Fun in the sun as Newbury Cycle Festival takes over town
The inaugural Newbury Cycle Festival saw hundreds of brightly coloured cyclists take over Northbrook Street on Saturday.
Cycling enthusiasts of all ages and disciplines flocked to the centre of town for the Parade of Cycles.
The parade was set off from West Street by Tony Vickers, Chairman of West Berkshire Council by 13:00.
It was a sight to behold, as bikes from all eras made their way through a packed highstreet.
A penny farthing drew much attention, towering high at the head of the procession.
Other vintage bikes from the last 100 years also featured, leading other participants on a journey to Victoria Park.
Anyone, riding any bike, was invited to participate.
The group was met in the park by Cllr David Harman, who kicked off an afternoon of family-friendly celebrations.
This featured a Cycling Arena, a 1K turbo-dash Challenge, a mini Obstacle course and a mini-mountain bike obstacle course.
One highlight was a cycling village, featuring bike mechanics who were on hand to offer a free check-up, as well as exhibits from cycle and e-bike vendors and manufacturers.
Free coaching was also on offer to visitors, as well as pedal-powered smoothie bikes and Scalextric, tandem rides and more.
Historian and Newbury Road Club member Dave Portwood was on hand to give visitors a taste of the club’s storied past.
Local cycle clubs Newbury Road Club, Newbury Velo, and Spokes were joined by Sarah Mitchell, the Chief Executive of Cycling UK, as part of its National Bike Week.
Sustrans, Canal and River Trust, Thames Valley Police, Waterside Centre and Kennet Radio also exhibited at the event.
The festival was the latest event to mark 100 years of cycling for Newbury Road Club, who held an exhibit at West Berkshire Museum earlier this year.
For more information on the club and its centenary celebrations, visit newburyroadclub.co.uk