Hundreds of Harley-Davidson motorcycles are set to roar into Burnham-On-Sea this May Bank Holiday weekend, as the popular annual Cider Rally returns in support of charity.

Taking place on Sunday 3rd May, the event is organised by the Harley Owners Group (HOG) Bridgwater Chapter, and will see a convoy of bikes ride through the town’s High Street at around 11:30am before heading to the seafront.

This year’s rally will raise funds for In Charley’s Memory and Blood Bikes, continuing a tradition of supporting good causes.

Jane Mitchell from the Bridgwater HOG chapter explained that the rally has become a staple event in the region, with more than 30 gatherings held over the past 34 years. The first rally took place in a field in Watchet in 1991, before moving to St Audries Bay in 1992. Since 2003, the event has been based at the beachfront location of Sand Bay.

Like many events, the rally faced disruption during the pandemic. In 2020, it was held virtually from the kitchen of chapter director Gill “Moggy” Mogg, while the 2021 event was cancelled entirely.

Now firmly back on the calendar, the rally weekend begins on Friday as visitors arrive for a packed schedule of entertainment and group rides. On Saturday, organised touring groups will explore different parts of the local area, led by the chapter’s road crew.

The highlight of the weekend comes on Sunday with the Grand Parade. Departing Sand Bay, Kewstoke at 11am, the convoy will travel through Weston-Super-Mare along the seafront before arriving in Burnham-On-Sea shortly after.

The spectacle promises an impressive display of motorcycles bringing both the sound and sight of classic and modern Harley-Davidsons to the heart of the town. Once parked, visitors will have the opportunity to get up close to the bikes and meet their riders.

In Charley’s Memory is a United Kingdom–based mental health charity that provides counselling and support to young people. Established in memory of Charley Marks, it aims to improve access to mental health services and raise awareness about the challenges facing young individuals.

Blood Bikes are volunteer-run organisations in the United Kingdom that provide free, out-of-hours motorcycle courier services for healthcare providers. They transport urgent medical items such as blood, plasma, samples, and medication, to help save lives.