May Motorcycle Events
Image credit: The International North West 200
Biker & Bike’s May Motorcycle Events Calendar lists all of the premier motorcycle events in the UK (and quite a few smaller and local ones).
If a starting time isn’t shown, please use the link provided to the organiser’s website for more details. All prices are correct at the time of publication, but may be subject to change. Other prices, concessions and early bird discounts may be available.
See all months >
Motorcycle Events in May 2020
May is a HUGE month for biker events! We have multiple festivals, the North West 200, The Bike Shed Show, and of course the big one, the Isle of Man TT Festival.
Many listings are regular annual events. Some may not have officially announced 2020’s event date, so please check with the organiser’s website before attending.
Date TBC
Ride Cymru 1000
9.00 am, High Street, Wrexham, Wales
We say:
Now in its 9th year, having already raised over £47,000 for charity, The Ride Cymru takes riders around a 1,070 lap of the perimeter of Wales over a five-day adventure. Once again this year’s ride will be led by the mad-cap ‘Cymru Kneivels’ – yes, bikers dressed as Evil Kneivel – who will take the tour to evening stops in Monmouth, Carmarthen, Aberystwyth and Holyhead before coming back to Wrexham on the Bank Holiday Monday. Special for this year will be laps of Welsh motor circuits Kinsham, Pembrey and Anglesey
Free to spectate. Riders wanting to participate should raise a minimum of £100. Full details are available on the website.
***EVENT CANCELLED***
BMAD Bike Festival
Paignton Beach, Devon
They say:
Bikers Make a Difference (BMAD) has raised over £500,000 for South West charities in the last 10 years – by holding an annual event of ‘bikes, bands and beer’. Marquees display bikes and trade stands, plus there are plenty of food options if you are peckish between the live bands on stage. For more information please see the event’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BikersMakeADifference/
Prices: £5 each day, plus an extra £5 on Saturday and Sunday evenings to watch the main acts. £20 weekend pass includes main acts.
***CHECK WITH ORGANISER***
Gawsworth Grasstrack & Bike Bonanza
Woodhouse Lane, Gawsworth, SK11 9QY
They say:
A weekend of motorcycles, cruising, riding and sliding plus static displays. Hosted by the Cheshire Grasstrack Club along with the Deva Legion Harley Davidson Club, the Gawsworth Jesters Motorcycle Club and Helsby & Frodsham Junior Grasstrack Club. Bands on Sunday night, bar with hot and cold food and camping available.
Prices: Sunday racing £15. Weekend camping £15, Saturday night only £5
https://www.facebook.com/Cheshire-Grasstrack-Club-140338256068556/
2 May ***POSTPONED UNTIL 3 OCTOBER***
Welsh National Rally (scatter rally)
Start point: Welshpool Livestock Centre, Buttington Cross, Welshpool, Wales SY21 8SR
They say:
This Welsh National Rally is a National Navigational Scatter Rally for qualified riders of mopeds, scooters, motorcycles and three-wheelers. It involves plotting a route through the mountains and valleys of Wales. It will require some navigational skills, mental dexterity and observational ability, but above all, it is designed to be an enjoyable event for all motorcycles and three wheelers. Expect around 250 bikes to take part. There is also a fun quiz involving clues at check-in points.
Prices: Single rider £25, Rider and pillion: £35
http://www.clivemcc.co.uk/wnrforms.php
3 May
Ancient to Modern Motorcycle Show
Withington Village Hall, Coppice Close, Withington, Herefordshire, HR1 3PP
We say:
Now in its 8th year, the Leominster Classic Motorcycle Club puts on a show featuring a wide variety of motorcycles from flat tankers through to modern bikes. Previous years have included displays of military vehicles and this year there are opportunities to ride bikes from the Enfield range.
