The seventh annual Prescott Bike Festival took place at Prescott Hill Climb (home of the Bugatti Owners Club) on Sunday 9th April 2017 and was hailed as the most successful yet. Thanks to the glorious sunshine, over 6,000 motorcycle enthusiasts flocked to a sun-baked Prescott to support the fundraising event for Blood Bikes and were treated to a whole feast of entertainment both on and off the track. 

Festival Organiser Gordon Downie said “It was a 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 a record breaking sum has been raised for the Blood Bike charities this year. Exciting plans are already afoot for next year, which will be held on Sunday 15 April 2018”.

The Mayor of Gloucester, Councillor Neil Hampson said “I am delighted to support the work of the Blood Bikers. As a district qualified nurse, I understand the importance of the service that they provide moving vital medical supplies, blood, pathology samples and human breast milk from medical centres and hospitals throughout the UK. Both my wife and I have donated over 150 pints of blood throughout the years, so it’s a charity that resonates with me well. Prescott Bike Festival is a great fun way for the charity to boost its fundraising and profile; I have really enjoyed the day. The Blood Bikers deserve recognition for the outstanding free service that they provide to the NHS and for selflessly giving their free time to help save lives throughout the country”.

Amongst the many VIPs in attendance was David Hailwood, son of the legendary Mike ‘the Bike’ Hailwood with his father’s iconic Honda RC174 motorcycle, Norton sidecar racing World Sidecar Champion Stan Dibben, British motorcycle racing champion Rod Scivyer and popular British sporting hero Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards. Eddie took to the hill (not on skies we hasten to add) but in a Grinnall three wheeler.

The bike festival always celebrates engineering with an eclectic array of machinery and this year was no exception. The highly skilled engineer Allen Millyard returned with no less than eight of his amazing creations including his award-winning Flying Millyard (powered by a 5-litre V-twin aero engine). Matt McKeown thrilled the crowds once again with his Chinook helicopter engine powered Shopping Trolley and his latest project, the World’s Fastest jet powered Hearse called ‘Dead Quick’ which he hopes to set a new 200mph record in later this summer. Plus engineer Tom ‘The Atom’ Anable was ecstatic to actually reach the top of the hill climb course in his record-breaking Monowheel.

The event featured large displays of historic, modern and race bikes, 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, trade stands, motorcycle manufacturers and motorcycle clubs – what’s more it helped raise vital money and awareness for the Blood Bikes charities to help keep them on the road.

All proceeds from the event go to the Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes and regional blood bike group Severn Freewheelers, one of 27 blood bike groups around the UK that provide a free out-of-hours courier service for medical essentials. The life-saving service is run by volunteers and operates between NHS facilities, with Severn Freewheelers alone dealing with around 400 calls per month on emergency response BMW R1200RTs.