What is Race the Waves and what is happening in 2024?
Race the Waves is a vintage motoring spectacle and unique within the Uk. It is a tribute to times long past; where the Yorkshire beaches were the earliest proving grounds for Land Speed Record Attempts within the UK. Vehicles perform ‘spirited drag-races’ in pairs over a 200 yard course marked in the fresh tidal sand. Motorcycles are often in groups of 4 or 5 as they leave the start line. Generally, the races are started by a lady waving a chequered flag. The racers can either opt to organise themselves or randomly arrive at the starting area and go with the flow. All the while, a commentary is provided by our extremely knowledgeable 'man on the microphone' Graham Beckwith. The Beach-Race draws on the historical influences from both the early UK Motor Speed Trials and the American desert & street drag-races.
How was the idea conceived?
I had been planning to deliver a similar event locally when, out of the blue, an opportunity arose in late 2017 to host a motorcycle show in Bridlington. Having spent a lifetime working in a tiny rural hamlet on the western boundary of the East Riding of Yorkshire, the offer was not only an honour but also an interesting new challenge.
What is the purpose for the event?
My remit: to engage the coastal visitor to support the commercial sector within the town of Bridlington by providing a visitor attraction.
What influenced your event design?
Not wishing to follow the generic and traditional static motor show model, lurking in the depths of my subconscious were thoughts towards something far more exciting. The sights, the sounds and the atmosphere of bygone times; when a variety of interesting vehicles powered by incredible engines; roared along our Yorkshire beaches providing entertainment to the coastal visitors. Race the Waves in Bridlington had to be a unique event if it was to break new ground and be successful in attracting a large attendance of family orientated visitors. The event would need to be engaging and interactive for both the participants and the audience alike. And that, dear reader, is where the Race the Waves journey began; using Imagination, Inspiration & Interpretation. Our 'unique theatre of auto-motion' is a tribute to those early heroes of motoring speed on our Yorkshire beaches from 1905.
What is your background?
Definitely nothing academic or within event management; other than arranging BACKFIRE motorcycle social gatherings. Most of my life, I've been involved with various kinds of machinery and mechanical devices. I have a huge passion towards motorcycles and racing. Some say…. how was/is it possible to use a coastal beach to host a motoring event? My stock answer; "being in the right place at the right time." In my latter years, I have rekindled a passion for art, photography and the natural environment, all of which aided the creativity to design something unique and engaging for the UK motoring calendar.
Describe the first and subsequent events.
September 2018; we garnered a little over 50 participants and the visitor attendance to the South Beach was estimated between 2.5k - 3k. The visitors enjoyed our free 'Saturday sideshow' to the Bridlington Weekend of Motoring.
May 2019 was our first 'stand-alone weekend' with participants numbering 140 and a visitor attendance estimated between 25k - 30k. That was the first year we were supported by beach-racers from the Continent too. The Whitby Steampunk Weekend organiser was approached to create a Steampunk Emporium within The Spa and this proved another huge success by being extremely well attended.
June 2022; we took up the reins following a two year enforced absence and, to our surprise, the spirit of our intended audience remained resolute and as positive as ever; the press reported visitor numbers in the region of 80k.
April 2023; visitor estimates were naturally lower, because the event was held earlier in the year and influenced by the inclement weather and tepid temperatures but, allowing for these conditions, we still garnered a very respectable visitor attendance.
What is the program and is there anything new for 2024?
Race the Waves 2024 May 9-12
May 9: open free to attend; pre-event social gathering at the Village Hall & event field in Burton Fleming YO25 3PE 10.00-15.00
May 10: Beach-Racers Registration & Vehicle Technical Inspection at Church Green, Bridlington Old Town YO16 7JT 10.00-17.00
New: Evening Hospitality & Entertainment to be found in both the Upper & Lower Town.
May 11 & 12: Beach-Race on South Beach, Bridlington (timings subject to the condition of the beach) accompanied by trade support on the Promenade YO15 3NS 10.00-1700.
The Bridlington Lions are ‘Rock’n the Beach’ with their Auto-Show on Sth Marine Drive YO15 3NS 10.00-16.00.
Steampunk Emporium in the Royal Hall, The Spa YO15 3JH 10.00-16.00 New: Evening Hospitality & Entertainment to be found in both the Upper & Lower Town.
May 11: Evening with Ed Tudor Pole, The Spa; doors open 19.00
New Addition:
Sunday May 12: Kings Street Food Fesitval in the Lower Town YO15 2DN.
The Race the Waves weekend is organised and produced by a group of dedicated volunteers alongside members from the Visit East Yorkshire events team.
We are truly grateful for the continuing and valued support from the Bridlington community, our sponsors and especially, Visit East Yorkshire & The Yorkshire Coast BID who have gone above and beyond to make your weekend safe, inclusive and as welcoming as possible.
Hopefully we'll see you there...
Paul Garbutt
BACKFIRE
TO ENTER ANY OF OUR AUTO SHOWS, OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE EMAIL [email protected]