Over 300 Harley Davidson motorbikes headed through the centre of Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday (May 1st) during a fundraising rally.
The annual Cider Parade Run, organised by Bridgwater Harley Owners Group, was marking its 25th anniversary this year and came to Burnham-On-Sea for the first time.
Crowds of spectators turned out in the High Street, as pictured here, to watch the bikes arrive before they headed to the South Esplanade, raising money for Burnham’s BARB Search & Rescue at the same time.
Mick Collins, one of the organisers from the Bridgwater Harley Owners Group, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We had a great turnout with lots of support from the people of Burnham.”
“The council, residents and businesses have been very supportive and, after such a great success, we hope to come back next year.”
The event attracted hundreds of extra people into the town, with many town centre cafes and shops reporting a boost in trade compared to a normal May Bank Holiday Sunday. The Police praised the organisers for their safe marshalling of the bikes along the route.
The event proved popular with spectators of all ages who headed to the seafront to see the bikes on show.
The parade was headed by the flags of all participants and arrived in Burnham-On-Sea around 12 noon, riding through the High Street on its way to the South Esplanade.
Burnham and Highbridge’s Mayor Cllr Michael Clarke presented a trophy for his bike of choice, pictured above.
A ‘business choice’ trophy was presented to rider Dave Lucas by Burnham Chamber of Trade’s Mark Newman and Town Centre Manager Bev Milner Simonds, pictured below. Dave has not let a serious road accident last year hold him back from giving his long-running support to the event.
Bridgwater Harley Owners Group was formed in 1989 and are the second oldest chapter in Europe.
Since the group was formed they have taken part in many events and members have attended Harley Owners Group rallies all over the world from Australia to the U.S.A. including many in Europe and all over the UK.
“Over the years we have raised many tens of thousands of pounds for charity and we continue to do so,” added Mick.
He added that the Cider Run has a long history: “This event has been held at various venues, but is now resident at Sand Bay holiday complex near Weston. We take over the entire site for four days at the beginning of May and each year and the event is sold out well in advance.”
“Harley Owners Group members come to party, meet old friends and make new ones. We always have a grand parade and this is the first year we have brought it to Burnham.”
Burnham’s Mayor took the opportunity to try out one of the motorbikes, watched by organiser Mick Collins and volunteers from BARB Search & Rescue, who raised £400 in donations and collections on the day.
The Mayor said: “I’m delighted to see this event coming to Burnham – it’s a well established Somerset event that brings many spectators to our town. The event got a warm welcome to Burnham.”
Two of the colourful dressed riders and, right, deputy Mayor Paul Young
A display of the bikes was set up outside the Bay View Cafe
The club’s flags were flown next to the bikes along the seafront (pic Sam Norris)
The arrival of the bikes was watched by spectators along the High Street – and a leaflet of local shopping deals was offered to visitors by the Town Centre Manager to encourage trade.
