Ramsgate Sprint organisers will stage a massive 2017 show – in Sandwich

Ramsgate Sprint Photo Funky Dooby (Creative Commons)

Organisers of the Ramsgate Sprint biking event, which brought thousands of spectators to the town in 2015, will stage the show this year – in Sandwich.

The Ramsgate  Sprint took place at the Western Underpass, with events on Government Acre, for the first time in 50 years two years ago.

Photo Aaron Oldale

It included demonstrations and races from almost 70 classic bikes.

But last year it was cancelled  after Thanet council denied permission for use of the road and port because of car transporter shipments by GEFCO.

Photo Ray Sun

Those shipments ended in January of this year but organisers announced the 2017 event, and all those for the foreseeable future, were axed.

In a statement on their facebook page they said: “Regrettably we have to announce the cancellation of Ramsgate Sprint Revival for 2017 and the foreseeable future.

“Permission to use Military Road outside the Port was denied in 2016 and has again been denied for 2017.”

A  council spokesman said the site used by the Sprint needed to remain “available for commercial

Organisers were offered Government Acre for a ‘static’ event.

The event, organised by members of the East Kent Classic Motorcycle Club and the Invicta Motorcycle Club, brought some £350,000 into the local economy.

It will now be staged at Sandwich Showground on August 12-13. The Bikes at the Bay show will include classic bikes, world champ Barry Sheene’s Suzukis, displays, music and more.

An announcement on the EKCMC website says: “More than just a bike show, Bikes at the Bay will be a weekend event held on August  12th and 13th at the Sandwich show ground.

“In addition to the myriad of classic machines on display, there will be a parade of vintage machinery through the historic Cinque port town of Sandwich, start-ups and demos of classic bikes on the show ground, world famous bikes such as Barry Sheene’s championship winning Suzukis, the iconic Wall of Death,  live music throughout the weekend, trade stands, and professional catering, and lots more.”

The original Ramsgate Sprint was held twice a year from 1956 to 1968 and was one of the country’s leading events.

Find out more about the Bikes at the Bay show by emailing [email protected] or go to www.eastkentclassicmotorcycleclub.co.uk