Older readers will remember it as the BMF Show, but the Peterborough-based MCN Festival was back in action last month for the first time since the pandemic ended. Backed by insurance firm Devitt, Indian Motorcycle and Michelin tyres, the event welcomed more than 19,000 visitors over two days.
The show focused on riding activities: there were test bikes available from BMW, CCM, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Royal Enfield, Super Soco, Triumph, Yamaha and Zero in the Manufacturer Zone, while Kawasaki encouraged novice riders to get a first taste of biking through its KRTS 125 Experience. Yamaha’s Ténéré World Raid and the Indian Pursuit were on show in the UK for the first time, and Yamaha also brought its static wheelie machines on site.
Dirt track racing, Moped Mayhem races, freestyle motocross, stunt shows, and trials rounded off the action, while a proper motojumble and Silverstone Auction sale had loads of bikes and bits for sale – including a record-breaking £65k 1990 Honda RC30.
It was a fantastic weekend,” said MCN editor Richard Newland, who manned the MCN stand alongside the rest of the team. “Saturday’s heatwave cast an air of euphoria over proceedings as bikers from all over the country immersed themselves in everything the Festival had to offer – and despite a poor forecast, the rain held off until the final hour on Sunday, giving everyone a weekend to remember. I can’t wait to do it all again next year!”