A weekend of conversations, new connections and a shared passion for motorcycling saw the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) take its own stand at Museum Live for the first time in a while.

The National Motorcycle Museum welcomed riders, enthusiasts, families and businesses on the 24th and 25th October for Museum Live 2026, celebrating motorcycling heritage and the people who keep it alive.

For the BMF, the event was an opportunity to meet motorcyclists face to face, introduce the BMF to new audiences and share more about the work it does to represent and support riders across the UK.

Connecting with the motorcycling community

From catching up with familiar faces to meeting younger riders and hearing their stories, the weekend provided plenty of opportunities to discover what motorcycling means to different people.

It was great to catch up with the team at Mac Motorcycles, familiar to many BMF members through reading their article earlier this year in our BMF Motorcycle Rider magazine. Making those connections in person is an important part of bringing together the people, businesses and organisations that make up our motorcycling community.

Another highlight was meeting 15-year-old motorcycle racer Annabelle McCarthy. Speaking with young riders like Annabelle is a welcome reminder of the talent, enthusiasm and ambition coming through the next generation of motorcycling.

The weekend also highlighted the positive work being done by organisations supporting riders in different ways.

Now in its second year, Make Your Mark continues to build momentum with its much-loved Bike & Brew Passport event, encouraging riders to explore new destinations, visit participating venues and connect with fellow bikers. Its Facebook community has recently reached an impressive 25,000 followers, a significant milestone reflecting the growing enthusiasm for the initiative.

Annabelle McCarthy	BMF Editor Ian Kerr MBE	Paul Simms Make your MARK and MJ

Mental Health Motorbike is another important part of the motorcycling community, providing support and raising awareness of mental health among bikers. Together, initiatives such as these demonstrate the many ways motorcycling can bring people together, support local businesses, build friendships and improve wellbeing.

There was also a welcome visit from Ian Kerr MBE, editor of our BMF Motorcycle Rider magazine. Ian stopped by the stand, and his choice of waterproof trousers certainly made an impression! In such a bright colour, there was little chance of anyone missing him out on the road as visibility certainly wasn’t going to be a problem!

Representing riders and protecting their interests

The BMF works to represent motorcyclists’ interests, campaign on issues affecting riders and promote the benefits of powered two-wheelers. Its work encompasses areas including transport policy, riders’ rights, road safety and training.

Decisions about roads, transport and the future of motorcycling can have a direct impact on riders. The BMF works to ensure their perspectives are heard and their interests are considered.

Meeting riders at events such as Museum Live helps raise awareness of this work and encourages more people to discover how they can support the BMF’s aims through membership and involvement.

Whether riding for transport, adventure, competition or enjoyment, motorcyclists have a shared interest in ensuring that riding remains accessible, safe and valued.

Celebrating our motorcycling heritage

With its impressive motorcycles, guest appearances, live demonstrations, trade stands and museum attractions, Museum Live provided a fitting setting for the BMF’s exhibition stand.

Despite challenging Autumn weather, with heavy rain and stormy conditions on Saturday followed by a blustery Sunday, and the potential disruption caused by road works in the surrounding area, there was plenty to enjoy. The event brought together different generations of enthusiasts and highlighted the enduring appeal of motorcycling, from historic machines to the motorcycles of today.

Thank you for a memorable weekend

The BMF would like to thank everyone who visited the stand, asked questions, expressed an interest in the BMFor simply stopped for a chat. Your time and enthusiasm were greatly appreciated.

We would also like to thank the team at the National Motorcycle Museum for delivering Museum Live 2026 and providing such a fantastic setting for the motorcycling community to come together.

The weekend was a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of the BMF, strengthen connections and celebrate the people and initiatives helping motorcycling thrive.

If you would like to learn more about the BMF, its work, campaigns and membership, click here or here 

Your Ride, Your Rights, Your BMF.

Written by MJ

All images courtesy of MJ and Net Hopkinson