MUSEUM LIVE
The National Motorcycle Museum’s annual free Museum Live day out just gets bigger and better.
The National Motorcycle Museum’s annual live bash
IS IT A show, an open day or a convenient rallying point for people who love old bikes? It’s probably a bit of all three – but whatever it is, it’s become a hugely popular fixture on the classic bike calendar. Indeed, so popular was the sixth annual Museum Live event on October 26, that the M6/M42 roundabout, on which the museum entrance is situated, was blocked as visitors poured into the museum site.
The concept of Museum Live is simple. Throw open the UK’S biggest motorcycle museum to the public for free, add an indoor autojumble, trade stands and celebrity appearances from personalities as diverse as TV’S Henry Cole, TT legend John Mcguinness and ’60s and ’70s road racing ace John Cooper. The result was the biggest crowd so far for Museum Live.
“Last year’s crowd was big, but this is definitely bigger,” enthused John ‘Mooneyes’ Cooper in between signing copies of his book, Moon Eyes, and chatting to a never-ending stream of fans.
Fellow racer Charlie Williams was equally upbeat about the whole thing. “I’ve shifted a few of my books (CW – The Racing Career), but it’s really all about the
people,” he said as he cheerfully posed for selfies. The Cole and Lovegrove double act shared some of the highlights from their popular Shed and Buried TV series, while John Mcguinness lifted the lid on some of the exploits from his extraordinary racing career. The capacity crowd loved it.
Also pulling in the crowds was CB’S own Rick Parkington, who hosted guided museum tours; his laidback, informative and often humorous delivery provided the ideal introduction to the museum’s extraordinary collection of British bikes.
In view of the weather, an all-indoor autojumble and trade area proved an inspired decision, providing an opportunity to meet and quiz some of the museum’s specialist suppliers – as well as their in-house restoration team at a special session in the afternoon.
And, for one lucky ticket holder, the museum’s spring/summer raffle draw established the new owner for the amazing ‘new old stock’ 1977 Triumph T160 Trident. Mrs Sally Peace from Machynlleth, Wales became that new owner. Who says you don’t get anything for nothing?