Event Reports

Wakefield MAG at the 23rd Farmyard Party - Friday 19th - Sunday 21st June 2009

Wakefield MAG hit the 23rd Farmyard Party en-mass with well over eighteen members in attendance, including nine of us who rode in on the marshals advance party from Thornes Park on the Thursday evening. Our journey there was plagued by bike and trike trouble, but we all made it there eventually, albeit with a little help from the breakdown service. At least it wasn’t raining and we managed to pitch tents in the dry with daylight remaining (always a pleasant experience). We all enjoyed a few beers and a midnight barbeque (supposed to be held much earlier in the evening, blame the RAC !!!).

Friday morning was hot and sunny and as we were not marshalling till late Friday afternoon, we spent Friday lunchtime in the Royal Oak in Helmsley Square (as we have done for the past few years on the trot). A most pleasant experience indeed.

Wakefield MAG in Helmsley Square
Wakefield MAG in Helmsley Square

A good few of us were marshalling in the Blues tent on the Friday evening and we were rather glad when our shifts ended, as the Friday Blues tent bands weren’t that good. The rest of our contingent hit the 100% biker tent for the Bon Jovi tribute band, who were absolutely rocking the joint by all accounts. The lead singer even had an American accent (all the more amazing as he was from Cleckheaton !!!!)

Saturday was a mixed day of sunshine and showers, with the emphasis on the showers.

It rained a bit on the Saturday

It rained a bit on the Saturday

Still, it didn’t detract from the quality entertainment on offer. The afternoon blues tent band, The Peasants, did a cracking set. Not really Blues music, but a combination of all manner of rock and pop, performed in their own style, with a mandolin. I never thought I’d hear everything from Motorhead to Duran Duran in the same set at a bike rally, but it worked really well, and I hope they get booked again next year.

The BSH sponsored ride-in Custom show was again a huge attraction, with some amazing bikes on display. Everything from the radical to the agricultural, and something for everyone. I particularly liked the Warner Bros cartoon themed streetfighter, although it would probably have children in floods of tears at the outcome of Jerry, Roadrunner, Bugs and friends.

Warner Bros cartoon themed streetfighter
Warner Bros cartoon themed streetfighter
Warner Bros cartoon themed streetfighter
Warner Bros cartoon themed streetfighter

Saturday night’s Blues tent bands were brilliant and kept the marquee thoroughly entertained. New for this year was the main arena Big Top, designed to keep everyone dry, whatever the weather threw at us. From the outside it didn’t look that big.

Big Top Main Arena

Inside however it was enormous and the stage set up and light show looked amazing and would not be out of place in any big concert venue. Saturday night’s headline band in the Big Top was Big Day, aptly named, and they did a cracking set of Rock and Pop covers, that had the crowd screaming for more.

Big Top Main Arena

Another thing which worked really well this year was the covered marquee near the food stalls, so you didn’t get wet in the inevitable rain, whilst grabbing a bite to eat – it was well used on the Saturday I can tell you !!!!

A most splendid effort by all the Wakefield (and Barnsley) MAG members who did a tremendous job marshalling in the Blues tent, including a number who have never marshalled before. The marshalling shifts went like clockwork and there was a nice chilled out atmosphere on both Friday & Saturday night (both marshals & rally goers I hasten to add). A huge thanks to all of Wakefield’s volunteer marshals, giving sterling service as always. The FYP is MAG’s premier fund raising event and it is the unpaid volunteer marshals that make the rally as successful as it is !!! Well done to all.

Wakefield MAG Marshal

All too soon it was over, and time to pack up the tent and ride off for some; ring the AA / RAC for others. Not that it detracted from what had been an absolutely brilliant weekend. The FYP just gets better and better every year.

Wakefield MAG Marshal

Looking forward to the 24th FYP already !!!

Wakefield MAG Marshal