Free trade stands as York Cycle Festival launches new consumer show

Brands, retailers and cycling service providers are being invited to exhibit for free at a new consumer cycling event for the north of England – the York Cycle Festival, taking place across the weekend of June 21 to 23, 2024.

Hosted on the Knavesmire in York, the festival brings together three grassroots events: the York Cycle Rally, the Retrobike Show and the Summer Meet of the 2000-strong National Clarion Cycling Club.

The three events have come together to create a consumer cycling event for the north of England – with an appeal crossing MTB, road, gravel/bikepacking, traditional touring and more.

Ian Alexander, a long-standing York Rally exhibitor who now manages the trade show for the festival, said: “As someone running a cycling business myself I know just how hard it is out there right now.

So I’m delighted to be part of the all-volunteer team who are not only putting on an amazing event for cyclists across the north and beyond, but also offering an opportunity for the trade to shift some stock, promote brands, or showcase products and services at zero or very low cost.

“Every trader who comes is also delivering value and interest for our visitors – so it’s a win-win.”

Recognising the challenging times in the industry, and the value of the trade show to the event, the organisers have decided to make exhibiting at the event completely free of charge for any cycling company or organisation which supports the event by making a booking for the on-site campsite.

And even for exhibitors staying off-site, there’s a nominal £50 to exhibit, for any size of stand.

Dave Broadbent, leading the Retrobike Show team, commented: “There’s been a huge gap for a northern event to complement the likes of the Malvern Classic, where we’ve run a Retrobike mini-show for years, attracting major brand support for our displays, rides and show and shine.

“We’re delighted to team up with the York Rally and NCCC to create this Festival – it’s the North’s first vintage bike festival for MTB, BMX & road, at a proven venue with great infrastructure.”

Entry, parking and almost all activities are free for visitors, and attractions include a programme of led rides, a cycle jumble and auction, varied on-site catering, talks, live music and an on-site bar. Footfall is expected to be in the thousands.

Steve Clarke, event organiser for the National Clarion Cycling Club, added: “We’re inviting over 2000 cyclists from the 28 sections of the National Clarion Cycling Club to York for our Summer Meet. We’re delighted to be bringing grasstrack racing back to the historic Knavesmire arena, and to being part of the festival.“

For full trade info and to book a space, visit: yorkrally.org or contact Ian Alexander on trade@yorkrally.org or 07954 227309.