The 2013 BMF Tailend seemed more like it was tail between the legs time. I’ve been attending for 20 years on-and-off, and this year the Peterborough Showground saw the once-buzzing event hit an all time low.
- A sign of the times…
Arriving early on Sunday morning, the gossip between the marshals was focused on who managed to catch Alvin Stardust’s glove during his performance on Saturday night – which was actually about the only smile the event managed to raise. The place was half empty, and I don’t mean show goers who may have been dissuaded by the weather, but more the stall holders and the like. It’s a sign of the times that the traditional Frank Thomas tents weren’t even there, as the pile of seconds has finally run out. Mind you, they lasted a few more years than the company did.
Having missed the moped mayhem, I sat in the grandstand with my 3-year-old son to eat some sandwiches and wait for the next spectacular to hit the area. Having watched the tractors removing the tyres it turns out that was it for the day, although Mikey did thoroughly enjoy the tractor show at least.
The next thing to get my attention was watching tents begin to take off. Thankfully the auto jumblers and their customers were safe, seeing as there were only 6 pitches. I caught up with a friend who was one of the half-dozen, and he explained that the BMF show organisers had insisted on a £100 deposit when he arrived on Friday. When he asked why, he was told it was so he didn’t leave before 5pm Sunday!
- Even the BMF Tent was getting ready to take off
The ‘couldn’t make it up’ scenarios carried on. Watching some mad bloke doing things on a Harley 883 in the stunt arena was a master stroke, but not even that could stop me heading for the gate. The Best of Show was around 20 bikes in a cattle shed, and several of them could find their own way to the show based on how many times they’ve been entered.
I’ve no idea why the show has gone so downhill. The weather probably didn’t help, and the rise of internet bargains and cheap motorcycle kit being imported direct from the East and sold online probably means there’s less interest in an end-of-season sale event than ever before – and at the same time the entertainment has largely stayed the same.
The result is a show that’s slipping down the toilet to the point Dyno Rod couldn’t pull it back. But the big questions isn’t how the show can bounce back, but who did catch Alvin’s glove?
….wot a dreadful shame, plenty of family memories were made on the East of England Show Ground attending The
BMF and Tail Ender….hey i bet Alvin bought that glove off Frank Thomas..in the bargin bin of odd gloves! or you can but 2 right handed ones..
ops i mean ‘buy’
The financial climate and the weather are not the only things putting a dampener on events these days.
As we know the average age of our motorcyclists are increasing as the core of enthusiasts get ever older. We do not attract the young market anymore. Why? That is the problem and one that in this country at least is not being addressed.
The BMF obviously nailed their colours to the mast by booking Alvin Stardust, who is an great pro and always puts a good show on, however I was 13 when he was in the charts and I’m sure when I was in my late 20’s or early 30’s I would not have wanted to spend good money to go to a bike rally to see someone from the 1950’s or 60’s sing. I went to the Bulldog Bash and the like.
I have to ask myself “would I go to the BMF rally?” The simple answer is no. It’s just too expensive at the best part of £100 for my family to go for the weekend; it’s too far for me to go for the day as I live on the Wirral, which is just across the river from Liverpool.
What the weekend offered was probably ok, but we do expect more and smaller events are offering good musical line-ups and other fun and games.
If people wanted to go on the lash for the weekend and have takeaway food they could stay locally and have money left over as we all know the food and drink prices are inflated.
I do not want to sound negative but you have to attract a younger market while still retaining your existing audience. A very difficult juggling act but it can be done. I should know as I am a music promoter.
Hi Brian,
Thanks for commenting, and I certainly agree (It’s Dan commenting by the way) – I’ve attended the BMF for almost as long as Scottie, and also been involved in various MCN shows and events for years, and it seems like the same bands on the vintage tours are always being booked. Plus it’s widely known that the motorcycle industry has been aging for years now, but because there’s not a lot of cash in attempting to entice young riders in, no-one bothers.
It’s why I shared the video of Cleveland Cycle Works a while back – making custom and cafe racer style bikes with 250cc motors that anyone can afford and work on.
It’s also why I like what brands like Icon have done with their marketing – it may all be slick-produced stunt action, but in the U.S. that’s a more popular scene, and the cost of insuring a decent size sportsbike is a lot less, so it makes sense.
And it’s why Scottie and I have been chatting about various ideas for the site which are definitely aimed at lower budgets and potential young riders – we’re not fussed about whether we make money doing it, but we want biking to be more popular again…
It’s a real shame that at times bike jackets etc have been pretty fashionable, and hiphop stars in the States were all featuring GSX-Rs with mile-long swingarms in their videos etc, but in the UK no-one has really latched onto any of it.
At least we know who to ask if we need any bands for a Rescogs festival in the future!
Yes , I agree its too expensive to take all the family now ..they never used to charge for kids up untill a short while ago.Dads could take the kids in for free,taking them off their wife’s hands to justiflty going to BMF! These kids being the future attendees….and kids remember they went out with dads to the BMF..
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Hi Dan,
I must admit that is the impression I get from the “motorcycle market”, why spend money to wow in youngsters.
Its an incredibly short sighted view as one day the entire market will be of aging motorcyclists who are dying off and then . . . . . . . . ?
The idea of getting a more basic show going would appeal to a wider market as you would be able to pull in the people who won’t go to “mainstream” events but like the “edge” of a simple format without the corporate bs. Bands, pyrotechnic displays, stunt riding will all add to the feel of an event, and especially to old farts like me, a quiet camping, motor home, caravan area as well as the traditional area for everyone who wants to participate in the “rally”.
I believe something needs to be done soon before our beloved passion flatlines!
I think it’s a great shame that there are not so many people going there these days…. it’s not advertised very well… maybe if there was more for older kids to do / see…. maybe a MX try out… they did have that one year (not sure if it was main BMF or the tail end)… also cost is high (although under 14’s are still free). They also used to have trials going on which was great to see. This year I loved the wheelie exhibition… that was about it!
Its just shit, plain and simple, the “bargains” are only “£20 off RRP”, and considering how expensive it is to get in, your not exactly getting a bargain, most of the stuff on sale is cheap shit, stainless radiator guards, anodised levers, tank pads, etc. There are no real bargains………or anything worth buying come to think of it. The autojumble is shite, nowere near the size it used to be, and most the parts are that crappy that id throw them straight in the bin if i were selling em.
i wont be going back
But what do you really think?
The BMF is legendary ..its a good day out, to met your mates ! Go camping, Stop whinging! Olive.com