Category: Events and Shows

1. Prescott Bike Festival raises money for a life-saving charity, Bloodbikes

   Posted on 9:00am Friday 17th Jan 2014

   The annual Prescott Bike Festival will be taking place on Sunday 6th April 2014 and promises to be an action-packed day for all the family in support of the Nationwide Association of Bloodbikes charity.

   The fourth annual event will be larger than ever before, with even more bike manufacturers and clubs confirmed, plus a large display of historic, modern and race bikes on display in the paddock, demo areas, passenger rides, stunt show, trade stalls, live music, good food and a host of entertainment both on and off the track to keep the whole family amused. Special guest appearances include: former three times British Superbike Champion and Bloodbike ambassador John Reynolds, MotoGP commentator Steve Parrish, motorcycle adventurer Nick Sanders and making his debut appearance – Michael Rutter.

   Some of the many hundreds of historic, classic and race bikes at Prescott Bike Festival 2014:
   
   * Carlos Checa’s MotoGP Ducati Desmosedici GP5 and Checa’s 2011 WSB winning Ducati 1198 F1 (courtesy of Dawn Treader Performance)
   * David Jeffries' GSX-R1000 TT bike and James Toseland's first WSS machine
   * The 1930 Rudge Ulster belonging to David Osborne
   * Chris Sawyer's 1928 Cotton Blackburne
   * A rare Sachs R800 Roadster from 2002 owned by Barry Fahey
   * The 1959 Norton Dominator of Ian Cordes
   * Rare Excelsior Manxmans from Dave Lee and Adrian Sellars

   New features at Prescott Bike Festival 2014:
   
   * The Angelic Bulldog 400mph streamliner land speed motorbike project
   * Saturday night party and camping for Advance Ticket Holders only
   * Bigger and better Happy Hour of activity by rare race machinery and factory bikes on the hill
   * The first 100 Run the Hill bookings receive a free festival T-shirt
   * Kuberg electric motorbikes – have a go!
   * UK Garrison Star Wars costuming club
   * Early Bird breakfasts from 8.00am to 9.30am at special low prices

   Lots of live entertainment at Prescott Bike Festival 2014:
   
   * The Dave Coates Stunt Show as featured on TV and at many major motor sports events
   * George Formby Tribute
   * 1950s inspired rockabilly, rock & roll and R&B band, Josie and the Outlaw.

   Motorcycle and racing clubs already confirmed as attending:
   
   * Honda OC
   * Norton OC
   * XJR OC
   * Rolling Hills (Harley OC)
   * Classic 50cc Racing Club

   Festival organiser, Gordon Downie, says, “The annual Prescott Bike Festival continues to go from strength to strength. For 2014 we'll have more of everything alongside the usual attractions of the unique opportunity to ride the hill. As usual, all major motorcycle manufacturers will be in attendance so fans will get the chance to see all the major models up close and personal. There will be a host of trade stands as well as famous racers and great entertainment too. The Prescott Bike Festival 2014 really does offer something for everyone.”

   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 and free helmet park)
   Gates open at 08:30 and track action begins at 10:00. The festival closes at 17:00.
   All Advance Ticket holders (including Run the Hill) are invited to a pre-event party on the Saturday evening in the Clubhouse. Camping available to advance ticket holders only (limited availability)
   
   To purchase tickets in advance visit: www.prescottbikefestival.co.uk

   Exhibitor space is much sought after and limited to those who will add real value via their higher end product offer. The organisers welcome all enquiries; anyone interested in taking space should, in the first instance make their enquiry via the New Exhibitors section via the Exhibitors page on the website or email them directly at [email protected] for further information.

2. As promised.. an evening with Ian Hutchinson!

   Posted on 10:30am Thursday 16th Jan 2014

   As promised, an evening With Ian Hutchinson will take place on Friday 31st January 2014 @ Colin Appleyard in Leeds

   One of our most hotly anticipated events returns. In the hot seat is multi TT and recent Macau GP winner, Ian Hutchinson. Ian was due to attend our Evening With back in 2012 but was rushed to hospital following a second break to his leg. The injuries threatened to end his career, but he has just completing one of the most successful comebacks racing fans have seen in recent history by winning the Macau GP. We are honoured to have him join us to share his amazing story - make sure you don't miss this opportunity!

   As usual we'll be putting on a bit of food & drink and will also have a few goodies to give away plus some special one night only offers! Doors will be open from 6pm onwards & we'll aim to get things underway at 7pm. Sounds like a pretty good Friday night to us so why not come along and bring a friend? But don't forget to register! We look forward to seeing you there.

   Places are LIMITED and as we've had full houses every year so far so we'd suggest you register immediately to avoid disappointment (full details below).

   To register your place(s)* please contact Karen Halifax:
   Email | Call/Text: 07855 807342

   www.colinappleyard.com

3. The HUBB UK Overland Adventure Travellers event

   Posted on 10:36am Tuesday 14th Jan 2014

   This vibrant event from Overlander’s website Horizons Unlimited will be in its 14th year in 2014, making it the longest running overlanding event in the UK.

