Events
Bike’s pick of the very best motorcycle festivals, races, shows and celebrations to get locked in your calendar right now
By Phil West
January is here already and, while it might not look especially inviting outside right now, there’s never been a better time to begin planning your biking year. So target some bucket-list activities, block out your crisp new diary and ensure your precious weekends don’t get swallowed up by the lawnmower or tip runs.
So, what’s coming up in 2026? Which are the must-see bikesport events? What are the best two-wheeled festivals? And which shows, rides and spectacles – of whatever type, wherever they may be – do you not want to miss out on? Here’s our pick of the best excuses to get out on your bike this year.
X-Trial Leeds 24 January
» After 10 years away the FIM X-Trial (Indoor) world championship returns to a new venue. The balance, skill and bike control of Toni Bou et al will blow your mind.
Where: First Direct Bank Arena, Clay Pit Lane, Leeds, LS2 8AR
Info: xtrial-leeds.com
International Classic Motorcycle Show, Stafford 25-26 April
» Traditional season-opening classic festival features gazillions of trade and club stands plus autojumble plots, but also celebrities, events and a major Bonhams classic motorcycle auction.
Where: Staffordshire County Showground, ST18 0BD
Pendine Speed Weekend 2-3 May
» Organised by Straightliners, the beach-based Speed Weekend is open to all and delivers a cottage-style ‘Bonneville’ vibe to this historic Welsh seaside venue famous for hosting multiple World Land Speed Record attempts back in the 1920s.
Where: Pendine Beach, Pendine, Carmarthenshire, SA33 4NY
Info: straightliners.events
Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 17 May
» OK, ‘DGR’ isn’t for everyone. But if the retro/hipster ‘thang’ resonates even slightly, you fancy a good humoured, en-masse ride-out and wanna do your bit for charidee, it’s one of the most fulfilling ways to spend a Sunday in May. From humble beginnings in Sydney 2012, DGR has become a global phenomenon with thousands of events, 100,000+ participants and Triumph sponsorship to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men’s mental health. Just register, pick your local ride (about 70 took place in the UK last year) dig out your (ideally) vintage style bike and dapper garb and go.
Where: Various locations Info: gentlemansride.com
Bike Shed Moto Show 22-24 May
» Fashionable London show has grown in under a decade to be UK’s largest custom exhibition with all the blue-chip brands, menus and celebrities to match.
Where: Tobacco Dock, Wapping, E1W 2SF
Info: bikeshedlondonshow.com
Isle of Man TT 25 May-6 June
» If you haven’t yet sat on a stone wall at Sulby and been blown away by Dunlop/Hicky/Davey Todd blasting past at 190mph+ you really shouldn’t put it off any longer. Uniquely sensational racing aside, the TT remains the bikesport bucket-list event for its two-week escapism into everything bikes. Its still quaint and beautiful Isle of Man setting means you can easily have a great biking holiday even when the racing isn’t on. Book tickets sharpish as ferry and hotel options are limited. Oh, and make sure to keep an eye out for Jamie Coward on the Bike-supported Rapid Honda (p104).
Where: Isle of Man
Info: iomttraces.com
Barry Sheene Classic Festival, Oliver’s Mount 20-21 June
» The highlights of England’s only roads circuit are this and September’s Gold Cup. Picturesque setting 10 minutes from town delivers close viewing and grid of classic and modern bikes. Expect plenty of astonishing on-track action on a track not much wider than a footpath, and perhaps something special to mark the 50th anniversary of Sheene’s first 500GP title.
Where: Scarborough, YO11 2YW
Info: oliversmount.com
ABR Festival 26-28 June
» Adventure Bike Rider was initially an online forum which was spun into an independent magazine. In April 2011 founder Alun Davies organised the first ABR Rally, which attracted all of 30 souls to a campsite in Cumbria. In 2018 the Rally was renamed the ABR Festival with 500 in attendance, before a serious growth push in 2019 when it moved to Ragley Hall, adopted the mantra of ‘Like Glastonbury, with motorcycles and posh toilets’ and 2500 like-minded riders turned up in response.
The festival has grown steadily since, even though attendance is capped at 20,000. Idyllic, clean surroundings, quality camping facilities, masses of food, evening bands and trade stands, plus celebrity adventure talks, trail rides and demos (now from all the leading manufacturers), makes ABR not only unique but an almost irresistible summer biking event.
ABR founder Alun Davies tells Bike: ‘The ABR has come a long way from when it was just 30 mates hanging out in an overgrown, muddy field. But that critical element still applies to the 2026 Festival: it’s still a bunch of mates hanging out in a field, it’s just that there’s a lot more of us – about 19,970 more – as well as the whole of the UK motorcycle industry.
‘As long as I’ve anything to do with the Festival that will continue, along with providing a first-class venue at Ragley Hall, first-class services (loads of posh, clean toilets and warm showers) and first-class value. In 2026 you’ll be able to buy a pint for £3.50 at the ABR. I can’t think of any festival in the world that respects and looks after its guests with such great value.’
