The stage is set for the Blackhorse NI Motorcycle Festival at the Eikon Exhibition Centre in February, when Emmerdale star Dominic Brunt will be among the special guests.
The Cheshire actor plays vet Paddy Kirk on the much-loved ITV soap and the 47-year-old – a huge motorbikes fan – has jumped at the chance to indulge his passion at the three-day motorcycling extravaganza in Lisburn, which takes place from Friday, February 2nd to Sunday, February 4th.
Joining Brunt on the guest list are top racers Lee Johnston, Alastair Seeley, Keith Farmer and John McGuinness plus other, who will be on hand to sign autographs and mingle with the fans.
Ulster Grand Prix ‘Man of the Meeting’ Peter Hickman has also been confirmed in recent days.
The Louth man had a season to remember as Hickman claimed five podiums from five starts at the Isle of Man TT before chalking up a treble of wins at Dundrod.
Hickman has signed with the Smiths Racing team for a second season to contest the British Superbike Championship and the international road races.
New Honda Racing signing Johnston and North West 200 record-breaker Seeley will engage in some early season rivalry when they line up for some fun pit bike racing outside the venue, with Ballymoney’s Seamus Elliott also taking on the challenge.
Organised for the 23rd year by Billy Nutt and his son Marty, the annual exhibition has become a must-see fixture on the motorcycling calendar.
All the latest models from the major manufacturers will be on display, including Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, BMW, KTM and Triumph etc.
Exhibitors include Phillip McCallen Motorcycles, Charles Hurst Motorcycles (BMW, Yamaha Honda), Motoplus Kawasaki (Coleraine), Crossan Motorcycles, GS Motorcycles,Davy’s Motorcycles and HTM Motorcyles. Show-goers will also have the opportunity to snap up the latest merchandise from the Clinton Enterprises stand.
A fantastic line-up of classic machinery will be on show, including Honda’s rare CR93 plus a rare display of race bikes from Eddie Roberts collection..
The feast of entertainment also includes Mattie Griffin’s world-renowned stunt rider, while top trials rider Andrew Perry will demonstrate his incredible skill plus live racing of Pit Bikes and Super Moto bikes on Saturday and Sunday. Opening times are Friday, February 2nd (2pm-10pm) and Saturday and Sunday, February 3rd-4th (10am-5pm). Admission is £12/€12 for adults and £6/€6 Euros for senior citizens. Children under 15 admitted free.
Free car parking is available on-site and three minibuses will be operating a shuttle service to the Eikon Exhibition Centre from Lisburn Rail Centre, also free of charge.
For more details, check out the official Facebook page for the festival @NI Motorcycle Fest or visit www.motorcyclefest.tv. You can also call Nutt Promotions on: 028 70351199 or email: info@nutttravel.com.