Bike night cancelled due to shortage of volunteers

An annual bike night which is attended by thousands of people has been cancelled, organisers say.

Barton Bike Night was first held in Barton-upon-Humber, North Lincolnshire, in 1997, but those who run it have decided it will not go ahead this year due to a lack of volunteers and members of the committee stepping down.

They said they hoped the event would be revived in 2027 by new volunteers and organisers.

Jonathan Evison, chair of the committee, said: "I'm really, really sad. I think it's been great for the town. But there comes a time when you can't do it anymore and, as sorry as I am, this is the time."

The free event gave people the opportunity to display and view an array of vintage and modern bikes.

It also featured carnival rides, food stalls and street traders.

It was entirely arranged by volunteers and supported by local businesses.

Evison said, despite regular appeals for help to organise the event, it was reliant on a small committee of about five people and their families, who are getting older.

"We've had to make the very hard decision to rest it, obviously cancel it this year, but to rest it in hope that we can actually do something in the future with a new set of volunteers and a new organising group," he said.

He added he does not think the event "needs to be cancelled forever".

"It's a very viable event," he said.

"I think the sponsors will continue to support it because of the nature and the size of the event. We even have about £5,000 in reserves that could restart it.

"It's just the dwindling numbers of organisers. It's getting too much for us and we're all getting older," he said.

Evison said he hoped a meeting would be held by Barton Town Council for those who wanted to get involved, and that the existing committee would be happy to "assist and advise" anyone who came forward.

He also urged people not to just turn up on the date of the cancelled event.

Reacting on social media, James Weston said: "I remember when we turned up, chilled out, had some food and drink, looked at some bikes, had a laugh and went home smiling.

"It doesn't need to be much but just set a time and place and I promise you people will show, but, regardless, thank you for your effort throughout the years."

Stuart Riches said he had travelled to the event from Sheffield for about 30 years.

"It is a fantastic and well attended spectacle," he said.

"I really hope you can get the support you need to continue your annual event that is truly one of a kind."

Kevin Harper said: "Sign of the times, less bikers, less commitment. Thank you to the Barton folks for being part of the history."

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