Where: Ragley Hall, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 5NJ
Info: abrfestival.com
Europe Endurance Cup, Brands Hatch 26-27 June
» Four-round, four-hour European endurance race series for Classic and ‘Newtimer’ bikes visits the UK for what’s set to be a 126-lap epic round the classic Kent track. Come along for the weekend and cheer on Team Bike’s hard-charging Honda RC30s. No promises, but we’re hoping BSB champ Kyle Ryde will be up for repeating his Spa heroics (Bike, Dec 2025).
Where: Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 6FS
Info: eelc.eu/events/
World Ducati Week 3-5 July
» Ducati pioneered the ‘own brand’ motorcycle festival with its first World Ducati Week in 2004 and although events since have been sporadic and trimmed to a long weekend, the 2026 edition, due to Ducati’s Centenary (on 4 July), is certain to be the biggest and best yet. Again, centred on Misano, a handy stone’s throw from the Adriatic resort of Riccione, this 13th edition runs over three days and, with 94,000 attending the last (in 2024), is likely to be huge. Expect: race stars, ride-outs, shows, unveilings, heat, glamour and lots of Ducatis. Our recommendation? Ride down and camp.
Where: Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, 47843 Misano Adriatico, Italy
Info: ducati.com
Scottish Six Days Trial 4-9 July
» Iconic six-day ‘endurance trial’ set in the spectacular Scottish Highlands is one of bikesport’s most historic events (est. 1909) and remains on the bucket list of most keen off-roaders. Time to tick it off yours?
Where: Fort William, Scotland
Info: ssdt.org
Shelsley Walsh Bike Bonanza 4 July
» The historic hillclimb is the base for this one-day motorcycling festival featuring trade/club stands, live music, demos and more. Helps support local air ambulance.
Where: Worcester, WR6 6RP
Info: bike-bonanza.com
Mallory Park 1000 Bikes Revival 4-5 July
» New event to mark much-loved midland circuit’s 70th anniversary. Aims to revive the spirit of the old ‘Festival of 1000 Bikes’ with racing, parades, displays and more.
Where: Kirkby Mallory, LE9 7QE
Info: malloryparkcircuit.com
Goodwood Festival of Speed 9-12 July
» Britain’s, if not the world’s, premier motorsport festival needs little introduction: starting 1993, its mix of historic racing vehicles demo-ed up an improbable hill by star drivers/riders gives an ‘up-close’ hero experience you get nowhere else. Add a stately setting, packed classic paddock, demos, displays, stands, the Red Arrows and champagne, and it’s easy to see why it’s now both pricey, packed and grid locked. Cars dominate but there’s still plenty to like, Sheene and Ducati centenary celebrations are planned for 2026 or, if you prefer, there’s also the time capsule racing of the Revival at Goodwood Circuit, September 18-20.
Where: Goodwood House, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0PX
Info: goodwood.com
World Superbikes, Donington Park 10-12 July
» Moto2 race winner Jake Dixon returns to the Derbyshire circuit for the first time since 2018, now as a factory Honda rider. There’s plenty of on-track action across three headline races plus a batch of support classes. Great viewing spots and lots of up-close rider access add to the appeal. Tickets are discounted until 31 Jan.
Where: Donington Park, Castle Donington, DE74 2BN
Info: donington-park.co.uk
Malle Mile Festival 16-19 July
» Hipster highlight with plaid shirts aplenty sees a gloriously diverse variety of largely inappropriate classic and custom bikes tackling sprints, scrambles and hillclimbs. Plus plenty of trade stands, live music on the Mile Main Stage, and light-hearted, good-natured fun. Might even be enough time to grow a beard if you start now.
Where: Grimsthorpe Castle, Bourne, Lincolnshire, PE10 0LY
Info: malle.com
Moto Fest, Anglesey 24-26 July
‘Anglesey’s sea views will become the backdrop for an event that embraces every kind of rider, bike and experience’
» This brand new three-day festival backed by Motorcycle News promises to be an unmissable all-inclusive celebration of track, road, adventure and trials riding, featuring stage events, stars, trade stands and camping – all at the breathtaking Trac Môn.
Easily Britain’s most spectacularly scenic circuit, Anglesey’s legendary sea views will become the backdrop for an event that embraces every kind of rider, bike and experience.
Track time comes courtesy of James Whitham and his crew of instructors, guiding sessions tailored to all abilities. There’s a second loop too where you can ride pillion or watch demonstration laps from legends such as John McGuinness and Neil Hodgson.
Off-track thrills are well catered for. There’ll be no shortage of opportunities to enjoy ride-outs on Anglesey’s incredible roads, either on your own bike or while taking a test ride on one of the many demo bikes that will be available. Plus there’ll be dedicated off-road zones for trials, enduro riding and guided adventure trails.