Prices: Free to attend. Donations welcome for the supported air ambulance charity
http://lcmcc.uk/events/open-events/
3 May
Notts Classic Car & Motorcycle Show
Thoresby Park, Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, NG22 9EP
We say
The event, which has now been running for over 25 years, features over 500 vintage, classic and modern classic vehicles on display – the volume is clearly biased towards four wheels, but there is plenty for the motorcyclist to enjoy too. The usual array of displays, trade and autojumble will be available. As with all events from this organiser, if you turn up and display a pre-2004 motorcycle the entry price is reduced to just £3 (maximum two people per bike entry).
Prices: Adults £8, kids 7-14 £3, under 7’s free.
4-6 May ***CHECK WITH ORGANISER***
Bennetts British Superbike Championship
Oulton Park Circuit, Little Budworth, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 9BW
They say:
The 2rd round of the Championship is at the Oulton Park International circuit. Each Bennetts BSB event also features a busy timetable of regular support races, including the Dickies British Supersport Championship, Hel British Motostar Championship, Pirelli National Superstock 1000 and Pirelli National Superstock 600.
Advance Prices: Weekend: Adults £37, Kids 13-15 £22, Kids under 13 free. Raceday (Monday): Adults £28, Kids 13-15 £17, Kids under 13 free. Gate prices will be higher
http://www.britishsuperbike.com/
8 May ***CHECK WITH ORGANISER***
Bike 1066 plus ‘VE Day Run’ ‘Britain’s Biggest Free to Attend Motorcycle Festival’
Hastings, East Sussex
They say:
For over 35 years thousands of bikers have visited Hastings every May Day Bank Holiday Monday and now, bike1066 is a part of that tradition. In 2014, bike1066 Spring Opener became as big as the world-famous Isle of Man TT Races. 41,000 bikes attended bike1066 in one day while an estimated 31,000 attended the Isle of Man TT. The festivities start on Saturday with a number of music and bike related activities.
Prices: Completely free to everyone
6-11 May ***EVENT CANCELLED***
Scottish Six Days Trial
Assembly point: West End Car Park, Fort William, PH33 6RF Scotland.
We say:
Observed trials are not about speed but the rider’s ability to keep both feet off the ground, no matter what the obstacle. And those obstacles can be pretty tough to negotiate – steep gullies, slippery rocks, or fast water running between boulders on a stream bed. The Scottish Six Days Trial takes the idea on further by pitting man and machine against the elements over six whole days, each covering 100 miles of terrain. Throw in unpredictable Scottish weather and you have one of the toughest challenges in motorcycle sport.
The next Scottish Six Days Trial will take place 4 May 2020.
Prices: Free to watch.
8-10 May
Llandudno Transport Festival
Bodafon Fields, Llandudno, Conwy County, North Wales, LL30 3BW
We say:
Around 100 classic bikes will be on display as part of the wider transport festival, which is the focal point of the year for many motoring societies, including the British Motorcycle Preservation Society of North Wales. There are road runs and a tie-in with the Victorian Extravaganza event that takes place at the same time.
Prices: Free
http://www.llantransfest.co.uk/
11 May ***CHECK WITH ORGANISER***
MONSTER ENERGY FIM SPEEDWAY OF NATIONS RACE OFF 2
National Speedway Stadium, Kirkmanshulme Lane, Manchester M12 4WB
We Say:
Speedway’s Race of Nations is like a cross between football’s World Cup and rugby’s Six Nations. 15 countries compete to take the crown, one, Russia gets a bye because they host the final in July. The other 14 compete in two race-off events, seven in each, the first of which is held in Germany the week before this event. Race-off 2 features Great Britain, Australia, France, Finland, Denmark, USA and Latvia lapping the National Speedway Stadium’s 347m track as close to the 58.2s record lap time as possible.
Prices: Adults from £25, Kids under 16 free
12 May ***EVENT CANCELLED UNTIL 2021***
Ride of the Ruperts
9 am Milk Churn Café, Rudgwick, West Sussex, RH12 3DH
We say:
A homage to the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride and also raising funds for that’s event’s chosen charity, the Movember Foundation, the Ride of the Ruperts sees 250 riders in gentleman’s garb riding from the Milk Churn over to The Custom Cafe, where there will be a private party. Riders will need to register for the ride beforehand.
