2008

5th February 2008 (3-5pm Tuesday)	Atherstone Ball Game. Hundreds of people gathering to knock seven bells out of one another in an attempt to grab hold of a heavy leather ball - and run the risk of being dismembered in the process. Link and get there via Link	14.5 Miles
9th -10th Feb 2008	Shepton Mallet Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show. Hundreds of classic motorcycles, club stands, trade stands and private entries plus a huge auto-jumble.	120 Miles
10th February 2008	West Midlands MAG have their Fred Hill runs finishing up at the Motorcycle museum at about 12:30 on the Sunday.	3 Miles
21st to 24th March 2008	AutoTrader Easter Thunderball 2008 Santa Pod Raceway. Under 16s free.	55 Miles
23rd & 24th March 2008	Red Marley Hill Climb 2008. Classic bikes thundering up a big grass hill. Pre Trial on Easter Sunday, The hill climb is on the Monday.	39 Miles
29th & 30th March 2008.	2008 National BikeSafe Motorcycle Show. Metropolitan Police Training School, you need to look at this one and it's free entry and parking. (See photos)	100 Miles
12th April 2008	Foggy Petronas Racing Team (World Superbike) are selling up. Viewing of auction items at their old HQ in Burton upon Trent. A sad day for them but maybe a good Saturday run out for us. The Viewing is between 9am & 4pm, parking in the business park. Follow the link for directions then look for the lot list, some interesting kit.	35 Miles
15th April 2008 (Tuesday)	Charlie Boorman launches his latest trip. Join him for part of the UK leg starting from the M40 J10 at 8.30am and going on to the Ace Cafe. Meet in the services caravan park just beyond the coach park. For your SatNav the post code is OX27 7RD.	45 Miles
20th April 2008 (Sunday)	Brooklands Motorcycling Centenary The 100th anniversary of the first motorcycle race meeting at Brooklands	109 Miles
26th & 27th April 2008	28th International Classic Motorcycle Show. Stafford County Show Ground. The oldest and largest of all the classic shows. Tickets online are discounted.	39 Miles
3rd May 2008	The Spalding Flower Parade, Tulip Heads are donated by local growers. Carnival floats are decorated with these many thousands of flower heads.	80 Miles
11th May 2008	Roaming Robots, (sort of robot wars) Free demo in Aylesbury town centre. 11am to 3pm.	67 Miles
11th May 2008	Coventry Centre Centenary 1908-2008 - 100 years of automotive engineering in Coventry. Held at the BMIHT Heritage Motor Centre near Gaydon. 10am till 4pm, FREE entry to the show. (See photos)	23 Miles
17th & 18th May 2008	BMF Show East of England Showground, Peterborough. There are some good bands booked this year and don't miss the Moped Enduro, hilarious.	68 Miles
25th May 2008	5th National Classic Bike Clubs Show A major show held at Stanford Hall for all British, European and Japanese Classic & Vintage bike clubs.	30 Miles
25th-26th May 2008	Ragley Hall Classic Car & Transport Show. Vintage & Classic Cars, American, Kit and Custom Cars, Motorcycles, Commercials, Club Stands, Tradestands, Autojumble, children's inflatables as well catering services.	24 Miles
26th May 2008	The date has been set for the world-famous Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling 2008, which will see 8lb of Double Gloucester bouncing it's way down Cooper's Hill once again on the May bank holiday. You need to get there before 12am to get a good position, entry is free, the official car park charges are car £5, motorcycle £3.	66 Miles
26th May 2008	World Championship Woolsack Races (2007 link). Tetbury, holds an annual event on the May Bank Holiday. Teams carry a 60lb woolsack up and down Gumstool Hill between two pubs. (See photos)	71 Miles
25th May 2008	Have a go with a BOW!, with the Derbyshire Archery Club on the South Lawn of Kedleston Hall Derby Derbyshire DE22 5JH. Be there for 2pm.Tickets £1 plus the std £3.80 entrance fee. Tel:01332 842191	49 Miles
30th May 2008	The 2008 "Robert Dover's Cotswold Olimpick Games", held on Dover’s Hill, above Chipping Campden. This is a Friday evening event starting at 7:30pm with events like "Shin Kicking", "Tossin' the Caber" and sack racing, just the usual Olympic sort of things! Finishing up with dancing back in the town square. £3.00 for adults and £1.50 for the ankle biters.	32 Miles
7th June 2008	BikeFest UK Donington Park, a one day bike magazine show.	36 Miles
7th June 2008	Red Bull Flugtag in Hyde Park London Saturday 7th June 2008. 40 teams of "nutters" will compete for the winner’s prize by designing, constructing and flying their man-powered machines into The Serpentine lake. This is a free ticket only event, tickets are allocated by ballot on 16th April with entries from the 1st April. Go to www.redbullflugtag.co.uk keep trying, this is a very busy site! (See photos)	107 Miles
7th June 2008	See spectacular hot air balloons at the Evesham Balloon Festival. There are launches both morning and afternoon near the river with illuminated displays late on.	33 Miles
7th - 8th June 2008	MOIRA CANAL FESTIVAL 2008 Moira Furnace site and Conkers Waterside. PROVISIONAL	28 Miles
(7th to 14th)14th June 2008	Offenham Wake Events, Maypoles and street fairs, build-up through out the week prior.	34 Miles
8th June 2008	Meriden Motorcycle Megaride in aid of the Country Air Ambulance. Ride in from Arrow Mill, Alcester (starts 10:30) to Leamington Spa then an escorted ride from Leamington to Meriden (starts 11:30). Between 300 and 500 motorcycles are expected. Megaride Poster (See photos)	12 Miles or 28 Miles
10th June 2008	Peterborough Kite Festival, Nene Park, Ferry Meadows 10am to 5pm. There is a car park charge of £3.20, bike parking is free courtesy of the Nene Park Trust.	68 Miles
14th & 15th June 2008	Royal Enfield open day. Held at the Watsonian-Squire factory in the Cotswolds. The entire 2008 motorcycle range and accessories on display. Test ride bikes and ride in sidecars. Supporting the County Air Ambulance Trust. Food available.	36 Miles
