgson (current British Supermoto Champion)
Thrilling passenger experiences on a variety of machinery
Plus more than 100 trade stands
There will also be many displays of bikes of all ages and types including:
Ducati Sporting Club's Desmo Due one-make race series
The Classic 50cc Racing Club – 50cc racing machines and their riders from the early beginnings around 1953, through the classic period and up to the time when the class was dropped from GPs in 1983
Leominster Classic Club
The National Chopper Club – showcasing extreme custom bikes
Musical entertainment will include covers band, Come Up and See Me, and (returning by popular demand), 1950s inspired rockabilly, rock & roll and R&B band, Josie and the Outlaw.
Set at one of the most prestigious hill climb venues in the UK against the beautiful backdrop of the Cotswold countryside, the Prescott Bike Festival aims to provide something for everyone; a relaxed family atmosphere, a huge variety of entertainment and a rare opportunity to ‘Run the Hill’ on your own motorcycle. All proceeds from the day will go to the Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes and Severn Freewheelers.
Venue:
Prescott Hill Climb, Gotherington, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 9RD,
Easily accessible from junction 9 of the M5 and from London via the A40 to Cheltenham.
Tickets:
Advance tickets are £12; under 16s (with a paying adult) get in free.
On-the-day tickets are £15; under 16s (with a paying adult) get in free.
Run the Hill tickets are £35 and must be purchased in advance.
There is no charge for bike parking (free side stand puck provided)
Car parking is £3 per vehicle.
Disabled access: there are a limited number of on-site parking spaces available. When full, there is an overflow facility close to the main car park entrance point. Note that this terrain can be a little rough in inclement weather as it is a hill climb venue.
To purchase tickets in advance visit: www.prescottbikefestival.co.uk
Gates open at 08:30 and track action begins at 10:00. The festival closes at 17:00.
