Run To The Severn Scooter Jam

Bridgnorth July 2017 Now in its second year, this scooter event in the market town of Bridgnorth has established itself as a permanent fixture on the scooter scene calendar.

Hundreds of scooterists descended on the Shropshire town’s rugby ground, which sits on the banks of the Severn, for the event. Visitors could enjoy a pint or two, listen to live music and tour the various retail stalls, which sold everything from scooter spares to vintage clothing and jewellery. The inaugural Run To The Severn in 2016 took place under clear blue skies and a baking sun, but this year grey clouds threatened to make the event more traditionally English. However, the rain held off and the day proved even more successful than last year.

Carl Hanson, one of the organisers, said that over 1000 people attended, with several hundred scooters lined up on the grass of the rugby field.

He continued: “We had more people than last year, more stalls and also a lot more visitors staying on site. The camping area had to be extended because we had so many tents, caravans and motorhomes that the existing space was filled up on Friday evening. We only charged £10 for camping, whether people stayed Friday, Saturday or both nights.

“It was fantastic to see scooter clubs from far and wide making the journey here and we have had some fantastic feedback about the event. It was a very family-focused day and brought a lot of added revenue into the town, not only for the rugby club but also for the local pubs, hotels and shops.”

Live music came from The Rogues, The Quik Beats and Academy of Soul, who all performed in a large marquee. DJ sets from Carl, Ade Shaw and Glyn Preece punctuated the live

performances and on the Saturday evening Keith Dewsbury, of Telford Dukes SC, was DJ in the rugby club house.

Carl, who with Ade Shaw organises the Groovers and Shakers nights at the Secret Door Club in Telford, described how the Scooter Jam event came about.

He said: “Ade and I were approached about putting on a music event by Kev Adams, who organises the Bridgnorth Music Festival. We suggested making it a scooter jam and in the end we only had four weeks to organise it! We had a lot of help from Ian George at Bridgnorth Rugby Club in putting it all together at such short notice.

“The first two events have built a solid foundation and we now want to build on that and expand it even further. We are looking to make it a two-day event in 2018, with entertainment on the ground and around the local pubs on Friday and Saturday.” Words and photos: Karl Aston

It was fantastic to see scooter clubs from far and wide making the journey here and we have had some fantastic feedback about the event