National Motorcycle Museum Celebrates 30th Anniversary

On Saturday 1^st November, The National Motorcycle Museum opened its doors for a ‘Museum Live’ open day, to celebrate its 30^th anniversary. Thousands of visitors joined the museum for this milestone event, marking its heritage and successes since it first opened its doors in October 1984.

Featuring free Museum entry, indoor trade displays, autojumble, wheelie machine and the chance to “try a bike” in a controlled road off area were among the many free attractions and family-friendly activities that the attendees could enjoy.

Ex-GP rider and television Steve Parrish was one of the highlights of the day, as he conducted a chat show-style interview and live race machine ‘start ups’ in a special “stars on stage” feature. In the Museum’s Imperial Suite the four features reunited the riders, the machines and the factory “back room” staff onstage throughout the day. Machines such as the ex-works Norton Rotaries, “Slippery Sam” and names like Nation, Grant, Read & McGuiness, visitors were treated to some fantastic viewing.

The day ended with TT superstar John McGuinness drawing the winning ticket to win a Vincent Rapide motorcycle worth £40,000 in the Museum’s anniversary raffle prize draw. On the Friday 31^st October, Parrish hosted a date from his M.A.D Tour at the Museum.

James Hewing, the National Motorcycle Museum’s director says, “We are very proud to be celebrating our 30^th anniversary. Museum Live was a fantastic way for us to say thank you to the public for their support over the years and we are pleased to have been able to celebrate our achievements with everyone. We’re looking forward to the next 30 years!”

The weekend was the pinnacle of a year’s celebrations for the National Motorcycle Museum. 2014 has also seen the venue host an installation of a pop-up art gallery & photography competition* within the Museum which has seen footfall rise by 40%.

Museum 30^th anniversary photography competition winners-

1^st Prize: Luxury Break at an UK Best Western Hotel- Mr Robert Bracher- “The Black Shadow”

2^nd Prize: VIP Museum entry/tour & lunch for five- Mr Anthony Jinks- “Goldstar”