Bulldog Bash fought for the right!

The 22nd annual Bulldog Bash, hosted by the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (at the Shakespeare County Raceway in Stratford-upon-Avon) has drawn to a successful close. The slogan of this year's annual event was 'Fight for your right to Party', after initial fears that the event might not get the go-ahead.

Inadvertently the four-day event had immense publicity generated for it on behalf of Warwickshire Police who stepped up the usual Policing surrounding the event for fear of possible repercussions regarding the murder of Hells Angel Gerry Tobin. Tobin, nicknamed 'Gentleman Gerry' was tragically murdered on his bike whilst making his way home from the event last year.

This year the four day event, from 7th to 10th August saw thousands of bikers and bike enthusiasts come together for a motorcycle festival involving the famous 'Run What You Brung' racing as well as top fuel and jet cars and bikes. The UK's professional superbike stunt-riding team the Starboyz kept the audience well entertained on the dragstrip as did stunt driver Terry Grant who showed ultimate car control by performing a plate-spinning trick whilst also spinning his stunt car. 

The headliners this year were the Fun Lovin' Criminals, performing on the main stage on Friday night, with The Wildhearts performing on Saturday. Those of different music tastes were not disappointed as there was a Dance tent pumping out all the bass and beats they could muster, and a Rock tent provided by the Area 81 Bristol rock club providing as-yet unsigned rock bands. On another stage the ever popular Wrestlefest proved to be a big hit .

The usual combinations of rain and mud provided the reassurance that it was a typical British festival - although this resulted in the cancellation of the Red Devils who were due to make an appearance on Saturday morning. The rain did little to deter living legend and British motorbike stunt performer Eddie Kidd who sat in a rain-covered tent all weekend signing autographs and talking to his appreciative fans.

Although a nuisance, the rain did help to shepherd everyone into the Custom Tent for the awards ceremony acknowledging the ever increasing standard of motorcycle excellence. Several awards were handed out to the winners, followed by the Gerry Tobin Memorial Shield which was awarded amongst the roar and thundering of the engines of the winning bikes - a fitting and touching tribute.

So now, for another year it appears the Bulldog Bash has successfully fought and won it's right to party – and a very good job it made of it too! Only approximately 365 days to go until next time.....