Bikers show a bit of ‘Dunkirk Spirit’ at Kelso
Bikers Show a Bit of ‘Dunkirk Spirit’ at Kelso
The BMF Kelso Bikefest, Scotland’s largest outdoor motorcycle show, is about Fun, Music and Motorcycles and that’s exactly what was delivered, even if it was through puddles and mud!
Despite downpours of heavy rain overnight on Friday and continual drizzle on Saturday, nearly 6000 people attended the show over the weekend. Traders complimented the public for being a “great crowd” and put the good humour of everyone attending down to a “bit of the Dunkirk Spirit”.
The wet summer has been tough on traders with many events being a washout or cancelled. However, the BMF Show organisers, The Mulberry Group, did a sterling job at Kelso to ensure the show went ahead even after the torrential rain on Friday night left much of the showground under water. Some stalls and the arena shows were relocated and much of the ground was made usable thanks to the showground’s six tractors, water pumping machinery and mounds of woodchips. In the end, nothing was cancelled, and even the Club Games took place in a somewhat boggy arena!
Aquote, the show sponsors, were particularly pleased with the response of the attendees. The simulator on their stand created a frenzied competition for who could record the fastest lap time. In the end the trophy and the £100 Hein Gericke was awarded to Alex Pickering who recorded a blistering time of 1m37secs.
The highlight of the show for many was the Best in Show display which attracted some great entries. The bikes were undercover for the first time this year thanks to sponsors Fat Skeleton, Motorcycle Law Scotland and House of Custom. The overall winner was Mr D Marshall with his beautiful example of a classic Indian motorcycle; the winners of the other classes will be listed on the BMF Shows website within a few days.
Throughout the weekend the crowds who did brave the elements were entertained by Steve “Mr Showtime” Colley and UK FMX Stunt team, both performing brilliantly despite the challenging conditions. Daytime arena entertainment was boosted by live music in the bar and a range of excellent bands providing evening entertainment for the campers. Club Games saw teams undertaking such challenges as: Welly Whanging, Dizzy Sticks, Drinking & Driving Wheel Barrows. There was a tie for first position, with two teams from the Bandit Owners Club sharing the top prize.
Martin Chick, MD of The Mulberry Group, commented that “it was a shame that the weather prevented many day visitors from being able to make it here this weekend” but that he’s hoping for good weather for the15th and 16th of September when the BMF Tailend Show takes place in Peterborough!
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Notes to Editors
About the BMF Shows. The BMF Kelso Bikefest is the second show in the BMF’s calendar. The BMF have been running shows for over 50 years. The shows offer members the opportunity to meet other bikers and to learn more about the work of the BMF. The BMF Kelso Bikefest, held at the Union Borders Showground, is positioned to be accessible bikers in Scotland and the North of England. The show season is wrapped up with the Tailend Show, in Peterborough, on the 15th & 16th September where, amongst other things, the show will host the European Stunt Championship: www.thebmfshow.co.uk/the-shows/tailend-peterborough
Aquote sponsor the 2012 BMF Shows. Aquote was established as a motorcycle insurance provider in the mid 1990s and today employs around 200 staff members based in Portsmouth and Colchester. It provides bike insurance for all types of bikes, scooters and quads for riders of all ages. This includes many operational extras that can enhance a policy cover: www.aquote.co.uk
About the BMF. The British Motorcyclists Federation was established in 1960 and was formed to represent all motorcyclists. The bmf's successful lobbying defeated such ill-conceived ideas as leg-protectors and the 100bhp limit restriction and continues to Promote, Pursue and Protect the rights of all motorcyclists: www.bmf.co.uk
About The Mulberry Group. The Mulberry Group offers a full event management service to corporate clients and organizations. Mulberry were appointed in October 2009 to take on the organising of the BMF Shows and after a successful 2-year stewardship during which attendance and revenue have increased, Mulberry have signed a 3-year contract to fully administer the shows on behalf of the BMF until the end of 2014: www.themulberrygroup.co.uk
Further information.
For press enquiries, or more information about the BMF Shows, please contact:
Martin Chick on 01869 277077 or 07767371731
mchick@themulberrygroup.co.uk
