National Motorcycle Museum Live is less than a month away!
The UK’s most famous and extensive collection of motorcycles is opening its doors for free later this month, as the countdown to the National Motorcycle Museum Live event begins.
Following the enormous success of the 2022 event, National Motorcycle Museum Live returns for 2023, giving motorbike enthusiasts extensive access to the museum and a host of big-name stars from the two-wheeled world.
Like last year’s event, NMM Live 2023 takes place over two days, with the show running from Saturday 28 to Sunday 29 October. That makes NMM Live the best FREE motorcycle event in the country. The NMM is also offering free motorcycle parking at the event, so get polishing your pride and joy as the bike park is likely to turn into a two-wheeled show all of its own. For those travelling in by car be aware there is a £15 per car per day parking charge on site.
As the largest collection of British motorcycles, the NMM really is a crowning achievement in the UK motorcycle industry, and probably the top item on anybody's to-do list is getting out and about to see the collection. There you can enjoy looking at and learning about some of the 170 different marques and over 1,000 individual bikes that it houses. Should you want a bit more guidance and historical insight into some of the models, Classic Bike Magazine’s Rick Parkington will be hosting free guided museum tours to help you unlock some of the history and importance of the machines.
For those who are already familiar with the NMM’s collection, you may want to make the trade area the focus of some of your visit. Here you’ll find a warm indoor space with a host of trade stands and displays from many well-known names including Central Wheel Components Ltd, Sealey Tools, H&H Auctions, and Andy Tiernan Motorcycles to name but a few.
For anyone looking to get a little closer to the stars of racing, be it the TT, Grand Prix, or British Superbikes, the Main Stage on both Saturday and Sunday mornings will be a must to check out. Already confirmed for the event is award-winning artist and TT expert Rachael Clegg as the MC for both days. She’ll be spending time with Grand Prix legend Steve Parrish, Isle of Man TT icon John McGuinness, and BSB and TT stars Ryan Vickers, Kyle Ryde, and James Hillier.
The extremely popular Henry Cole and Friends will also make a return to the main stage with two shows on Saturday and a further two on Sunday. The live show will be taking place in the Britannia Suite and will be hosted by racing legend Steve Plater. During the hour Steve will talk to Henry and the other stars of The Motorbike Show, including Allen Millyard, Guy ‘Skid’ Willison, and new addition to the team Fuzz Townshend.
TV Stars aside, the Norton Nemesis will also be taking a leading role in the proceedings, as the team will be airing exclusive footage of the rebuild process of the bike and the team's plans for the V8 potential record breaker. Henry and Allen will also be starting up the Norton Nemesis V8 as part of both Sat & Sunday morning stage shows, giving you a special chance to be one of the very few who have heard the machine run!
Another well-known name from Norton’s history will be in attendance, as the man behind the firm's rotary race bikes (and the wild Crighton CR700) Brian Crighton will be taking part in a new feature called Meet the Experts LIVE. Also taking part in this new element of NMM Live is OMG Racing team owner Alan Gardner.
Aside from the classic bikes on display within the NMM, you’ll also get a chance to check out some modern metal built by some famous names from the British motorcycle industry. BSA, Triumph, and Royal Enfield will be on hand to showcase some of their latest models, along with Langen, which will be exhibiting its exotic two-stroke featherweight at the event.
The ever-popular live-action Race Machine Live Fire Up will again be taking place across the two-day event, with famous and historically important competition machines being fired up live in the hall. Joining the 12 race bikes taking to the stage will be Allen Millyard, who will be firing up his own, record-breaking Viper V10 creation, along with the Suzuki GT750 as seen on The Motorbike Show.
Alongside the bikes, live action, talks and signing sessions, there’s also an extensive food court and bar area, serving food and drinks throughout the day and even serving breakfast from 8:30 am onwards for early-bird visitors.
The show will also feature the raffle draw which will see the stunning, original and unmolested 1974 Norton Commando 850 find its new owner. If you’ve not bought a ticket, you can still do so by clicking the following link.
To find out more about National Motorcycle Museum Live 2023, check out the official NMM Live website: https://www.nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk
You can download a full timetable for both days of NMM Live and an Event Floor Plan here.
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
