Roar returns to Rugby as Bikefest brings thousands to town centre - The Rugby Observer

Roar returns to Rugby as Bikefest brings thousands to town centre

Rugby Editorial 23rd May, 2022   0

THE ROAR returned to Rugby as the town’s annual Bikefest came back in its signature springtime slot at the weekend.

The eighth Rugby Bikefest attracted thousands of visitors to the town centre yesterday (Sunday May 22) – the first springtime Bikefest since 2019, after last year’s event was moved to September and the 2020 event was cancelled altogether due to Covid restrictions.

The first big event to take place in Rugby town centre this year, the festival kickstarted with the now-traditional ‘ride-in’, where hundreds of bikes did a circuit of the town centre before parking on North Street and Church Street.

The Extreme Bike Battle stunt show wowed crowds outside the Town Hall.




The soundtrack was provided by local bands Paper Street Soap Company, The Needless, 2nd Hand Daylight, Rudesix, The Rooters, Monday Nights, Rugby Electric Guitar Orchestra, Gutter Puppy, The Imposters and Wild Ride, who performed on music stages in Market Place and Church Street.

Attractions included bike displays, stalls, face painting, bouncy castles, circus skills, a funfair and street food.


The festival was organised by Rugby First in conjunction with Rugby Borough Council and local motorcycling groups.

Rugby First Operations Director Jo Kemp 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 the town. It was a great day out for all the family, and businesses had a significant boost in trade.”

All pictures by Patrick Joyce.

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