Prices: Minimum £10 donation
https://rideoftheruperts.co.uk/
12 May ***CHECK WITH ORGANISER***
Stonham Motorcycle Show
Stonham Barns, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, Suffolk, IP14 6AT
They say:
The show will feature award-winning sports bikes, café racers, old school choppers, lifestyle products, show ring displays, trade and dealership stands, autojumble, CBT training demo, bars and hot food outlets. OnThe Edge Motorcycle Stunt Trials Display Team will be in the show ring, consisting of the world’s best stunt riders ready to deliver the wow factor to crowds. There are also bands on Saturday night and local camping facilities at the nearby Stonham Leisure Park.
Prices: £7, kids under 12 free. Weekend and pre-show camping £15 (includes entry to bands on Saturday)
https://www.stonhambarns.co.uk/whats-on/stonham-motorcycle-show/
10 May ***CHECK WITH ORGANISER***
Classic Bike Show
The Dover Transport Museum, Willingdon Road, Whitfield, Dover, CT16 2JX
They say:
Open to all bikers, this event covers Modern, Classic, Vintage, Scooters, Mopeds, Auto Cycles & 3 Wheelers. As well as the free event, for a small entry fee the private museum covers many four and two-wheeled vehicles, including the largest collection anywhere of Norman motorcycles (made in Kent). There will also be a raffle to win a 1965 Francis Barnett Falcon 87 in a draw that will be held later in the year.
Prices: Show, Free. Museum, Adults £8, children 5-16 £4, Family £18
https://dovertransportmuseum.org.uk
12 May ***EVENT CANCELLED***
Motorcycle Run & North Weald Family Fun Day
Starting 10 am, Police HQ, Welwyn Garden City
They say:
Join hundreds of police bikers – including learners for the first time – on a brand new route, accompanied by a police outrider escort! Starting at Police HQ in Welwyn Garden City the run heads over to the North Weald Family Fun Day (formerly the Essex Motorcycle Show) over a 60-mile route. At the show you can watch the On the Edge stunt team in action, enjoy live music and peruse the trade stands and dealer displays.
Prices: Rider £10, Rider + Pillion £15. Other sponsorship tickets available.
https://ehaat.org/events/motorcycle-run/
14-18 May ***EVENT POSTPONED***
North West 200
The Paddock, Portrush Road, Portstewart, Northern Ireland, BT55 7PT
We say:
Not a ‘poor man’s TT’ (although a damn sight easier to get to) but one of the world’s fastest road races attracting over 100,000 spectators in a festival atmosphere with another two million around the world tuning in and wishing they were there. Along with the Ulster GP, this race week attracts all of the top riders and all of the ballyhoo that comes along with them. Epic.
Prices: Grandstand seats from £25
15 May ***CHECK WITH ORGANISER***
An audience with Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne
Cedar Court, Rooley Lane, Bradford, BD5 8HW
We say:
Six-time British Superbike Champion Shane ’Shakey’ Byrne goes on tour to talk about his incredible career from London Underground shift worker to a seat on a World Superbike. Along the way, Shakey parties with Valentino Rossi, becomes an insightful TV pundit and has one or two crashes… Other tour dates in May and November
Prices: Tickets start at £25
https://mjksportsevents.co.uk/an-audience-with-shakey-byrne/
16 May
CLASSIC BIKE SHOW AND Kempton Motorcycle Jumble
Kempton Racecourse, Staines Rd E, Shepperton, Sunbury-on-Thames, TW16 5AQ
We say:
A trove of motorcycle treasure, from parts to tools, clothing and bikes for sale. At least 250 indoor and outdoor stalls feature parts and services from specialists, so you can get a petrol tank hand painted, a digital speedo for your new wave retro build or the latest cleaning materials. Club displays normally take place the large indoor hall.
