THOUSANDS of hardy bikers made their way to the Bulldog Bash yesterday as it was officially opened by the chairman of Warwickshire County Council.

Coun Peter Barnes cut the ribbon to allow the festival to get underway at 2pm, alongside his wife Stella.

Speaking shortly after the opening Coun Barnes said “I welcome the bikers to the county, we have enjoyed the festival for many years and continue to do so; I wish all the visitors a good weekend of festivities.

“We never have any trouble from the bikers and don’t expect to, the event is a major benefit to Stratford and the local community, with local attractions, such as TWR steam railway, benefiting greatly”.

Visitors from the UK and all over Europe began to arrive from midday with some having to negotiate a stop and search operation from Warwickshire Police.

The Bulldog Bash attractions include live music, a huge custom show, jet cars and rocket bikes which will be hurtling down the drag strip all weekend, punctuated by the ever popular ‘run-what-you-brung’ sessions and top stunt bike performances.

Among many highlights promised are Motorhead, UFO and Oliver/Dawson SAXON playing live, the Ken Fox ‘Wall of Death’ show and a fairground full of white knuckle rides, alongside a massive village of trade stalls selling all kinds of biking and alternative lifestyle kit.

Tickets are still available at the gate for just £55; the price includes all live entertainment and camping for the weekend.