Four days. Blazing sunshine. Thousands of motorcycles. Hundreds of exhibitors. Countless conversations. One memorable debut for the British Motorcyclists Federation.

The British Motorcyclists Federation made its debut as an exhibitor at ABR Festival 2026, spending four days meeting riders, supporting affiliated clubs, championing motorcycling and showcasing the work the Federation carries out on behalf of motorcyclists across the UK.

While ABR Festival has become a firm favourite in the motorcycling calendar, 2026 marked an exciting milestone for the BMF as we made our first appearance as an exhibitor at the event.

From arriving on Wednesday to begin setting up through to the close of the festival on Sunday afternoon, the BMF team embraced every opportunity to meet riders, reconnect with members, strengthen relationships across the motorcycling community and promote the work we do on behalf of riders across the UK.

Representing the Federation throughout the festival were Peter Laidlaw, Director of Member Services; Anna Zee, Political and Technical Services Director; Net Hopkinson, Membership Secretary; Max Holliday, Media & Community Liaison; and Paul Morgan CBE, Government Relations Executive Officer, each playing an important role in engaging with visitors and proudly flying the flag for the BMF throughout our first ABR Festival.
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More Than Just a Stand

Our aim was simple: to meet riders, listen to what matters most to them, support our affiliated clubs and demonstrate why the BMF remains the UK’s longest-established organisation dedicated to representing and protecting the interests of motorcyclists.

Our stand quickly became a welcoming place for riders to stop, cool down, ask questions and enjoy a friendly conversation.

Throughout the weekend we met existing members, welcomed new faces, discussed current campaigns and introduced visitors to initiatives including our monthly BMF Bike Meets at Mallory Park Race Circuit, the Blue Riband Advanced Motorcycle Course, and the popular Bike & Brew Passport Event.

One of the greatest pleasures was catching up with many familiar faces while also meeting riders discovering the Federation for the very first time.

We were equally delighted to spend time with several of our affiliated clubs and their members, hearing about the fantastic work taking place around the country and reinforcing the importance of the strong club network that sits at the heart of the BMF.
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Building Relationships Across the Motorcycling Community

ABR Festival isn’t just about motorcycles, it’s about the people behind them.

Alongside speaking with riders, the weekend provided an excellent opportunity to reconnect with manufacturers, exhibitors, charities, partner organisations and fellow advocates from across the motorcycling community.

These conversations help strengthen relationships across the industry, allowing the Federation to continue listening, learning and working collaboratively for the benefit of motorcyclists throughout the UK.

“Our first ABR Festival wasn’t simply about exhibiting – it was about listening to riders, strengthening relationships and proudly representing the motorcycling community.”
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Supporting Riders On and Off the Bike

Supporting riders isn’t just about what happens on the road, it’s also about building confidence behind the handlebars.

As part of the BMF’s Motorcycle Mindset partnership, we were pleased to offer copies of Claire Jones’ book, Remember You’re a Rider, throughout the festival.

Claire is the British Motorcyclists Federation’s Motorcycle Mindset partner and an award-winning mindset coach who specialises in helping new, nervous and returning riders build confidence, resilience and a positive mindset for motorcycling. Through her partnership with the BMF, Claire provides members with articles, webinars, practical advice and resources that support the mental side of riding, helping riders enjoy motorcycling with greater confidence.

The books prompted some positive conversations about the importance of mindset in motorcycling, with a couple of visitors choosing to purchase a copy during the weekend. It was another opportunity to highlight that supporting riders is about more than machines – it’s also about developing the confidence and skills to enjoy every ride.
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Championing Riders’ Interests

Representing riders doesn’t stop at the stand.

On Saturday afternoon, Paul Morgan CBE joined National Motorcyclists Council Executive Director Craig Carey-Clinch alongside Graeme Collins at the Trail Riders Fellowship stand for the thought-provoking discussion, “Does the Government Care About Motorcycling?”

The session explored the current political landscape for motorcycling, the work being undertaken to engage with Government on behalf of riders and the importance of organisations working together to ensure motorcyclists continue to have a strong, informed and influential voice.
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A Festival to Remember

ABR Festival once again delivered an unforgettable weekend, bringing together riders from every corner of the country and beyond, in an atmosphere that perfectly captured the spirit of motorcycling.

Despite the soaring temperatures, spirits remained high throughout the event, with riders enjoying demo rides, inspiring guest speakers, live entertainment, countless opportunities to catch up with friends old and new, plus so much more.

Positioned opposite the BMF stand, the giant outdoor screen became a focal point throughout the festival. Throughout the day it entertained visitors with the now legendary “Bog of Doom” footage, with festival – goers regularly stopping to watch and share a laugh as fellow trail riders attempted the infamous muddy crossing.

The shaded area beneath the surrounding trees became a welcome escape from the heat, with many visitors taking the opportunity to cool down, relax and, for some, enjoy a chilled drink from the nearby bar. The location created a fantastic atmosphere throughout the weekend and provided the BMF team with the opportunity to chat with many riders as they explored the festival.

On Saturday evening, the big screen switched to the live England football match, bringing festival-goers together to enjoy the game and round off another memorable day at ABR Festival.
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Celebrating the Women of ABR

One of the weekend’s most iconic moments took place on Saturday evening during the annual Ladies of the ABR Festival photograph.

As hundreds of women riders gathered below the magnificent frontage of Ragley Hall, Anna Zee and Max Holliday proudly flew the British Motorcyclists Federation banner high from the balcony above, ensuring the Federation was represented in one of the festival’s most recognisable traditions.

The annual photograph celebrates the growing number of women enjoying every aspect of motorcycling and perfectly reflects the welcoming and inclusive spirit that makes ABR Festival so special.
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Reflecting on Our First ABR Festival

For the British Motorcyclists Federation, our debut at ABR Festival proved to be a fantastic opportunity to engage with riders, reconnect with members, spend time with our affiliated clubs and strengthen relationships across the wider motorcycling community.

Most importantly, it reinforced the value of meeting riders face-to-face, listening to their experiences and continuing to represent their interests both on and off the road.

Judging by the conversations we had, the warm reception from riders and the interest shown in the Federation throughout the weekend, our first appearance at ABR Festival proved to be a rewarding experience for everyone involved.

Our sincere thanks go to the Adventure Bike Rider team, the volunteers, exhibitors and everyone who worked so hard behind the scenes to deliver another outstanding festival.

Finally, thank you to every rider who stopped by the BMF stand. Whether you joined the Federation, renewed your membership, represented one of our affiliated clubs, purchased a copy of Remember You’re a Rider, attended the political discussion or simply came over for a chat, every conversation mattered.
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What’s Next?

The festival season continues, and this weekend, 4–5 July, the British Motorcyclists Federation will be attending the 1000 Bike Revival at Mallory Park Race Circuit, Church Road, Kirkby Mallory, Leicestershire, LE9 7QE.

If you’re planning to attend, please come and say hello. We’d love to meet you, answer any questions about the Federation, chat about motorcycling and tell you more about the work we’re doing to support riders across the UK.

We hope to see you there.

Until then… ride safe.

Written by MJ

Images courtesy of