Thousands expected for seaside motorbike parade

The Goldwing Light Parade will see motorcyclists ride along Scarborough's foreshore

Thousands of people are expected to line Scarborough's seafront and harbour later for a spectacular motorbike parade.

Bikers would ride a fleet of Goldwing motorcycles decked out with neon lights along Marine Drive on Saturday evening, with the shoreline also lit up and a fireworks display to follow, a North Yorkshire Council spokesperson said.

Last year, the free event, which attracted about 12,000 spectators, raised nearly £10,000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, they said.

It was hoped this year's parade, which was due to get under way at 20:00 BST, would raise even more money for the charity, the spokesperson added.

Before the procession, the motorbikes would be displayed from West Pier to Foreshore Road between 12:00 BST and 16:00 BST.

About £10,000 was raised for charity at 2024's Goldwing parade in Scarborough, the council says

The event was first held in 2008 and Mark Crane, North Yorkshire Council's executive member for open to business, said people in Scarborough were "really looking forward to welcoming the Goldwings again".

"This popular event does so much good, both in terms of bringing people to the resort, but also with regard to the money raised for such a worthy charity as the Yorkshire Air Ambulance," he said.

"I would encourage everyone to come down and join in the spectacle."

Danielle Read, event organiser, said people of all ages attended the event.

"There's no way to describe it other than by going and experiencing it for yourself," she said.

"The bikes are fantastic. The effort, care and attention that goes into them has to be seen to be believed."

The riders - some attending from Ireland and Germany - were "lovely people" who spent hours preparing their machines, Ms Reed said.

People helped by Yorkshire Air Ambulance, a charity which depended on donations, had told "very moving stories" about being airlifted to safety by its crews, she said.

"Any money they receive goes to help save lives. The service is being called on more and more, so the more money we can raise from events like this, the better."

Foreshore Road, Sandside, Marine Drive and Royal Albert Drive would all be closed from 19:30 BST until 21:30 BST or 22:00 BST on Saturday for the event, according to North Yorkshire Council.

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