The sun shone over Prescott Bike Festival yesterday, and bikers turned up in their droves to support the annual event, which is now in its sixth year. The festival is the biggest annual fundraiser for the charity and raises vital funds to enable them to carry out their life saving work.

Festival Organiser Gordon Downie said “It was another hugely successful Bike Fest and we'd like to thank everyone who helped make it so, from those that took to the hill, the entertainers, musicians, volunteers, marshals, bike clubs to trade stands and exhibitors - not least the thousands of visitors who came to support us. We'll post the final results on our Facebook page shortly, but early doors suggest that it's going to be a bumper sum going to the Blood Bike charities again this year and we are incredibly grateful”.

He continued “We would like to express our sincere apologies for the parking issues. The dreadful weather experienced on Friday and Saturday severely damaged the ground conditions and caused traffic delays. We appreciated the patience and good humour received as we struggled to cope with the waterlogged fields. We hope it didn't spoil people’s enjoyment of the day and that visitors will join us once again in 2017”.

The feedback from those attended the event was full of praise of both the event and the magnificent work that charity carries out.

Visitor John Jacka said “was a fantastic event once again. The Blood Bike and track Marshals were outstanding and couldn't do enough to help in the soggy off Tarmac conditions. Thank you one and all who were involved in putting this event on”.

The event was supported by the Mayor of The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Gloucester, Councillor Sebastian Field, The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Hereford, Councillor Charles Nicholls and The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Cheltenham, Councillor Duncan Smith.

Mayor of Gloucester, Councillor Sebastian Field said “I am delighted to be here today to support the work of the Blood Bikers. The bikers selflessly give their free time in all winds and weathers to help save lives throughout the country. They provide such an important free service to the NHS moving vital medical supplies, blood, pathology samples and even human breast milk from medical centres and hospitals throughout the UK. I encourage all to support them in all their endeavours and perhaps when one appears in your vicinity, put your hands together and give them the encouragement they deserve.”

Actress Amanda Mealing, better known as the fearsome Connie Beauchamp from BBC1’s Casualty made an appearance having ridden up from Wales on her BMW RNine-T. As a Blood Bike ambassador, Amanda took time out of her busy schedule to support the event. As an avid motorcycle enthusiast, it was evident that she clearly enjoyed the experience.

This year the organisers had secured the most diverse motorcycles yet, from Matt McKeown and the World’s fastest shopping trolley powered by a Chinook helicopter engine (holds a record speed of 70.4mph/ 113.298khm), the Kevin Schwantz’ 1995 Suzuki RGV500 XR85 and Carlos Checa’s MotoGP bike through to Kevin Scott and the 200cc 'Warhorse' officially the World’s Fastest Monowheel which currently holds the Guinness World Record and has a top speed of 65mph.

Also in the Paddock was iconic motorcycle builder and engineering genius Allen Millyard with seven of his projects including the ‘Millyard Viper V10’ an 8.0-litre, 500bhp motorcycle that he built in 2009 using a V10 engine from a Dodge Viper sports car and the home-built ‘Flying Millyard’, a classic 1920s bike featuring a pair of cylinders from a Pratt and Whitney radial aircraft engine, and a 5.0-litre V-Twin, engine designed for an aeroplane.

Prescott Bike Festival prides itself on its diversity – from rare, classic, modern, customised to hand built bikes to those of historic significance. This year featured large displays of historic, modern and race bike, plus a Paddock Specials Show ‘n’ Tell area, and the unique opportunity for members of the public to take part in the spectacle by ‘running the hill’ or participating in a thrilling passenger ride experiences. There was also a whole raft of entertainment too from live music, stunt shows, celebrity appearances, trade stands, motorcycle manufacturers and motorcycle clubs – what’s more it helps raise money and awareness for the Blood Bikes charities to help keep them on the road.

The next Blood Bike event will be held at Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb in Worcestershire on Sunday 4 September 2016 and is dubbed ‘the end of season’ motorcycle festival.