Hundreds of motorcyclists took to the roads on Sunday for the 45th annual Nottinghamshire Easter Egg Run.
The bikes set off from the Goose Fair site at Forest Recreation Ground in Nottingham city centre and travelling in convoy to Mansfield Fire Station.
The much-loved Easter tradition sees bikers from across the region come together to deliver hundreds of chocolate eggs to children and families supported by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, as well as local hospitals and community groups.
Organiser Tim Marston said the event continues to go from strength to strength more than four decades after it first began.
“This is our 45th year, which is a fantastic milestone for everyone involved,” he said.
“What started as a small gathering of bikers has grown into one of the biggest charity rides in the region. The support we get every year is incredible, and it’s all for a brilliant cause—putting smiles on children’s faces at Easter.”
He added: “We’ve seen record numbers of riders in recent years, and today has been no different. People travel from all over to take part, and the atmosphere is always something special.”
Last year’s event saw around 500 riders take part, with thousands of Easter eggs donated and distributed to good causes across the county, figures organisers say highlight the scale and impact the run now has each year.
The event, which started in 1981 and has been facilitated for the last 20 years by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, relies on bikers from far and wide who volunteer to take part each year.
A spokesperson for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said:
“The Easter Egg Run is a fantastic event that we are proud to support each year.”
“The generosity of the biking community never fails to impress us, and the donations make a real difference to children and young people across Nottinghamshire.
“It’s also a great opportunity for us to engage with the community in a positive and meaningful way.”
Firefighters, volunteers and supporters gathered to receive the Easter eggs and celebrate another successful year.
Visitors were also able to explore the on-site Mansfield Fire Museum, which proved to be a popular attraction throughout the day, offering a glimpse into the county’s firefighting history and adding to the family-friendly atmosphere of the event.
During the event, 2.5 kg of coffee, 1,100 tea bags, 44 pints of milk and 1,248 biscuits were used throughout the morning. A total of 664 people and their pillions on 531 motorbikes participated in the event, donating 2,417 Easter eggs and raising £550.94 in cash.
Special thanks go to all the bikers, to East Midlands Freewheelers Blood Bikes and the Neonatal Unit, Shiny Side Up, Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance for their continued support, and to PB Fire for providing free medical cover at both the Forest Recreation Ground site in Nottingham, Mansfield Fire Station, and along the route in between to meet local authority and EMAS requirements.
Organisers say they are already looking ahead to next year’s event, with hopes of making the 46th run just as successful.