THE BIGGEST JUST GOT BIGGER! An early downpour washed clean the roads of Rossendale for bikers from around the country to enjoy the biggest Town Centre Motorcycle Show in Europe.
65,000 people beat the previous best attendance. The Cavalcade start point at Winfield's, Haslingden almost ran out of parking space for the 1400 bikes that gathered from the three ride-in start points of Kirby Lonsdale, Squires Café and Rivington Barn. Under sunny skies the cavalcade took a full 30 minutes to pass by the cheering crowds lining the route
Asda Arena was home to Jason Smyth Adrenalin Tour and The X-Treme Trials display, who was back by popular demand. A full day of top class live music on the stage and traders selling everything from earplugs to motorbikes filled every available space.
The TomTom sponsored minimoto arena was as popular as ever with demonstration races and hire and ride provided by Lucky Devil's minimoto racing.
Add to all this the Goldwing and Harley display in the shopping centre, the VRS centre dyno. on Bank Street and enough fairground rides to please the most ardent thrill ride fan.
East Lancashire Railway played host to the HSBC sponsored Vintage Bike Display, this year filling the platform and adjacent car park. A very impressive collection of Vellocettes, in the marques centenary year, took pride of place next to the steam trains moving in and out of the station during the day.
Volunteer marshals receive a T-shirt designed by local school children, this year sponsored by Rossendale Kawasaki. So it was no surprise that the winning design showed a Kawasaki against the Rossendale hills by Alex Bowers. Second went to Peter Connelly for his abstract outline of a bike against an orange background. Both pupils coming from Helmshore County Primary School. A small reward to the volunteers who play a big part in ensuring the success of the show.
The entry fee of £5 helped to support the charities that work so hard during the day and keep the show running smoothly. A small price to pay for a first class days entertainment.