Prices: Adults £7 (£10 early bird before 7.45am), Kids under 15 free
https://www.kemptonparkautojumble.co.uk/kempton-bike-jumble.html
Credit: Nifty Fifty Endurance Race18 May ***CHECK WITH ORGANISER***
Nifty Fifty Endurance Moped Championship Round 2
Route 34 Motocross Park, Down Farm Lane, Winchester, Hants. SO22 6RG
They say:
Teams raise funds for their favourite charitable organisations. Each team can consist of up to four riders who aim to complete as many laps as they can around a specially prepared Motocross track for 5hrs. Each team are using mopeds and scooters which have engines of up to 90cc’s! These events push the limits of man and machine!
Prices: Four-man team entry £110, spectators free
http://niftyfiftyendurance.com/
18-19 May ***CHECK WITH ORGANISER***
Pendine Speed Week
Pendine Sands, Carmarthen SA33, Wales
We say:
A few times a year (also September) the Ministry of Defence lets a bunch of speed freaks blast down its 7-mile beach at Pendine in South Wales. The same place Guy Martin did his chase-a-truck-on-a-bicycle lunacy and where Top Gear used to fool around in flashy motors. What else is there to say, really? Except it not really a ‘week’ is it?
Prices: Free to watch
http://www.straightlinersonline.co.uk/
16-17 May ***CHECK WITH ORGANISER***
MCN Festival of Motorcycling
Peterborough Arena, Peterborough, Cambs, PE2 6XE
We say:
There’s something for everyone at the MCN Festival. All the big manufacturers turn up and often test rides are available. There’s plenty of kit to buy, a dirt track complete with race events, club zones, stunt action and more. Camping is also available if you want to make a weekend of it.
Prices: Adults £15 (£22 on the gate), Kids under 15 free
Advertisement
17 May
Wildlife Wiscombe Hill Climb
Wiscombe Park, Colyton EX24 6JE Devon
They say:
Hosted by the Burnham On Sea Motor Club, come and see some seriously fast machines (cars and bikes) take on the 1000 yard hill, some will come out of Sawbench of speeds of up to 130mph on the very tight track between the trees on castle straight before hitting the brakes very hard and throwing it into Martini.
Free to spectate
http://www.bos.motorclub.org.uk/?p=1181
For more hill climb events check out the National Hill Climb Association Calendar: https://www.nhca.co.uk/calendar
24-25/27 May ***EVENT CANCELLED***
Blackfords Pre-TT Classic Road Races
Billown Course, Isle of Man
We say:
This is the 31st year of the Classic Road races, a warm-up event for the main TT that is attracting a record number of entrants and attendees, who are free to mix together between races. As well as the racing itself, a Concours D’Elegance takes place in Castletown before the awards of trophies to the winners of each race.
The Bike Shed new wave customs show, London. Image: David Marlier***EVENT CANCELLED***
24-26 May
The Bike Shed
Tobacco Dock, The Dock Tobacco Quay, Wapping Lane, London. E1W 2SF
We say:
If you are into the new wave custom / retro-resto scene, this is your mecca. 150 shed and pro-built bikes from the biking sub-culture that the big manufacturers are taking very, very seriously. This event isn’t held as much as curated – the standard of the bikes is always exceptional and if you don’t find the pop up shops and food options to your liking (you will though) you can always head over the Bike Shed permanent offshoot bar/diner over in Shoreditch, seeing as you’re in town. Highly recommended, as it is on our Bucket List.
Prices: Weekend Pass, Adult £18, Kids under 16 free
22-24 May
Bennetts British Superbike Championship
Donington Park Circuit, Castle Donington, Derby, DE74 2RP
They say:
The Bennetts BSB calendar has been revamped for 2019 to include not just one, but two, visits to Donington Park including this late May Bank Holiday Weekend triple-header on the National circuit. Three Bennetts BSB races will headline the show (one on Saturday, two on Sunday), with a superb support line-up including action from the British Supersport Championship and much more.
