City gears up for Bike Week

Pictured at the launch of the 3rd August UGP Bike Week event being held at Lagan Valley LeisurePlex are: (l-r) the Mayor, Councillor Thomas Beckett; Ken Stewart, Secretary of Dundrod and District Motorcycle Club; Alderman Paul Porter, Chairman of the Council's Leisure & Community Development Committee and Sammy Spence, Chairman of Lisburn City Old Vehicle Club. The motorcycle in the photo was ridden at the UGP by former road racer Anges Martin.

The council, in conjunction with the Lisburn City Old Vehicle Club (LCOVC) and Metzeler 2015 Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week, will bring a touch of nostalgia to the City Centre on Monday August 3 when a cavalcade of vintage and classic cars and motorcycles will leave Lagan Valley LeisurePlex for a Parade Lap of the Dundrod Circuit.

This local event will mark the official start of the 2015 UGP Bike Week, which will see many of the world’s leading road racers come to the Dundrod Circuit in Lisburn to experience the world’s fastest road race course and perhaps set a few records during the two race days.

The main outdoor event at the LeisurePlex will see owners of classic cars and motorcycles leaving Lagan Valley LeisurePlex at 7.30pm and 7.45pm respectively for a parade lap of the Dundrod Circuit. Following their return, at approximately 8.30pm, visitors can see these vintage and classic vehicles as they remain on display.

Alderman Paul Porter, Chairman of the Council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee, is urging everyone to come along for an enjoyable evening, and said: “As well as the Parade Lap of the classic and vintage vehicles there will be an Ulster Grand Prix historic photographic display in the main reception walkway of the LeisurePlex.

“This display is based on 20 years of published road racing articles and will focus on the history of the Ulster Grand Prix with a focus on local participation.

“Those wishing to participate in the Parade Lap are encouraged to register in advance through the LCOVC to enable the Club and the Council to know how many will be taking part. It is possible to register on the night however for administrative purposes early notice would be appreciated.”

The UGP Photographic Exhibition will focus on the following areas:

The Clady Years; World Championship Dundrod Years; The Two-Stroke Era; Formula 1-2 and Four-Stroke Return; Ulster Post-War UGP Winners; Local Involvement; We Will Remember.

The exhibition will remain in the LeisurePlex from Sunday August 2 to Friday August 7.

Entry to participate in the Parade Lap is free and all donations made will be presented to the Mayor’s Charity, the Mary Peters Trust. To register for the Parade Lap please contact LCOVC by email to [email protected]