14th & 15th June 2008	Annual Vintage Tractor Gathering. If vintage tractors float your boat then the ASTWOOD BANK VINTAGE GATHERING Redditch Worcestershire, might be for you. In their words, there will be an action-packed programme of vintage vehicles and agricultural equipment on display in the parade ring, along with fairground attractions and trade stands.	22 Miles
21st & 22 June 2008	Chester's Midsummer Watch Parade with it's Giants, Beasts and costumed characters.	88 Miles
22nd June 2008	2008 VMCC Banbury Run™ (Sunday event) The 60th Banbury Run Diamond Jubilee!! There may be some good pub venues from which to spectate on the route.	23 Miles
22nd June 2008	The Strawberry Fair 2008. A FREE summer festival of Music, Art, Theatre and Crafts in Cambridge.	93 Miles
22nd June 2008	Dragon Boat Racing, River Nene, Town Bridge, Peterborough. 52 crews are expected to battle it out over the 250m race course, watched by several thousand spectators.	71 Miles
22nd June 2008	Lions Raft Racing on the River Avon at Stratford, the finish is at the recreation ground after some miles of racing.	28 Miles
28th June 2008	It doesn't get much stranger than this. The World Worm Charming Championships, Cheshire, The "event" will start at 2pm at Willaston County Primary School, Willaston, Nantwich. Spectator fee £1.	66 Miles
28th June 2008	A local village event, and why not. Starting at 2:30 the Stretton on Dunsmore Village Fete and Street Party, stalls, bands and dancing. A bring your own evening BBQ.	14 Miles
28th & 29th June 2008	Bloxham Vintage Vehicle Rally and Country Fayre (Banbury steam rally). This works as a day out or look out for camping on the site, an excellent event.	38 Miles
28th & 29th June 2008	Braunston Marina Historic Narrow Boat Rally	23 Miles
29th June 2008	If you missed the Dragon Boat racing in Peterborough then here is a second chance to see this colourful event. Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival. Held on the cities Willen lake.	52 Miles
4th - 6th July 2008	The Saul Canal Festival & Folk on the Water Weekend. Two events at one venue... a Boat Gathering & Folk Music Festival in a beautiful corner of Gloucestershire. Beer tent, crafts and entertainment.	66 Miles
4th-6th July 2008	Godiva Festival. A free event held in Coventry's Memorial Park. The 2007 event's high points were in the Electric Tent where The Human League did a fantastic set, The Enemy weren't bad either. Checkout the videos on YouTube	8 Miles
4th-6th July 2008	Banbury Hobby Horse Festival Banbury's Hobby Horse Festival has everything from Morris dancing tours to theatrical performances and processions.	34 Miles
5th - 6th July 2008	The Aldershot Army Show. Military bands, displays motorcycle display team and more.	106 Miles
5th - 6th July 2008	Motorcycle World Beaulieu Event Fields. A popular outdoor event with all the usual range of things to do at one of the largest shows.	133 Miles
5th - 6th July 2008	The Birdman is a flight competition for human powered flying machines held each summer in Bognor Regis on the South Coast.	145 Miles
5th -6th July 2008	Not everyone's plate of beans, very popular though, the Barmouth Country & Western Festival. Two days of Country and Western music in Talbot Square in the centre of the town. BEWARE OF SPEED CAMERAS!!! It's North Wales and you know how much they love us.	128 Miles
6th July 2008	Velocette Motorcycle Owners Club Rally. L.E. Velocette Club Annual Rally, Stanford Hall, Leicestershire All visitors welcome	29 Miles
6th July 2008	Market Bosworth Show & Country Sports Fair. A diverse programme including motorcycle stunt riding, Lurchers & Terriers and Craft Marquee.	22 Miles
11th - 13th July 2008	The Goodwood Festival of Speed Not a cheap one this but still value for money. Tickets are pre book only.	166 Miles
11th - 13th July 2008	Skegness kite and XFest 2008. Surfing, kite surfing, finale on the beach, Sunday.	122 Miles
12th & 13th July 2008	VMCC Festival of 1000 Bikes. Mallory Park, Leics.	22 Miles
12th & 13th July 2008	See the Zundapp Bella Enthusiasts Club meet at Stanford Hall, we had one of these scooters many years ago, never did get it going.	30 Miles
12th & 13th July 2008	Once every two years, the Bedford River Festival , this is a massive event of music, parades, carnival, & "It's a Knockout". Starts at about 10:30 through to 23:00. And a fireworks display on Saturday starting about 22:30.	67 Miles
12th & 13th July 2008	The Tewkesbury Medieval Festival, I nearly omitted this event till I saw it had a beer tent and a pig roast, so it's in. It also has a long program of events, well worth a read.	46 Miles
12th & 13th July 2008	This year the Birdingbury Festival is supporting the Warwickshire Air Ambulance, a charity close to our hearts. The entrance charges are Adults £4, Children £2 and the under 5's are free.	16 Miles
14th - 20th July 2008	National Motorcycle Week promotes motorcycling and scooter riding and the many benefits associated with it. On Wednesday the 16th we have RIDE TO WORK DAY 2008
20th July 2008	Ton-Up Day at Jack's Hill Cafe, Watling Street (A5), Towcester,NN12 8ET, from 10am to 5pm. Ton-Up book launch and signing by Mick Hemmings.	38 Miles
26th July 2008	See the annual Skegness Illuminations Switch On, check their website for more information as it comes available.	122 Miles
27th July 2008	Vintage Motorcycle Club Founders Day Rally, Stanford Hall	30 Miles
1st - 3rd August	On the Victoria embankment the 2008 Nottingham Riverside Festival, street fair, music and fireworks.	50 Miles
2nd August	Support a local event. In Coventry Memorial Park, the 40th annual donkey derby and charity fair organised by the Coventry Leofric Lions. There will be live music, a fun fair, raffles, a skittle alley and a beer tent! Oh yes, donkey racing as well, starts at 12 noon and runs till 6pm.	7 Miles
2nd August	From 1pm to 3pm the finale of the Nuneaton "Bands in the Park" held in the Riversley Park Bandstand with Bedworth Brass, a picnic with entertainment thrown in.	11 Miles
2nd August 2008	Firework Champions 2008 Saturday 2nd August 2008 - Stanford Hall, Leicestershire.	29 Miles
8th - 10th August	If you like your steam rallies here yet another one, the Evesham Vintage Steam Rally held on Ashdown Farm, Evesham, Worcestershire. WR11 7PA. All the usual attractions.	33 Miles