Prices: Adult, single day from £28.00, Kids 13-15: £17, Kids under 13 free. Weekend from £38
https://doningtonpark.msv.com/DP-20-BSB
23 May
Bideford Bike Show
The Quay, Bideford, Devon, EX39 2HW
From 12pm
They say:
This is the 6th Bideford Bike Show and we hope to raise as much money as possible for our chosen charities. There will be stands/stalls, food, music a prize raffle and prizes for the best bikes including: Best Vintage, Best Classic, Best Chopper, Best Sports and Best Engineered.
Prices: £3 per bike/trike, pedestrians free.
25 May – 7 June ***EVENT CANCELLED***
Isle of Man TT 2018
Isle of Man, in the middle of the Irish Sea
We say:
Even if sport bikes aren’t your cup of tea, you really have to get yourself to the Island during the festival to experience what some feel is lunacy but we know is actually two weeks of biking nirvana – two weeks when bikers can be together, loved by everyone on the island, not feared, treated to many special events, allowed to go as fast as they like most of the time for miles and miles of beautiful countryside before retiring to the seafront to tell tall tales over the local beer with a curry afterwards. And as a bonus there’s even a bit of racing.
Prices: Grandstand tickets from £3, ferry tickets see here: http://www.steam-packet.com/AboutUs/IsleOfManTT
24-25 May
Cheshire Classic Car and Motorcycle Show
Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 9JY
We say:
The Cheshire Classic is held over three months each spring and summer, but the May event is the only one running over two days. The other two events are held on 21st July and 25th August. The emphasis is on the bigger classic car scene but there is still plenty to see for those of us into two wheels, including displays, trade stalls and autojumble. As with all events from Classic Shows, if you turn up and display a pre-2004 motorcycle the entry price is reduced to just £3 (maximum two people per bike entry).
Prices: Prices: Adults £8, kids 7-14 £3, under 7’s free.
26 May
The Moffat One Shot @ The Beef Tub
10 am to 5 pm, Moffat High Street, Moffat, Dumfries, Scotland, DG10 9HF
We say:
The Beef Tub is one of the UK’s most spectacular riding areas – fantastic roads, amazing scenery and few other road users. Some call it Scotland’s own TT course. It’s worth visiting just for this but during the Moffat One Shot there’s one more reason – enter the photo competition and have your bike captured for posterity (with an awards ceremony presented later in June).
Free to enter
25 May
Margate Meltdown
Ace Cafe, Ace Corner, North Circular Road (A406), London, NW10 7UD
We say:
Now, we’ll have none of that mods v rockers nonsense anymore, please. This is a peaceful event, well except the sound of a few thousand exhaust cans, setting off early doors from the Ace Cafe in North London over to the Kent coast. Ice creams all round and no sniggering at the scooterists.
Prices: Free
http://www.acecafeevents.com/margate.html
31 May
Ride with M.E
Festival and ride out start point: Drive Me, Clanford Road, Stafford, ST18 9QE
We say:
Raising funds for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, the Ride With M.E event starts with a meet at 11.00am followed by a ride out at 12.00pm. The festival itself opens at 1.00pm and features motorbike and other vehicle displays, an autojumble, an auction, stalls, children’s activities and a number of bands on a live stage.
Prices: £5 per person. Kids under 5 go free.
https://www.facebook.com/Ride-with-ME-268517397394551/
Advertisement
Next: June >
See all months >
Advertisement
Unless there is a significant show element involved, we haven’t listed every autojumble and swap meet in the Motorcycle Events Calendar. Likewise, unless there is a hefty bike activities element, we haven’t included many club rallies or biker-only music festivals, unless they’ve got a great reputation. This is mainly a list of the larger or more specialist bike-focussed events, plus we’ve added in the major sports bike race events.
All prices are on-the-gate prices for a single day visit, unless otherwise stated. Other ticket prices may be available in advance, as well as concessionary prices. See event websites for more details.
If your event isn’t listed in the Motorcycle Events Calendar, let us know via the Contact Us page, using the ‘editorial’ email address and putting the words Event Listing in the subject line of your email.
