National Motorcycle Museum marks 30th anniversary with celebratory “Museum Live” open day.

The National Motorcycle Museum celebrated its 30^th anniversary this Saturday 1st November, with its “Museum Live” open day. The milestone event saw thousands of visitors join the museum in marking its heritage and successes since first opening its doors in October 1984.

Attendees were treated to a range of free attractions and family-friendly activities; featuring free Museum entry, indoor trade displays, autojumble, wheelie machine and even the chance to “try a bike” in a controlled off road area.

Highlights of the day included ex-GP rider and television commentator Steve Parrish who conducted chat show-style interviews and live race machine ‘start ups’ in a special “stars on stage” feature. Held in the Museum’s Imperial Suite the four features re-united the riders, the machines and the factory “back room” staff on stage throughout the day. Including machines such as the ex-works Norton Rotaries, “Slippery Sam” & names like Nation, Grant, Read & McGuinness visitors were treated to some fascinating viewing.    

The day culminated with TT superstar John McGuinness drawing the winning ticket to win a Vincent Rapide motorcycle worth £40,000 in the Museum’s anniversary raffle prize draw. Friday (31 October) also saw Parrish host a date from his M.A.D Tour at the Museum.

James Hewing, Museum director of the National Motorcycle Museum says: “We are very proud to be celebrating our 30^th anniversary. Museum Live was a fantastic way for us to say thank you to the public for their support over the years and we are pleased to have been able to celebrate our achievements with everyone. We’re looking forward to the next 30 years!”

The weekend was the pinnacle of a year’s celebrations for the National Motorcycle Museum. 2014 has also seen the venue host an installation of a pop-up art gallery & photographic competition* within the Museum which has seen footfall rise by 40%.

Museum 30th anniversary photographic competition winners*-

1^st Prize: Luxury Break at a UK Best Western hotel- Mr Robert Bracher- “The Black Shadow”.

2^nd Prize: VIP Museum entry/tour & lunch for five-Mr Anthony Jinks- “Goldstar”.