More than £3,500 was raised for the East Anglian Air Ambulance and Littleport’s Defibrillator Fund thanks to a fundraising bike show at the weekend.
At least 1,000 visitors attended Littleport 363MCC’s annual Crowning Around event on Saturday, which attracted masses of motorbikes, riders, friends and admirers.
Held in the car park of The Crown Inn, there were various trade stalls selling everything from biker gear to venison and haggis burgers.
Meanwhile, inside the venue, bands including Phil Crawford, Martha’s Wood, Bondy, Vulpes, VT11, Alskarma and TNT provided live entertainment to packed crowds.
“Being the 200th anniversary of the Littleport Riots, it was always going to be special,” said Cathy Gibb-de Swarte who attended the event.
The biker club is known for its charitable efforts – and their name honours all the Littleport rioters and the men (and women) who were punished. 363 equals the year 1816 divided by 5, the number of Littleport men actually hung.
“Everyone and anyone was made welcome, and all the children were catered for with a bouncy castle and face-painting,” she added.
“This is our fourth Crowning Around event, and it is the best turnout by far,” said committee chairman Mark Robinson.
“I want to thank those who made it all happen including the fantastic bar staff at The Crown Inn pub who kept the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks flowing throughout the day and evening, plus all the bands who performed brilliantly to keep everyone thoroughly entertained.
“And of course we are indebted to the RAF for opening the proceedings with a fantastic flypast from the amazing Spitfire fighter plane.”
Preparations are underway for next year’s event and there is talk of opening the Littleport show with the Red Arrows.
Among the day’s events, the best personal story came from local resident, Doris Alcock, 92.
She said she was “the happiest lady in the world” when she realised her life-long dream to take a ride on the back of a Harley Davidson. And as she set off in biker style down Littleport’s Main Street she was cheered and waved off by many well-wishers.
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