Newbury’s town centre burst into life on Saturday 14 June 2025 as hundreds of cyclists took to Northbrook Street for the inaugural Newbury Cycle Festival — a vivid celebration of pedal power in all its forms.

The Grand Parade of Cycles was the day’s standout spectacle. Inspired by 100 years of Newbury Road Club cycling, over 300 local cyclists came out to support in numbers, turning heads as a kaleidoscope of bikes and riders rolled through the packed high street.

Leading the charge

A magnificent Penny Farthing, towering above the crowd led the way, along with the leaders of Newbury’s three local cycling Clubs. Close behind came a fleet of vintage bicycles — each telling its own story — followed by a joyful procession of riders on everything from sleek time-trial bikes to tandems, balance bikes to e-cargo bike and all manner of quirky custom creations, bound for Victoria Park.

No entry fees, no dress codes — just an open invitation: bring a bike, bring some energy and join the ride!

The Festival Village buzzed with action!

Once in Victoria Park, Newbury Mayor, Cllr David Harman, welcomed the crowd and kicked off a lively afternoon packed with activities. The park buzzed with action: daredevils tackled a mini mountain bike obstacle course, kids navigated a junior course and competitive spirits tested their speed in the 1km Turbo Dash.

The Cycling Village became the heart of the event — a buzzing hub of free bike health checks, an exhibition of 100 years of Newbury cycling history, opportunities to see new launches from cycle vendors and expert advice from local mechanics.

There was no shortage of fun too: free coaching sessions, tandem rides, pedal-powered smoothie bikes, and even a crazy reverse-steer bike added a dash of playfulness. Everywhere you looked, wheels were spinning and smiles were wide.

Adding a layer of heritage, Newbury Road Club historian Dave Portwood shared tales from the Club’s rich 100-year history — a milestone also marked earlier this year with an exhibition at West Berkshire Museum.

The festival tied into National Bike Week and featured local cycling groups including Newbury Road Club, Newbury Velo and West Berkshire Spokes. Sarah Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cycling UK, and local MP Lee Dillon were among the high-profile attendees showing support for grassroots cycling.

Community partners including Sustrans, BBO Wildlife Trust, Northcroft Leisure Centre, Thames Valley Police, Berkshire Youth and Kennet Radio brought added energy to an event that was as much about community as it was about cycling.

Newbury Road Club would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to Club Members, David Appleton, David Glenn and Lorraine Murrell, for their unwavering hard work, energy and enthusiasm in bringing the Festival to life. Additionally, it wishes to thank NRC members Ray Clarke, Fraser Harding, Graham Butler, Phil George and Fran Williams for exemplary leadership of their respective teams on the day, John Murrell for Festival design and marketing, and Trevor Francis for being an outstanding MC on the day and David Portwood for curating the 100-year exhibition. And to all the Newbury Road Club members and volunteers who worked so hard to steward this event and make it such a success.

We would also like to thank the following organisations and individuals for their support in staging this event. Simon Bowden of Newbury Velo and William Pitt from West Berkshire Spokes. Councillor Gary Norman and fellow members of Newbury Town Council for their generous grant and for the use of Victoria Park. Mark Letters of Banjo Cycles for sponsoring the Parade prizes. Darren Chamberlain and the team at Benson Veteran Cycle Club for a stunning display of Vintage Bikes. West Berkshire Council for assistance with road closures. Newbury BID for help with safety barriers and road closure signs. Newbury Town Crier, Steve Wallis, for leading the parade. To Kennet Radio for entertaining us and providing the PA system. And to Graham Joyce and Anchor Vans for providing transport on the day.

Photos and video courtesy of Gareth Davies, Phil Cannings of the Newbury Weekly News and members of Newbury Road Club