10th August	If you are not a fellow hay fever sufferer you might want to try the Tetbury Summer & Flower Show, it starts at 12 noon and costs £2. There's all you would expect and more but I see no mention of a beer tent.	70 miles
10th August	The Downham Market Water Festival, a free event with Dragon Boat Racing on the Great Ouse Relief Channel near the Hythe Bridge in Downham Market	110 Miles
17th August	Ryans Ryde 2008 A charity run starting at Hopwood services J2 M42 at 11am in support of the Paul Ackrill Fund, a charity supporting young cancer suffers. It's possible to camp on the Saturday night at Rose and Crown, Alcester Road Portway Birmingham where there's a hog roast and entertainment laid on. Make a generous donation, it's a good cause and have a good time while doing it.	Rose & crown 15 Miles Hopwood 17 Miles
22nd to 24th August	The Coventry Saracens RFC hold their FAMILY FUN FILLED WEEKEND. There will be a Farmers market, a craft fair, five a side football competitions, a BBQ and a BEER FESTIVAL.	12 Miles
23rd to 25th August 2008	The Earls Barton Rally and Country Fayre. Motor cycle display team, vintage vehicles, country events, Saturday a vintage tractor ploughing contest. Oh there is a beer tent.	47 Miles
24th August	Honda motorcycle owners club present the MEGA HONDA EVENT 08 at The Heritage Motor Centre with free style + stunt shows and trade stands. Take your licence and a utility bill as there are demo bikes there. Think it would be a good idea to print the flyer and take it with you as well.	23 Miles
24th & 25th August 2008	As part of the Caldicot Castle Festival there is a round of the Lawn Mower Racing championship. A free event with a charity collection.	88 Miles
24th & 25th August 2008	80,000 visitors are expected this year at the Sandwell Community Show. It is a free event with huge range of attractions, visit their site and make your own mind up, there is a motorcycle display team, axe chucking, free entry circus and loads of things for the children.	20 Miles
25th August	Bank holiday Monday sees the Pershore Plum Fayre day 2008, there's a farmers market with every possible plum related product imaginable and other stranger stuff including "Plumb Tossing", must be a local thing. Down load the program as there is too much to list here and there's a useful map.	38 Miles
29th August - 2nd Nov	The 2008 switch on of the Blackpool Illuminations will be at 9pm on the 29th (check their site to confirm the exact time). This year it will be the Top Gear team who throw the switch. There is a big Firework Show on the North Pier Saturday 30th August and several dates through September.	140 Miles
30th August	The Alcester Court Leet, no I didn't get it either, it dates from medieval times. They are holding their summer BBQ between 12:30 and 6pm. Food, tug of war, beer, wine, bouncy castle. The full set then and entrance is free.	22 Miles
6th Sept	The 2008 Moreton Show held on Saturday, 6 September. Horses, cattle, sheep, rare breeds, goats, chickens, food and hundreds of trade stands. A bit expensive if you ask me, check the prices before you leave home.	Cancelled, rain stopped play
6th & 7th Sept	Coventry Festival of Motoring. The route passed through Meriden in previous years. Keep an eye on their web site for more details.	Cancelled, rain stopped play
6th & 7th Sept 2008	Shackerstone Family Festival. Near the Leicestershire, Warwickshire border, Shackerstone Family Festival is two days of events on the first weekend of September. There is a beer festival and camping, a brilliant combination. £8 on the gate.	Cancelled, rain stopped play
6th & 7th Sept 2008	Commemorate the end of WW2 hostilities at The Victory Show, gates open at 9.00 entry price £10. It's held near Cosby, just outside of Leicester.	Cancelled, rain stopped play
12th - 14th Sept	Black Sheep Boots and Beer Walking Festival 2008, even if you can't make this one it's worth a read. It's definitely tempting although a bit of a trek.	160 Miles
Postponed 13th & 14th Sept 2008 Postponed	The Napton Festival of Music 2008 is being held again on Holt Farm, Napton on the Hill. Mick Ralphs' Bad Company are the headline this year with many other bands in the line up. The event starts Friday night and runs through Saturday. If you Google for directions I think you end up a few miles up the road but the map link here looks about right. Keep checking their website for more information.	Postponed 23 Miles Postponed
13th & 14th Sept 2008	Extreme Performance Bike Weekend 2008 Santa Pod Raceway. Under 16s free.	55 Miles
13th & 14th Sept	LUBENHAM SCARECROW WEEKEND, just outside of Market Harborough. Have you ever seen scarecrows lurking in village gardens and on street corners? This might be your chance to find out what it's all about.	35 Miles
14th Sept 11am-4pm	Warwickshire Wild Life Trust have a Food and Farming Fair at their Brandon Marsh Nature Centre. Looks to be mostly a farmers market for local produce including beers and wine. There will be guided walks and talks on wild life and farming and activities for the ankle biters. Adults £2 entrance fee.	11 Miles
Saturday 20th Sept. 5:00pm - 8:00pm	Dunton Bassett Street Fayre held in Well Lane, Dunton Bassett. There will be live music, a BBQ, crafts and a bar. All comers welcome. Proceeds to MacMillan Nurses and local charities.	24 Miles
20th & 21st September 2008	BMF Tail End Show East of England Showground, Peterborough. This is the one for all those end of season bargains, you can easily save your entrance fee. Don't miss the Moped Enduro.	68 Miles
21st Sept 2008	The Stinkwheel Classic Motorcycle show. Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse, Loughborough. LE12 8TX	35 Miles
21st Sept 2008	The sixth Atherstone Heritage Motor Show, cars, motorcycles, "Piston Broke" real ale. A free event but raising money for local charities. 007 Bond and F1 cars have been staring attractions in the past, this years is still a secret.	14.5 Miles
26th - 28th Sept	Nantwich Food & Drink Festival 2008 Visit the Nantwich festival and enjoy some excellent food and drink. The event coincides with the CAMRA Nantwich Beer Festival, which starts at 5pm in the Nantwich Civic Hall on Friday 26th September and runs all week end.	65 Miles
