The nine-day biking spectacular that was Motorcycle Live 2014 drew to a close today with organisers confirming a 10% rise in attendance compared with 2013 and visitors and exhibitors alike declaring the show one of the best ever.

Over 117,000 two-wheel enthusiasts and their families and friends flocked though the doors to SEE all the new 2015 models for the first time, LEARN to ride a bike, WATCH amazing live action and entertainment, RIDE on and off road, MEET racing stars and celebrities and ENJOY the UK’s best day out in motorcycling.

Motorcycle Live opened on Saturday 22 November with more than 250 exhibitors and 20 live FREE features and shows, including ten opportunities to ride a bike, filling 67,000m2 of hall space at The NEC, Birmingham. The 39 manufacturers in attendance went all out to impress with a huge variety of interactive features on their stands, including ultra-loud motorcycles being fired up, dance and drum shows, special displays of anniversary and racing machinery and much more.

Each day saw an influx of racing stars from MotoGP, World and British Superbikes, the Isle of Man TT and Speedway – including 2014 World Superbike Champion Sylvain Guintoli and 2014 British Superbike Champion Shane Bryne – taking part in signing sessions and on-stage Q&As. There were also one or two TV personalities to be spotted with appearances by the Long Way Round’s Charley Boorman, This is England actor Andrew Shim and The Great British Bake Off’s Paul Hollywood.

The show’s Facebook and Twitter pages were flooded with positive feedback from happy visitors over the course of the nine-day event: “My 11 year old daughter had so much fun yesterday. She met Charley Boorman and bumped into Bradley Smith! Came home grinning with a new jacket and a pile of goodies! Thank you so much!”

“This was one of the best exhibitions in the last few years. All (the) major manufacturers. Keep up the good work!”

“Had a top birthday today with my family & friends @motorcyclelive could not ask for anything better to do. Top show once again.”

The exhibitors were equally enthusiastic. Richard Davies, Managing Director of Three Cross Motorcycles, distributer for Peugeot and SFM commented: “It’s been a very good show. We’ve been surprised at how busy it’s been throughout the week and to be honest, we’ve been too busy on the stand to have a proper look around during opening hours! We’ve had a nose round in the early morning though and the level of interaction is great. You can sense that people have really been enjoying it.”

Chris Hollis, General Manager of Mega Motorcycle Store, runs a retail stand close to the Blackhorse Stage in the British Eurosport Entertainment Zone: “It’s been a fantastic show for us, busy from day one right up until the last couple of hours today. The visitors that have shopped with us have been buzzing from all the live action going on and the stage entertainment has pulled in a massive crowd every day. We can’t fault it!”

Motorcycle Live organiser, Finlay McAllan, said: “I’ve been involved in the bike show in its various guises for many years now and I can honestly say that Motorcycle Live 2014 has had a brilliant buzz about it. So many of the exhibitors have gone the extra mile to provide a truly interactive experience and, of course, there’s an abundance of exciting new motorcycles on display. I want to thank everyone involved for making this year’s show such a fantastic one. Roll on 2015!”

Make a date for your diary for Motorcycle Live 2015, at The NEC, Birmingham from 21-29 November.