The NABD’s National Rally for 2005 was a massive success.
Once again the weather was kind to us and people came from far and wide to party with us in Cheshire. (As I am fighting to get this issue of Open House finished before going off to Faro I will keep the written part of this report short and let the photos do the talking).
With a broader range of trade-stands and attractions than ever before (everything from Holy Joe’s Cafe to a Rifle Range with all the usual and some not so usual stalls in between) the site had a busy feel from the outset.
The entertainment included more live bands than ever before, all of which were on blistering form.
The Frog & Bucket Stand-Up Comedy Roadshow moved back to its original slot on Saturday afternoon, due to popular demand.
This was followed by the lovely ‘Lynx’ the world’s most glamorous magician who proceeded to chop, saw, and skewer a number of volunteers to the delight of all.
We even had the ‘Mirages’ mobile Lap-dancing club, which proved very popular in addition to the traditional exotic dancers.
100% Biker magazine took over the bike/trike show this year and when I saw the number and the standard of entries I was extremely glad that I wasn’t one of the judges.
For the kids we had a racing quad circuit, a top children’s entertainer, and a monster hunt as well as the bands and a disco in the excellent Mulderrigs family marquee.
We also increased the toilet facilities, which were constantly serviced all weekend, creating nothing but praise for the state of these facilities.
This year the event attracted more sponsors than ever before, which allowed us to keep the prices down to a minimum yet again while improving the on-site facilities and entertainment.
Our heartfelt thanks go to the following sponsors:
Mulderrigs Solicitors
For sponsorship of the family marquee.
Johnson’s of Leeds
For sponsoring the Para-medic & Ambulance cover.
Bikers Gearbox
For sponsoring the Special NABD Trophies.
100% Biker Magazine
For sponsoring the Bike/trike Custom Show.
BSH Magazine
For sponsoring the Strippers.
Magic Action Promotions (Farmyard Party)
For sponsoring the You’ve been Nabbed 14 Programs.
Carole Nash Insurance
For sponsoring the You’ve Been Nabbed 14 Rally Badges.
In all this brought in £4,500.00 of sponsorship to the event and we are looking for even more commercial sponsorship for next year.
As usual we didn’t have nearly enough volunteer marshals which meant that those who did volunteer had to work well beyond the call of duty. Perhaps one day we will get back to those halcyon days when each marshal only had to work for four hours per day but until then those golden souls who do give up their time to make everything happen have my heartfelt thanks and admiration.
We are already planning further additions to the event for next year including a new chill-out marquee with laid-back acoustic entertainment and a real-ale bar, bigger marquees for the main marquee and Mulderrigs marquee, and a number of quite special surprises.
But remember; this is your event. If there is something you think we can do to improve the event, or if there is some form of entertainment you would like to see at the event, drop me a line at the office. I won’t make any promises except that all serious suggestions will be given very serious consideration.
If facts and figures are what turn you on here are my particular favourites......
In two days we shifted over 24,000.00 cans of beer (and a vast amount of spirits and wine). That’s a lot of very thirsty bikers having a damn good time at the NABDrally!
In 2004 we had 1,460 people attending the rally. This year the attendance grew to 2,140.
In 2004 we raised a very impressive £11,000.00+ for NABD funds.
This year the figure raised was £25,000.00+ which makes You’ve Been Nabbed 14 without doubt our biggest financial success to date.
Hopefully with your support we can make You’ve Been Nabbed 15 even more successful.
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