In the paddock the hard-standing Expo Village brings together major manufacturers, clothing brands and top UK retailers, while the MCN Stage will hosts interviews, live talks and workshops with technical experts and special guests. And you’ll be able to make the most of the long July evenings with live music, a covered plaza area and plenty of top-quality food and drink. Plus you’ll even get free access to TrialGP Anglesey – the British round of the FIM Trial World Championship, with the likes of Toni Bou competing.
Where: Anglesey Circuit, Ty Croes, Anglesey, LL63 5TF
Info: moto-fest.co.uk
Aberdare Park road races 1-2 August
» Once a year this picturesque Victorian park tucked away in the gorgeous Cynon Valley hosts racing for a variety of classes up to Supersport, including classics like you’ll see nowhere else. The track itself is less than a mile long, but packs plenty of overtaking opportunities into its handful of turns. Save if you book tickets by 2 Feb.
Where: Aberdare Park, Aberdare, CF44 8HN
Info: aberdarepark.co.uk
CRMC Classic Motorcycle Festival, Donington Park 1-2 August
» UK’s biggest classic bike festival sees around 500 machines racing on track over a packed weekend, along with parades, star guests, trade stalls and more.
Where: Donington Park, Castle
Info: donington-park.co.uk
Silverstone MotoGP 7-9 August
‘With a new date, new bikes/riders and a new support race, Silverstone MotoGP promises to be bigger and better than ever’
» The bikes are the fastest, most sophisticated two-wheelers on the planet. The circuit is enormous with a width (never mind length) and facilities that make Cadwell Park look like a go-kart track. The event itself is the pinnacle of global bike sport with all the media frenzy and celebrity schmaltzing that goes with it.
Welcome to the British MotoGP at Silverstone and with a new date, new bikes/riders and a new (and simply bonkers) support race for 2026, it promises to be bigger and better than ever.
The date’s a biggie. Yes, it might still rain but last year’s May experiment simply didn’t work so it’s back to business as usual. For the ‘new bike/riders’ proposition, how about the long-awaited and hugely anticipated debuts of both Yamaha’s all-new V4 (p8) and, also for Yamaha, sensational two-time World Superbike champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu?
While, as for the bonkers support race, how about two runnings of the new Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup?
No, the British MotoGP hasn’t always been perfect in the past, with Silverstone’s vast expanses, car park gridlock and prices often criticised online. But for a premium UK bikesport event, they don’t get any bigger and the changes mean we can’t wait.
As Silverstone told Bike: ‘The British Grand Prix promises a true summer headliner that blends world-class motorcycle racing with a vibrant festival atmosphere. Fans can enjoy close-up trackside action plus manufacturer displays, merchandise and family zones. Add free entry to the Silverstone Museum and live music every night, and it’s an unmissable sporting highlight for 2026.’
Where: Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, Northants, NN12 8TN
Info: silverstone.co.uk
Donington, DE74 2BN Dawn To Dusk enduro 29-30 August
» Britain’s biggest and best enduro event celebrates its 25th anniversary this year with four races ranging from a junior two-hour to the headline 24-hour event.
Where: Walters Arena, Neath, SA11 5TU
Info: dawntoduskenduro.co.uk
British Superbikes, Cadwell Park 29-31 August
» BSB’s most iconic round straddles August Bank Holiday (meaning sunshine is effectively guaranteed…) and is the scenic and quaint circuit’s biggest event. Ain’t many places where you can watch a
250bhp superbike fly several feet through the air… then do it again 90 seconds later.
Where: Cadwell Park, Louth LN11 9SE
Info: cadwellpark.co.uk
Ace Café Brighton Burn Up 6 September
» Annual ‘Reunion Run’ highlights ‘Rocker’style weekend with hundreds retracing ride from Ace Café to Brighton’s Madeira Drive with bands, stands and classic bikes.
Where: North Circular Road, NW10 7UD
Info: london.acecafe.com
FIA/FIM Euro Finals 10-13 September
» Britain’s biggest drag racing event attracts Europe’s straightline elite and features multiple bike classes including Top Fuel, Pro Stock and Funny Bikes. Make sure to bring ear plugs – and try not to blink or you might miss some of the faster runs. On-site camping, pit access, plus monster truck action to keep the (big) kids happy.
Where: Santa Pod Raceway, Bedfordshire, NN29 7XA
Info: santapod.co.uk
Weston Beach Race 16-18 October
» Britain’s biggest ‘Le Touquet’-style beach race sees Weston-super-Mare’s sandy shore transformed into a six-mile torture test for bikes, quads, sidecars and their riders. Watch dirt loons scream flat out down the straight before disappearing/ despairing over the man-made dunes. Three hours of spectacular carnage.
Where: Marine Parade, Weston-super- Mare, Somerset, BS23 1BE
Info: rhlactivities.com
Motorcycle Live 2026 21-29 November
» The UK’s pre-eminent annual bike show will take place in its traditional November slot, once more at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre. Organisers are working towards further improvements, despite an encouraging 7% rise in 2025’s attendance. As well as a chance to see all the latest new models MCL also offers demo rides, live action shows, stage talks and plenty more.
Where: NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT
Info: motorcyclelive.co.uk
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