A MOTORBIKE-themed festival in Rugby town centre returns to its springtime home this month after being disrupted by the pandemic for the last two years.
The eighth Rugby Bikefest takes place on Sunday May 22, after last year’s event was moved to September and the 2020 event was cancelled altogether due to Covid restrictions.
One of the town’s most popular events, the Bikefest – organised by Rugby First in conjunction with Rugby Borough Council and local motorcycling groups – is expected to attract thousands of visitors into the town centre as in previous years.
The festival will open with the now-traditional ‘ride-in’, where hundreds of bikes roar into the town centre at 10.30am. The bikes will do a circuit of the town centre before parking on North Street and Church Street.
It will also feature bike displays, stalls, live music, children’s activities, a funfair and street food.
Rugby First’s Operations Director Jo Kemp said: “I am really excited about this year’s event and it is the first big event to take place in Rugby town centre this year.
“Even if you are not a bike enthusiast, the event promises a great day out for all the family and businesses can look forward to a significant boost in trade with people travelling locally and from all over the midlands to the festival. I would encourage anyone, bike enthusiast or not, to put the date in their diary and come into the town centre and enjoy a great day out.”
She thanked all the local biking groups which are supporting the event.
She added: “I’d also like to say a special welcome to Warwickshire & Solihull Blood Bikes (WSBB) who will be joining us again and will be celebrating their 10th anniversary later this year.”
WSBB’s Secretary Chris Grigg said: “WSBB welcomes another Rugby Bikefest and is extremely grateful for their support of our Charity. We are reaching our 10-year anniversary of providing free assistance to the NHS through our volunteers. This work would not be possible without the support and donations of individuals and organisations such as BikeFest.
“It has been critical to our ability to help the NHS through the pandemic crisis. We look forward to this continuing at future events, not to mention the enjoyment an event like this provides for families in the area.”
Rugby Bikefest takes place on Sunday May 22 between 10.30am and 4pm.
Visit www.bikefest.rugbyfirst.org for more information, or for bike-owners to register to take part in the ride-in.
