If you were to think of a biker having fun, you probably would think of the image above, or something close to that. I know that’s what I used to think, until I visited the North Manchester Custom and Classic Bike Show.
The show is held every year in Ramsbottom at the Cricket Club down by the River Irwell.
It should be of no surprise that this takes place soon after Ramsbottom Festival is held; this too being at the cricket club.
No doubt the fear of damaged pitches is considerably reduced if it’s already not looking its best following the festival.
This year was the second time I’d attended the show, last year being the first and I only went to it because my son, who was then 2 loved bikes. He still loves bikes now, but was more interested in the bouncy castle this time, although I don’t actually recall a bouncy castle last year.
We decided to go again this year as last year it was good enough for the entry free. There were several things to do, plenty of bikes to look at and at only £4 with my son being free it was relatively cheap.
This year it was much, much bigger. It essentially used up the whole space much like Ramsbottom Festival does, however they probably could have got away with it being half that size as some things were a bit spread out. It’s a proper family day out, my son loved it and the good weather helped.
The organisation was fantastic and it really is a great family occasion, regardless of the bikes. Not once did I hear anyone effing and jeffing which when you have a 3 year old around you really become heightened to. Given it was a field full of bikers, this was surprising. Sure, there were probably some words I wouldn’t want my son to hear uttered around the cricket pitch, but I didn’t hear anything within earshot of him.
The gates open at 10am.
I had a really good day, and so did my son. We arrived around 10:30 with it having started at 10am and there were still bikers arriving. Realistically, there were still a large number of bikes arriving at gone 1pm which is around the time we left.
We listened to the Furry Gremlins (a duo who were only around 12 or 13) playing covers of popular rock and punk songs. We ate hot dogs and popcorn, my son had a go on the bouncy castle, got a balloon sword too (free for going on the bouncy castle) and we watched a biker spin round on the bucking bronco and come flying off several times.
Children under 14 go free.
Essentially, if you’ve got children who like motorbikes, if you are a motorbike (or moped/scooter) fan then it’s a no brainer, come to the North Manchester Custom and Classic Bike Show next year. If you don’t mind bikes but have children who want a day out, it’s well worth a visit. Especially given children under 14 are free.
I don’t know much about what happens after we left, I believe there are awards for best bike etc but we’ve never stayed around long enough to see any of that.
Last year my son was still having afternoon naps so our visit was cut short but this year we were able to take a lot more in.
We’ll certainly be going again as it’s just a great family day out and I hope to see you at next years event, the last two have had excellent weather considering it’s September too.
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