New date 28th Sept	The 17th Festival Of 1000 Classic Cars and the North West Classic Bike Day held at Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire	76 Miles
28th Sept 2008	Scott Motorcycle Owners Club National Rally at Stanford Hall.	29 Miles
5th October 2008	Banbury Canal Day has grown from a local event into one that attracts visitors from all over the country. Banbury link.	34 Miles
11th & 12th October 2008	A local one for the family, the IMAGINEERING FAIR held in the Jaguar exhibition hall at the Coventry Ricoh Arena. £15 for a family ticket on the door. Ricoh Arena, Phoenix Way, Foleshill, Coventry, CV6 6GE	8 Miles
11th & 12th October 2008	The Weston Beach Race, the largest off road event in the UK, accommodation can be scarce this weekend so you need to plan this one.	122 Miles
Sunday 19th October 2008	Hoggin the Bridge IX, The annual Hoggin the Bridge, thousands of bikers from across Europe and the UK form a huge convoy over the bridge and then following a route to Chepstow.	92 Miles
Sat 25th October	And now for something completely different, “A Very Veggie Autumn Fair” or to give it it's proper title the Leicester Vegan Fair 2008 held at Christchurch, 105a Clarendon Park Road, Leicester, LE2 3AH, there's activities for youngsters and "delicious food", it's a small event, have a look see what you think, 50p entrance fee....................	31 Miles
25th and 26th October	Take a look at Herefordshire's third Food Festival. Topping the bill this year are the Hairy Bikers. There is a product launch of a new locally produced Vodka. There is a fair bit happening including wild mushroom identification, beekeeping, pumpkin carving, did I mention the Vodka. Entry £5. Download the program here.	64 Miles
1st - 2nd Nov 2008	Barmouth Motorcross Weekend, Excellent viewing for spectators from the promenade. Motor cycles and quad bikes race on a circuit on Barmouth's sands. Fun for all the family. BUT BEWARE OF SPEED CAMERAS!!!	128 Miles
1st Nov 2008	Meet the Daleks, Cyber Men, Davros, Ice Warriors at a Dr Who Exhibition plus trade stands at the Heritage Motor Centre	23 Miles
1st Nov 2008	Flame & Thunder 2008, Santa Pod Raceway. Under 16s free. (RWYB Sun 2nd Nov 2008)	55 Miles
28th Nov- 7th Dec 2008	The NEC Bike Show 2008, the list of new events looks quite impressive this year. Normally free parking for bikes. James Toseland's Crash will be performing on Saturday 29th November, Saturday 6th December and Sunday 7th December. He will also be making solo piano appearances on Wednesday 3rd & Thursday 4th December.	4.1 Miles
26th December	KENILWORTH LIONS DUCK RACE 12:00am at the Kenilworth Castle Ford in Abbey Fields. Your duck tickets are a £1 a piece with cash prizes for the winners. Previously there have been 1500 ducks with punters having part shares in a duck, serious stuff.	7 Miles
1st Jan 2009	The Brass Monkey Run one of the first Biker events of the year and it's in aid of Rainbows Children's Hospice. Starting from various locations in the Midlands & going to The Vic Bikers pub in Coalville, where hot soup and entertainment is to be laid on. If the roads are clear of ice the event is on two wheels, else come in the car. The Victoria Bikers Pub, Whitwick Rd, Coalville, Leic’s LE67 3FA www.vicbikerspub.co.uk The entrance fee goes to the Hospice.	31 Miles
3rd Jan 2009	World Indoor Motorcycle Trials Championship Round One will be at the Sheffield Arena. At just under £30 a ticket it's not cheap but when you see the risks these guys take, well someone has to pay the hospital bills.	87 Miles
9th - 11th Jan 2009	An early start to the ride out year and something a bit different. Whittlesey, near Peterbourgh hold their Straw Bear festival. remember if some one asks you to be the King the answer is No and leg it!	76 Miles
12th December to 22nd January	Sorry guys I missed this one. There are some serious bikes on show during this period at the Coventry Transport Museum. Check out their web site for details, I will be going for sure. Destiny Cycles, Hawg Haven The Trike Shop, Charley Boorman's bike and the Hairy Bikers recently commissioned chop bikes.	8 Miles
29th Jan - 1st Feb 2009	The MCN London Motorcycle Show held at ExCeL. All the big boys will be there, test rides and all, with Classic bikes and Babes.	122 Miles
8th February 2009	West Midlands MAG hold their annual Fred Hill Run finishing at the National Motorcycle Museum. Fred died in jail while fighting for a his principle, not to wear a crash helmet and you might well ask why. While many would not support him in his protest most would think it an over reaction to lock up a 74 year old for 60 days and have him die there.	3Miles
Sat 14th Sun 15th Feb 2009	29th Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show Held at The Bath and West Showground, BA4 6QN	120 Miles
24th Feb 2009 (Shrove Tuesday, pancake day)	Take the afternoon off work and watch this melee, you might well need more than the afternoon off if you plan to join in. Atherstone Ball Game. Hundreds of people gathering to knock seven bells out of one another in an attempt to grab hold of a heavy leather ball - and run the risk of being dismembered in the process. Just look at the photographs on Google images.	14.5 Miles
4th April 2009	The April Fool Harley Davidson Run which starts from Sixfields Football Stadium and finishes in Abington Street. The run is in aid of the Cynthia Spencer Hospice & takes place on Saturday 4th April leaving at 10.30am. The event was nearly cancelled until a local company helped with the liability insurance.	37 Miles
11th-13th April 2009	Evesham Vintage Easter Gathering. Motorbikes, steam engines, vintage cars, all the regular attractions and much more for the family.	33 Miles
12th & 13th April 2009	Red Marley Hill Climb 2009. Classic bikes thundering up a big grass hill. Pre Trial on Easter Sunday, The hill climb is on the Monday.	39 Miles
18th & 19th April 2009	Dunlop Great and British Motorsport Festival, action packed with all manner of categories.	49 Miles
