HUNDREDS of motorbike enthusiasts will be venturing to Baildon this weekend to attend the Shipley Harley Rally event as it returns after Covid.

Around 500 bikers from across the country, and some even as far as Germany and Holland, are expected to turn for the event which is taking place at Baildon Rugby Club.

Pete Griffith, organiser of the event, said: “It’s just great to be returning after Covid. We had a small rally last year but we were limited to numbers and we couldn’t have a marquee so it will be the first proper event in three years.

“We’ve had bookings from people as far as Suffolk, Norfolk, Cumbria and a lot from Scotland, so people are travelling far and wide to attend.”

The event has been running for 43 years and was initially started when about 11 Harley riders from various parts of Britain arrived at Dobrudden Farm in August 1976 for a weekend on Baildon Moor. 

The event has grown ever since and is now deemed a "must not miss" occasion in the biking calendar.

“It's going to be nice to see a lot of old faces again, we get a lot of bikers who come year upon year and some have been coming for 30 years so it will be good to see them all again,” Pete added.

Music, bands and entertainment will be running throughout the weekend, as well as fantastic camping facilities, good beer and food stalls available.

Steve the DJ will be providing music in the marquee as well as the following live music line-up:

On Friday, Go Your Own Way, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band will be playing in the marquee.

On Saturday, a band called Replicater will be playing, and on Sunday The Avros – a four-piece covers band from West Yorkshire will cover songs throughout the decades from the 1950s to present day.

Bands will be playing across various Baildon bars and pubs during the weekend.

The annual charity ride-out will also be returning on Sunday, to raise money for local charities; Haworth RDA and Martin House Children's Hospice, as well as a bike show in the afternoon.

The event is taking place at Baildon Rugby Club from Friday, August 26 to Monday, August 29.

Tickets cost £26 to pre-book or £30 at the door. Visit www.shipley-Harley-rally.co.uk for more information.