Cocktail_Dave
Manitou Fan
Good Afternoon
I have been silently lurking watching what's been posted about the 2026 event.
So here's the full break down on why, what And where..........
The 2025 event was amazing and for all effective purposes saved the York Rally from extinction.
We normally have the following years plan set up and ready to by now, However we had some issues with the land owners for York Knavesmire and serious delays on bookings.
The problems started with a 3 month delay on the booking date, The landowner made it very difficult to book the date.
Further issues came to light with a serious change to the terms and condition of the lease in 2026.
One of these conditions gave them power to shut down the event at any time, This clearly could not be accepted.
So
After a huge amount of work we have secured Driffield showground.
I have read on one of the other threads this will be the death of it, my answer to that comment is only if YOU don't support it.
I personally put 100's of hours into this event and find comments like this slightly disheartening as it is done for the RB community.
Overall, disregarding a couple of negative comments on here I am please that this location is far superior to the Knavesmire in almost every way.
The site is easily accessible by Rail, Car - I previously noticed a rail comment, this is untrue.
The site if far more secure, the facilities are lots better.
Access roads through the site are tarmac / Hardcore protecting us from the weather (York was liable to flood).
Purpose build showground for events built on fast draining land.
2 large pavilions, Showers, Toilets and outdoor benches are all included.
Secure compound area for main arena and trade.
Local area is rideable! Lots of off road routes around Driffield.
Close to the coast, road and guided rides will be much better.
Still within the catchment area for locals.
Still a long way for Al
Half the work setting up over the weekend as its purpose built.
Cheaper allowing us more funds to grow.
And finally, this is the big one.....
THEY WANT US!
This site holds 100's of events that are a huge success, it is far from a downgrade and will provide security and longevity for the event as a whole.
https://www.driffieldshowground.co.uk/
Now the work begins, we have to build a new layout, re wright RAMS, re apply for licencing and all of the small parts no one see's to make an event of this size happen, Not to mention the near 30k expenditure!
This is a show for everyone, the turnout last year was astounding and will only grow with knowledge of the show increasing. The camping bookings have been live for just over a week and have doubled bookings over the 2025 event already to the same period! They would normally of been opened in October so to be ahead of the curve is amazing.
We also have a huge show sponsor, Niner bikes is the official partner for 2026!
I am personally responsible for Trade, Catering and main arena events.
Trade bookings are already up on last year and the retro BMX and Chopper boys are back again.
Let me know if you have any thoughts or suggestions for 2026 and I will see if we can accommodate.
www.yorkshirecyclefestival.co.uk
Thanks Dave
I have been silently lurking watching what's been posted about the 2026 event.
So here's the full break down on why, what And where..........
The 2025 event was amazing and for all effective purposes saved the York Rally from extinction.
We normally have the following years plan set up and ready to by now, However we had some issues with the land owners for York Knavesmire and serious delays on bookings.
The problems started with a 3 month delay on the booking date, The landowner made it very difficult to book the date.
Further issues came to light with a serious change to the terms and condition of the lease in 2026.
One of these conditions gave them power to shut down the event at any time, This clearly could not be accepted.
So
After a huge amount of work we have secured Driffield showground.
I have read on one of the other threads this will be the death of it, my answer to that comment is only if YOU don't support it.
I personally put 100's of hours into this event and find comments like this slightly disheartening as it is done for the RB community.
Overall, disregarding a couple of negative comments on here I am please that this location is far superior to the Knavesmire in almost every way.
The site is easily accessible by Rail, Car - I previously noticed a rail comment, this is untrue.
The site if far more secure, the facilities are lots better.
Access roads through the site are tarmac / Hardcore protecting us from the weather (York was liable to flood).
Purpose build showground for events built on fast draining land.
2 large pavilions, Showers, Toilets and outdoor benches are all included.
Secure compound area for main arena and trade.
Local area is rideable! Lots of off road routes around Driffield.
Close to the coast, road and guided rides will be much better.
Still within the catchment area for locals.
Still a long way for Al
Half the work setting up over the weekend as its purpose built.
Cheaper allowing us more funds to grow.
And finally, this is the big one.....
THEY WANT US!
This site holds 100's of events that are a huge success, it is far from a downgrade and will provide security and longevity for the event as a whole.
https://www.driffieldshowground.co.uk/
Now the work begins, we have to build a new layout, re wright RAMS, re apply for licencing and all of the small parts no one see's to make an event of this size happen, Not to mention the near 30k expenditure!
This is a show for everyone, the turnout last year was astounding and will only grow with knowledge of the show increasing. The camping bookings have been live for just over a week and have doubled bookings over the 2025 event already to the same period! They would normally of been opened in October so to be ahead of the curve is amazing.
We also have a huge show sponsor, Niner bikes is the official partner for 2026!
I am personally responsible for Trade, Catering and main arena events.
Trade bookings are already up on last year and the retro BMX and Chopper boys are back again.
Let me know if you have any thoughts or suggestions for 2026 and I will see if we can accommodate.
www.yorkshirecyclefestival.co.uk
Thanks Dave