Cancelled	The Wheaton Aston Festival, all live Folk Music, check their site and see if it's your type of thing. Sounds like they have had some decent ales at previous events....	36 Miles
1st May 2009 (Friday 6pm on)	One for the children, there is a bar and BBQ as well! The Offenham Wake May Day Celebrations, Maypole dancing around a proper maypole, choosing the May day queen and then Morris dancing.	35 Miles
9th May 2009 (Sat only 10am - 5pm)	The Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon hosts the 2009 Heart of England Bike Show it's free entry, free parking, excellent venue, try and sneak a look at the museum.	23 Miles
16th & 17th May 2009	The Coombeswood Canal Trust Open Weekend is to be held over the weekend at Hawne Basin, Halesowen, Worcestershire, B628AW between 10am to 4.30pm. Free entry and free parking. There's food, entertainment and real ale.	20 miles
16th & 17th May 2009	The BMF Show 2009, 100's of manufacturers, trade and club stands, main arena acts and world class live music make for an action packed weekend. Keep an eye on the website for updates. Do not miss the moped enduro, this is getting more serious and stupid every year! Entries closed back in October for the enduro, its that popular.	68 Miles
Sunday 17th May 2009 (Updated)	Royal Enfield open day. Held at the Midlands Royal Enfield Shrewsbury. most of the current range including the 2009 EFI models. Also take part in a special ride out headed up by Phil Read (the 8 times world champion, yes that Phil Read). Entrance, demos and talks are free, you pay for food and drinks.	66 Miles
23rd(eve) - 25th May 2009	The 2009 Trailboat Festival starts with an illuminated boat display on the Saturday evening (23rd) on the new Donisthorpe stretch of the canal. Look to Moira on Sunday and Monday for a program of events and entertainment.	28 Miles
23rd - 25th May 2009	The Crick Boat Show. Held in Crick Marina, the Crick Boat Show is regarded as one of the best inland waterways events. Look for the free boat rides and other entertainment.	27 Miles
24th May 2009	The Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club host the 6th National Classic Clubs' Show in the grounds of Stamford Hall, near Lutterworth. There will be a number of trade stands and an auto-jumble. The show is not just for the Japanese machines but is open to all the classic clubs, Brits, European and American. This is an interesting day out with plenty with to see in pleasant surroundings. Adults £5 ankle biters £3, gates open at 10am. It can be a bit of a surprise how quickly classic status can creep up on you where owning a 15 year old bike means your eligible to join up yourself!	29 Miles
25th May 2009	The date has been set again for the world-famous Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling, which will see 8lb of Double Gloucester bouncing it's way down Cooper's Hill once again on the May bank holiday. You need to get there really early, we went in 2008 and failed to get within 10 miles of the place and that was on a day when it rained and blew gales. After what seemed like hours of standing still we timed out and went on to have a great day at the Tetbury Woolsack Races.	66 Miles
25th May 2009	World Championship Woolsack Races. Tetbury, holds an annual event on the May Bank Holiday. Teams carry a 60lb woolsack up and down Gumstool Hill between two pubs. (See their photo page) Some nice pubs to for spectators to stand outside and marching bands to entertain.	71 Miles
6th June 2009	Pershore College Annual Open Day. Any number of Horticultural related activities. Open 10 till 5, there is a charge on the gate £5 per car or £2 per person.	38 Miles
6th June 2009	The Strawberry Fair 2009. A FREE summer festival of live music on more than one stage, art, theatre and crafts in Cambridge. The will be an amazing selection of children's entertainment, more than enough to keep then busy.	93 Miles
June 13th & 14th 2009 11am till 9pm	The Leamington Peace Festival. held in and around Leamington town centre, there will be live music and entertainment. Their web site is evolving but take a look at the photos of previous years to get a taster for this event.	12.5 Miles
14th June 2009	Peterborough Kite Festival, Nene Park, Ferry Meadows 10am to 5pm. Last year bike parking was free courtesy of the Nene Park Trust.	68 Miles
TBA June 2009	World Toe Wrestling Championship. Held at the Bentley Brook Inn, Fenny Bentley, Ashbourne, DE6 1LF. You may remember that the TV comedians Paddy McGuinness and Rory McGrath had a go at last year's contest. Its a charity bash, £2.50 to enter, free for spectators. All proceeds from the event go to the Derbyshire charity When You Wish Upon A Star. Ben & Jerry's are involved somewhere along the line.	51 Miles
20th & 21st June 2009	2009 National BikeSafe Motorcycle Show. Held at the Metropolitan Police Training School, it's free entry and parking. In 2008 there were trade stands and many test rides to be had. The test rides are all escorted by motorcycle mounted police, who will give an assessment of your riding, this is not as intimidating as it might first seem but you don't get to do much speeding. (See photos)	100 Miles The Peel Centre, Aerodrome Road, Hendon, London NW9 5JE
21st June 2009	The 655 Maintenance & Preservation Society will have their Avro Vulcan XM655 out on the runway at Wellesbourne airfield for the day. They plan to have vintage cars and other attractions on the day as well.	21 Miles
21st June 2009	Dragon Boat Racing, On the River Nene, at Town Bridge, Peterborough. Dragon boat racing is a Chinese tradition and is becoming a popular attraction at a number of events. Up to 16 people with a drummer up front beating time, a good laugh either watching or taking part.	71 Miles
21st June 2009	The Banbury Run 2009. For Veteran and Vintage machines manufactured before 1931. Entries close 28th February. Held again at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, CV35 0BJ. Set in 60 acres just 12 miles north of Banbury, use J12 of the M40. There is plenty to see at Gaydon or pick a spot on one of the routes. Sunrising Hill is a popular photo opportunity with a decent pint at the Castle on Edge Hill just around the corner.	23 Miles
