Community, Conversation and Motorcycling: Highlights from BMF Connected 2025

From Friday afternoon, 11th July through to Sunday 13th, Mallory Park Race Circuit hosted the first-ever BMF Connected event, a weekend-long motorcycling event that brought together riders, campers, families & exhibitors for a true celebration of biking culture. While the summer heat was intense and a few local events clashed, attendance wasn’t at full capacity, but what it lacked in crowd size it made up with a genuine powerful sense of community.

Spread across the expansive venue the event made full use of Mallory Park’s unique layout. The centre circuit hardstanding housed a selection of stands and exhibitors ranging from motorcycle-themed art, clothing & jewellery, to tyres & motorcycle accessories, have a go trials riding & try rides to services like BikeSafe, Motorcycle Funerals, Leicestershire Police and more. It offered something for everyone from lifestyle to safety, inspiration to support.

Across the track campers pitched up on grassy embankments, overlooking the entire event. The setting was nothing short of picturesque: peaceful swans gliding across the glistening lakes enjoying the full sun, whilst the echoes of motorcycle engines from MotoGymkhana West Midlands & Phoenix Motorcycle Training played a constant counterpoint – a perfect harmony of calm and thrill that summed up the weekend’s unique energy.

The Knievel’s arrived in their full leathers and made an instant impact, taking to the track for non-racing parade laps that were watched in awe from the watch tower and embankments alike. Meanwhile, the Isetta ‘bubble cars’ delighted the crowd with their three daily parade laps drawing smiles from all ages.

On the far side of the venue, young children under 12 took part in e-bike competitions. One of the most charming and futuristic moments came with the arrival of the Mallor-E Park Racers – small children turning up in cars strapped into booster seats like miniature professionals only to hop out and race off on their powered bikes moments later. It captured the playful, multi-generational spirit of the event perfectly and gave a glimpse of the next generation of riders in action.

A steady schedule of talks and workshops ran throughout the weekend covering a wide range of topics from riding safety and mental wellbeing to the biking lifestyle. One highlight included speaker sessions hosted by Kate Harrington, a ten-time TT sidecar passenger, now known for her Biker Yoga. Her contribution didn’t end there as Kate also became known for her uplifting presence as she unofficially stole the show with her now-iconic “Bing Bong!” announcements, this not only turned into a much-loved moment of humour with campers starting the day but also throughout the weekend with regular ‘Bing Bong’ what’s on now tannoy announcements echoing over Mallory Park.

The Lakeside Diner & Bar was the go-to hub all weekend, serving everything from hearty breakfasts to homemade pizzas, as well as a Sunday roast dinner that proved popular with weary campers preparing to head home. Set right beside the water, the large event marquee which hosted live music in the evening, giving everyone a chance to wind down with a drink, good company and a soundtrack to match the setting.

As night fell, Mallory Park’s famous sunsets made way for a clear, starry sky and a glowing full moon casting a magical light across the site. Campers relaxed under the stars, swapping stories, sharing laughs & even joining in on a late-night singalong. It was in every sense, a ‘connected’ experience.

The whole event ran smoothly thanks to the ever-dedicated team of pink vest BMF marshals, who quietly kept everything on track, filling in the gaps, solving problems & guiding visitors with friendly efficiency.

In the end, BMF Connected 2025 proved that it’s not just about numbers, it’s about shared passion, genuine connection & the kind of moments you carry home with you. For those who were there, it was more than a weekend, it was a memory in motion.

And if this is just the beginning, BMF Connected has an exciting road ahead. Keep an eye out for 2026 dates…

Written by MJ 

Images authors own