A POPULAR annual event is gearing up for a full-throttle return to Rugby town centre later this month.
Rugby Bikefest takes place on Sunday May 21 – with organisers hoping it will attract thousands of visitors as in previous years.
Attractions include the usual opening ‘ride-in’ and the Extreme Bike Battle stunt show.
Local bands Overdrive, Rugby Electric Guitar Orchestra, Sunroof, Caitlin McCarthy, Synth Machine, Wild Ride, Monday Nights, Trust Club, Boss Madra, The Jellyheads and Handball Alley will perform on open-air stages in Market Place and Church Street, opposite the Squirrel pub.
The Church Street stage has been named ‘The Sue Garaghty Squirrel Stage’ in memory of the pub’s former owner who sadly passed away last year.
Over 40 stalls and displays will offer a wide range of bike related goods, advice and clothing, and food stalls will serve up sausages, Indian food, grills, pies, cakes, jerk chicken and more.
There will also be fun family entertainment including face painting, bouncy castles, circus skills, a big wheel, children’s games, a funfair and more.
Those planning to visit on their bikes can use the bike park in the John Barford car park, and the Christian Motorcycle Association will host a Helmet Park outside St Andrew’s Church.
The event is organised by Rugby First in conjunction with local motorcycling groups.
Rugby First Business and Stakeholder Manager Linda Lowne said: “Rugby Bikefest is one of the biggest events that takes place in the town centre and creates a lot of interest, both locally and further afield.
“Thousands of people come into the town centre and it is a great ‘shop window’ for Rugby.
“Even if you are not a bike enthusiast the event promises a great day out for all the family and the town centre economy receives a significant boost in trade.
“A big thank you to the local biking groups that support this event, as without their help, support, passion and enthusiasm it would not be possible to deliver such a successful event.”
The Bikefest takes place on Sunday May 21 from 10.30am to 4pm.
Visit www.bikefest.rugbyfirst.org for more information, or to register to take part in the ride-in – which this year is taking a different route into the town centre.