27th June 2009	The 30th World Worm Charming Championships. 2pm on the Saturday at Willaston County Primary School, Willaston, Nantwich, Cheshire. How strange do you need it to be?	66 Miles
27th & 28th June 2008	Bloxham Vintage Vehicle Rally and Country Fayre (Banbury steam rally). This works as a day out or look out for camping on the site, an excellent event. Their web site seems to have been down for a few days now, no idea why, but its still part of my plans 2go.	38 Miles
26th - 28th June 2009	The American Auto Club is holding an event in Coventry's Coombe Country Park. From 12:00 noon till 5:00 pm there will be a display of some of the best of Americana and all of the country park to wander around in.	12 Miles
4th July 2009	Roald Dahl Festival 2009 Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator. A colourful parade of Dahl characters around the Market Square in Aylesbury. The parade takes place between from 11 to 12 in the morning so it's an early start.	67 Miles
3rd - 5th July 2009	The Godiva Festival a free event held in Coventry's memorial park. Idlewild are headlining this year, there is a full program day and evening throughout the weekend.	8 Miles
4th & 5th July 2009	The 23rd Hollowell Steam and Heavy Horse Show, this is a fully featured event with all manner of entertainment and on site camping.	41 Miles
11th & 12th July 2009	This year the Birdingbury Festival is again supporting the Warwickshire Air Ambulance, a charity close to our hearts. The entrance charges are Adults £4, Children £2 and the under 5's are free. The usual combination of tractors, steam engines and beer tents, some serious motorcycles on display as well.	16 Miles
12th July 2009	Alvis Owners Club have their Midlands Alvis Day from 12:00 noon to 4:30 pm at Coventry's Coombe Country Park. See a small collection of these historic vehicles and wander around the country park.	12 Miles
25th July 2009	Coventry Caribbean Festival, held in Coventry's War Memorial Park. From 12:00 noon - 9:00 pm there will be live music, food and entertainment.	7 Miles
26th July 2009	The Vintage Motorcycle Club Founders Day Rally. Held at Stanford Hall. More info to follow.	29 Miles
1st August 2009	Stanford Hall hosts the Firework Championships, this is a spectacular. For 2008 the weather was with us for once. Take a serious picnic, some take candelabra for their tables so nothing is over the top. Hundreds of lantern hot air balloons get sent up before the displays begin.	29 Miles
7th, 8th & 9th August 2009	Evesham Vintage Steam Rally. Steam engines, military vehicles, motorbikes, vintage cars, musical organs, display teams, all the regular attractions and much more for the family.	33 Miles
9th-14th Aug 2009	Skegness Carnival week More info to follow
16th August 2009	"Ryan's Ryde 2009" A charity event supporting young people with cancer. This year the ride out will be on SUNDAY 16th AUGUST. The ride out will leave from Hopwood services Junction 2 of the M42 meet at 11.00 leave Hopwood at 11.30. travelling to STOURPORT-ON-SEVERN. The Old Beams pub is setting up an out door bar for the event.	18 Miles
Cancelled	The Northampton Balloon Festival is an annual three day festival held at The Old Race Course in Northampton. It is a full days entertainment with music and displays. More info to follow. There is limited on site parking £3.00 for motorcycles and £4 entrance fee (2008).	Cancelled
22nd & 23rd August 2009	The Bonneville Celebration This August the Triumph Bonneville will be 50 years old and to celebrate there is an event happening at the The Heritage Motor Centre, in Gaydon. It is an all weekend event with things happening through the day and into the night. There will be camping on site as well. There doesn’t seem to be a day ticket price, £25 is a bit steep for just a few hours. Else for a full weekend it looks like a good programme...	23 Miles
26th August 2009	Not so very local this one but if like me the first time you know about these things happening its usually on TV and they're telling you you've missed it. La Tomatina, Bunyol, Valencia, Spain. A Spanish festival where if you have a tomato allergy your in the wrong place. On the last Wednesday of August, the town's streets turns into a ketchup covered nightmare, 15,000 combatants pelting each other with large, over ripe tomatoes.	Not so very local
31st Aug 2009	The 2009 Pershore Plum Festival will take place throughout August with the Plum Fayre being held on Bank Holiday Monday - 31st August. They say they go "Plum Crazy" and do some plum tossing, I guess that counts. Look out for the pub almost opposite the square with it's own micro brewery.	38 Miles
5th September 2009	The 2009 Moreton Show held on Saturday, 5th September. Horses, cattle, sheep, rare breeds, goats, chickens, food and hundreds of trade stands. A bit expensive if you ask me, check the prices before you leave home. Last years show was cancelled due to the rain and bad weather, this year they get back on track.	37 Miles
5th September 2009	Shackerstone Family Festival near the Leicestershire, Warwickshire border. A full two days of events. Marching bands, historical battle re-enactments, stunt men, vehicle parades, parachutists, aerobatic aircraft displays. Vintage canal barges, traction engines, and rides on the railway. There is also camping available, I bet there's a beer tent.	41 Miles
5th & 6th September 2009	Coventry Festival of Motoring. The route passed through Meriden in previous years. Keep an eye on their web site for more details. 2008 got cancelled due to the bad weather last summer.	10 Miles
5th & 6th Sept 2008	Commemorate the end of WW2 hostilities at The Victory Show, gates open at 9.00 entry price £10. It's held near Cosby, just outside of Leicester.	25 Miles
12th & 13th Sept	Lubenham Scarecrow Weekend. Fun on the Village Green. Scarecrow displays, fairground rides, live music, burger bar, Vintage Fire Engine with Cars & Tractors on the Sunday. Tractor tours around the village to see the scarecrows.	35 Miles