   It’s all happening between June 19th and 22nd at the new venue – the Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel DE74 2RN. The intention of the event is to inspire, to inform and to connect overland travellers. Got travel questions? This is the place to find the answers – frequently from people who have been there and done.

   The 4-day event will see over 150 sessions of presentations and demonstrations, authors and film makers, and competitions. In addition to all the activities, specialist overlanding companies will be on site to display and talk through the kit that they have designed, manufactured or sourced specifically with overlander in mind. Overland travel related clubs, magazines and forums are also made very welcome.
   
   The buzzy but laid back atmosphere is pretty much unique to the adventure traveller and though many of the attendees are experienced overlanders, newcomers will experience no airs and graces. The buzz of the event comes just as much from the activities and fantastic presentations, as from the sight of friends meeting up for the first time since the road, or new friends being made. It comes from the happily exchanged advice and tips of the road, to the real ale and the excellent food that’s on offer from the hotel at tremendously good value. You’ll even find a small mini market on the campsite.
   
   Please be aware that this isn’t a day visitor event. That would defeat the object of the event and scupper the amazing atmosphere.
   
   For the full details just go here
   
   The HUBB UK - Inspiring, Informing and Connecting Overland Adventure Travellers
   
   www.horizonsunlimited.com
   
   
   

4. Enjoy a week of 'Auto Science Live' at the Heritage Motor Centre!

   Posted on 5:25pm Monday 13th Jan 2014

   The Heritage Motor Centre is inviting families to enjoy a fun packed week of ‘Auto Science Live’ during the February half term. The event, which runs from the 15 – 23 February, features a range of free activities bringing automotive engineering and the science behind it to life. Included are family Story-telling tours as well as drop in sessions and workshops to inspire children of all ages. Every day children can get ‘hands-on’ and test their powers of observation with the Auto Science Trail.  There is something different going on every day.

   ‘Mad Science’ is brought to life on the Monday at 11am and 1pm for a 45 minute show full of cool interactive demonstrations and hands on activities where visitors can feel the power of what science is all about. Back by popular demand ‘Lego Technics’ takes place on the Tuesday from 10:30am – 3pm when children can design, build and test their own Lego Technic machines. They can then race them along the ‘Heritage Track’ with the fastest car of the day winning the title ‘Champion Designer’ as well as a prize.

   Visitors up for a challenge can take part in Wheelie Lego on the Wednesday from 10:30am – 3pm. Children can become a HMC engineering apprentice for the day and try and engineer a Lego car to come down the ramp and travel as far as possible! ‘Auto Crafty’ takes place on the Thursday with some ‘hands on’ crafty activities from 10:30am – 3pm. To round off the week visitors can enjoy a fast and furious hour setting their lap time on the fun sized Scalextrix race track with Mighty Fast Friday from 10:30pm – 3pm.

   Emma Rawlinson, Life Long Learning Officer for the Heritage Motor Centre stated “We are delighted to be hosting a week of family fun Auto Science Live activities with all of them designed to entertain but also educate. Not only do our activities include something for all ages, but all are free of charge!”

   All activities are FREE of charge but normal Museum entry fees apply: Adults £12, Child £8 (5-16 years) under 5 free, Concessions £10 & Family £34 (2 adults & up to 3 children). Buy one day and get 12 months free if you Gift Aid your entrance. For more information about the HMC please visit www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk or call 01926 641188.

5. Foggy & Whit support Shrops & Staffs Blood Bikes

   Posted on 9:00am Friday 10th Jan 2014

   Four times World Superbikes Champion Carl Fogarty and ex-British Champion James Whitham will be the special guests at the launch of the Shropshire and Staffordshire Blood Bikes service at the RAF Museum, Cosford.

   Carl said: “I am pleased to support the Blood Bikes service which do such a great job in delivering urgently required blood and other medical items to NHS patients, helping tosave lives.”

   The newly formed Shropshire and Staffordshire Blood Bikes already have over 100 volunteer riders and supporters, ready to commence operations in support of the NHS this month with its first two specially equipped motorcycles.

   SSBB Chairman Chris Powdrill said: “We are delighted to have Carl Fogarty and TV pundit James Whitham with us to support the official launch of the Shropshire and Staffordshire Blood Bikes, to be hosted by BBCRadio Shropshire’s Jim Hawkins. The emergency Blood Bikes service is a charity run entirely by volunteers, providing a vital service delivering blood and medical items which can save the NHS up to £300 per urgent delivery compared to thecost of using commercial couriers. SSBB is fortunate to have raised sufficient funds to purchase its first two blood bikes but will need six bikes to provide cover for the whole of Shropshire and Staffordshire.”

   The SSBB launch event at RAF Museum Cosford at 2pm on 22nd January is open to everyone interested in the work of the Blood Bikes and coincides with Carl and James’ visit to Telford, where they will stage a leg of their UK chat show ‘Foggy and Whit - Givin’ it Gas’ at The Place later that evening. For full details of the tour visit www.foggyandwhit.co.uk

   If you would like to be involved or support Shropshire and Staffordshire Blood Bikes, visit here