Thousands of bikers gather in Hastings for the famous May Day Bike Run

The May Day Run began in 1979 and is among the most popular motorcycle rallies on the biking calendar. Although it’s not an organised event, Sussex Police, Hastings Borough Council, and marshals assist in managing traffic and parking.

From 2010 to 2019, bike1066 collaborated with Sussex Police and Hastings Borough Council to manage the May Day Run, which saw tens of thousands of bikers arriving in town. However, due to the impact of Covid, the event was not held for the next two years. When restrictions were lifted and the event returned in 2022, bike1066 was no longer involved.

Speaking last year, Howard Martin, founder of bike1066 the welcome to the May Day Run, said: "I am very proud to say that from 2010 to 2019 when bike1066 was managing the welcome, we built up the event to attract up to 45,000 people on the 40th anniversary in 2018. That's more bikers in one day than attend the Isle of Man TT races in a fortnight. Unfortunately, Covid adversely affected all live events, and afterwards, as the motorcycle market hit a catastrophic decline, we found that continuing to manage the event would be unviable. But we are very pleased that so many bikers still visit on that special day to keep the spirit of the May Day Run alive."

The main parking area is at Pelham Place car park; however, motorcycles can also be seen throughout the seafront, The Stade Open Space, and the town centre.

The event provides a significant boost to the local hospitality sector. It occurs on the same day as Jack in the Green, another well-known May Day weekend celebration in Hastings.