19th & 20th Sept	BMF Tail End Show East of England Showground, Peterborough. This is the one for all those end of season bargains, you can easily save your entrance fee. Don't miss the Moped Enduro or the Battle of the Bands.	68 Miles
20th Sept	The Atherstone Heritage Motor Show, car & motorcycles. A free event but raising money for local charities. 007 Bond and F1 cars have been among the attractions in the past. 2008 looked like this! Information is a bit scant but it's that popular they don't need to advertise.	14.5 Miles
20th Sept 2009	The The Stinkwheel Classic Motorcycle Show, show. Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse, Loughborough. LE12 8TX	35 Miles
4th October 2009	Banbury Canal Day has grown from a local event into one that attracts visitors from all over the country. Banbury link.	34 Miles
10th & 11th October 2009	The Weston Beach Race. As spectators sorting your accommodation is the challenge here. Planning and booking is essential as B&Bs and the like get booked a year in advance, that on its own should be clue enough to just how popular this event is!	114 Miles
18th October 2009	The annual Hoggin the Bridge (X), thousands of bikers from across the UK & Europe form a huge convoy over the bridge and then following a route to Chepstow. The run starts from the Severn View services at 10am Sunday, pre book your place for a "T" shirt else just turn up on the day.	92 Miles
27th Nov- 6th Dec 2009	The NEC Bike Show 2009, Be there for the new Norton re-launch. You know the format for the rest, trade stands, major manufacturers and events in the arena. Free parking for bikes but expect to pay through the nose for everything else.	4.1 Miles
20th June 2010	The next opportunity to see and hear Vulcan XM655 (The big aeroplane, you know the one) out on the runway at Wellesbourne Mountford. Expect classic cars and military vehicles as well.	22 Miles
26th & 27th June	Historic Working Boat Rally historic boats, trade stalls & exhibitions. Braunston Marina, at the intersection of of the Grand Union and Oxford canals.	23 Miles
27th June 2010	The Meriden Motorcycle Megaride starting from Arrow Mill near Alcester to Meriden via Leamington is supporting both the Air Ambulance and the MS Society this year. The ride it's self is always enjoyable and the post event gathering in Meriden is good fun as well. (These times are from the last time I attended the event. The ride in from Arrow Mill started at 10:30 to Leamington Spa then an escorted ride from Leamington to Meriden starting at 11:30)	28 Miles or 12 Miles
26th June 2010	The 31st World Worm Charming Championships. How strange do you need it to be? 2pm on Saturday 26th at Willaston County Primary School, Willaston, Nantwich, Cheshire. Gates open at 1pm, parking will be signposted.	66 Miles
3rd July 2010	The Royal British Legion Riders Branch is holding the annual 'Allied Memorial Ride'. Visit their site for full details. Registration is essential for this run and starts Monday 29th March. Cambridge Services Junction 28 on the A14	83 Miles
4th July 2010 (provisional date)	Market Bosworth Show & Country Sports Fair. Hopefully a diverse programme including motorcycle stunt riding, cars, dogs and country stuff.	22 Miles
10th & 11th July 2010	The Tewkesbury Medieval Festival, I nearly omitted this event till I saw it had a beer tent and a pig roast, so it's in. It also has a long program of events, well worth a read.	46 Miles
17th & 18th July 2010	Once every two years, the Bedford River Festival , this is a massive event of live music, parades and carnival. Keep an eye on their website for more details.	67 Miles
3rd-5th April 2010	The Armouries Easter Vintage Gathering & Sunday Easter Bonnet Parade Motorbikes, steam engines, vintage cars, all the regular attractions and much more for the family.	31 Miles
4th & 5th April 2010	Red Marley Hill Climb 2010. Classic bikes thundering up a big grass hill. Pre-trial on Easter Sunday, The hill climb is on the Monday.	39 Miles
9th May 2010 (Sunday only 10am - 5pm)	The Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon hosts the 2010 Heart of England Bike Show it's free entry, free parking, excellent venue, try and sneak a look at the museum. 4,000 turned up for the 2009 event and this years is promised to be better still. Organised by the Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership.	23 Miles
9th May 2010	Roaming Robots, (sort of robot wars) Free demonstration in Aylesbury town square, see some of the TV series robots close up.	67 Miles
15th & 16th May 2010	The BMF Show 2010, 100's of manufacturers, trade and club stands, main arena acts and world class live music make for an action packed weekend. Keep an eye on the website for updates. Do not miss the moped enduro, this is getting more serious and stupid every year! See their web site for camping details and bands.	68 Miles
30th May 2010	Stanford Hall, near Lutterworth, is the venue for the 7th National Classic Bike Clubs Show. There will be club, trade and auto-jumble stands. Open to the public from 10am to 4pm	29 Miles
29th - 31st May 2010	The Crick Boat Show. Held in Crick Marina, the Crick Boat Show is regarded as one of the best inland waterways events. Look for the free boat rides and other entertainment. There will be camping available, see their web site for details.	27 Miles
Cancelled on Health and Safety Grounds	Look forward to this again in 2011 when it will probably be an all ticket event. The date has been set again for the world-famous Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling, which will see 8lb of Double Gloucester bouncing it's way down Cooper's Hill once again on the May bank holiday. The first race is at 12 noon but you need to get there really early, we went in 2008 and failed to get within 10 miles of the place and that was on a day when it rained and blew gales. After what seemed like hours of standing still (we were in the car, ref the weather) we timed out and went on to have a great day at the Tetbury Woolsack Races.	Cancelled on Health and Safety Grounds
31st May 2010	World Championship Woolsack Races. Tetbury, holds an annual event on the May Bank Holiday. Teams carry a 60lb woolsack down then up Gumstool Hill between two pubs, the hill looks to be about 1 in 2 or something daft. Some nice pubs for spectators to stand outside, marching bands and other stuff to entertain.	71 Miles
5th June 2010	The Strawberry Fair 20 10. A FREE summer festival of live music on more than one stage, art, theatre and crafts in Cambridge. Keep an eye on their site for details and developments, this will be a good one weather permitting.	93 Miles
19th & 20th June 2010	The Leamington Peace Festival. held in and around Leamington town centre, there will be live music and entertainment. Starts at 11am both days till 9pm Sat and 6pm Sun.	12.5 Miles
19th & 20th June 2010	Royal Enfield open day. Held at the Watsonian-Squire factory in the Cotswolds. The entire motorcycle range and accessories on display, access to the Watsonian factory may be on the cards also. I'm guessing there will be test ride bikes and ride in sidecars. Food available? I read there were three types of curry available at the 2009 event.	36 Miles
20th June 2010	The Banbury Run 2010. For Veteran and Vintage machines manufactured before 1931. Entries close 28th February. Held again at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, CV35 0BJ. Just 12 miles north of Banbury, use J12 of the M40. There is plenty to see at Gaydon or pick a spot on one of the routes. Sunrising Hill is a popular photo opportunity with a decent pint at the Castle on Edge Hill just around the corner.	23 Miles
31st July 2010	Stanford Hall hosts the Firework Championships, this is a spectacular. Take a serious picnic, some take candelabra for their tables so nothing is over the top. Hundreds of hot air lantern balloons got sent up before the displays began at the 2008 event.	29 Miles
5th August 2010	Motorcycle legend, author and global adventurer Ted Simon, the guy who inspired the likes of Boorman & McGregor, will be at the Coventry Transport Museum on Thursday 5th August at 7.30pm. His Jupiter's Travels were a really good read. Check out their web site, its free but you need to book a seat by phone.	7 Miles
14th-15th Aug 2010	A good day to visit Foxton Locks for their annual festival, entrance to the site is free, car parking £1.50, no info at this time about bike parking.	37 Miles
21st August 2010	Warwick Boat Club have their Rowing Regatta, held upstream of the weir in St Nicholas Park in Warwick	12.5 Miles
22nd August 2010	Over 12,000 people and 5,000 bikes thought Brackley Festival of Motorcycling worth a visit in 2009 and they were not wrong. Stunt riding, live bands, bike show, test rides, trade stalls, owners clubs................... and more.	43 Miles
28th to 30th August 2010	The Earls Barton Rally and Country Fayre. Motor cycle display team, vintage vehicles, country events, Saturday a vintage tractor ploughing contest. Oh there is a beer tent.	47 Miles
30th Aug 2010	Alcester Court Leet Ale Tasters BBQ. Yes "Ale Tasters" a tough job but someone has to do it! Join the Alcester Court Leet, the Round Table and others on August Bank Holiday Monday for a BBQ. There will be a bar, food and stalls	22 Miles
30th Aug 2010	The 2010 Pershore Plum Festival will take place throughout August with the Plum Fayre being held on Bank Holiday Monday - 30th August. They say they go "Plum Crazy" and do some plum tossing and throwing teddy bears off the church tower, I guess that counts as crazy. Look out for the pub almost opposite the square with it's own micro brewery. It's an ideal event for the ankle biters but there is plenty for adults to do as well.	38 Miles
4th-5th Sept 2010	Coventry Festival of Motoring is a full weekend of entertainment and car runs celebrating Coventry’s motoring history. There will be stunt teams and owners clubs, too much to list here. Visit their site and check out what should be a good day out.	38 Miles
4th Sept 2010	The 2010 Moreton Show web site is not fully up and running yet but deserves a bookmark here for later. It has a high price tag but is a fully featured event in the Cotswold countryside.	37 Miles
4th & 5th September 2010	Shackerstone Family Festival near the Leicestershire, Warwickshire border. A full two days of events. Marching bands, historical battle re-enactments, stunt men, vehicle parades, parachutists, aerobatic aircraft displays. Vintage canal barges, traction engines, and rides on the railway. There is also camping available, I bet there's a beer tent.	41 Miles
11th Sept 2010	Frome Agricultural & Cheese Show is a popular one day agricultural Show held at The West Woodlands Showground near Frome. From what I've read there will be a beer marquee and cheese but not necessarily in that order. Save a third of the ticket price by booking in advance.	101 Miles
19th Sept 2010	The Atherstone Heritage Motorshow a great day out, done this one a few times now and it's well worth a run, classic cars and bikes, plenty of other stuff going on. Billed as one of the county's best FREE family days out, and just down the road in Atherstone's old town square.	15 Miles
2nd Oct 2010	RTTW a unique motorcycling event where motorcyclists can pay their respects to serving and fallen service men and women while raising funds solely for perpetuating their memory and recognising the sacrifice made.	25 Miles

Shepton Mallet Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show. Hundreds of classic motorcycles, club stands, trade stands and private entries plus a huge auto-jumble.

Godiva Festival. A free event held in Coventry's Memorial Park. The 2007 event's high points were in the Electric Tent where The Human League did a fantastic set, The Enemy weren't bad either. Checkout the videos on YouTube

The Godiva Festival a free event held in Coventry's memorial park. Idlewild are headlining this year, there is a full program day and evening throughout the weekend.

21st August 2010

22nd August 2010

Coventry Festival of Motoring is a full weekend of entertainment and car runs celebrating Coventry’s motoring history. There will be stunt teams and owners clubs, too much to list here. Visit their site and check out what should be a good day out.