|
Isle of Anglesey Motorcycle Show - Cancellation
Issued 20th August 2008
The cancellation of the Isle of Anglesey Motorcycle Show, due to take place on August Bank Holiday Weekend, is the latest in a worrying series of cancellations that have marred the summer of 2008.
The show organisers have stated that the cancellation was forced by North Wales Police fears of a 'heightened risk of serious public disorder and criminality'. Another event due to be held in Builth Wells was cancelled earlier this year in almost identical circumstances.
Ian Mutch, President of the 50,000 strong Motorcycle Action Group, MAG, said today that they are deeply concerned that the threat of closure may spread to other bike shows and rallies in future.
Sending a message of sympathy for the organisers, traders and thousands of visitors who were all set to enjoy another successful Isle of Anglesey Motorcycle Show, Mr Mutch called on the authorities to rethink the way they respond to threats against legitimate events.
"In today's changing world, where the threat of violence appears to be growing all around us, any responsible event organiser must put public safety first. However, the sacrifice of two well-established, popular and trouble-free events purely on the basis of 'information received' raises serious questions" said Mr Mutch.
"If the public are to trust the judgment of local police and public officials there can be no question of crying wolf; if the authorities genuinely believe there is a serious threat of disruption they must be prepared to back them up with sufficient resource to protect these events, not to simply assist in their demise".
"MAG will be making representations to ensure that future shows and rallies are not jeopardised. By working closely with the police, local authorities and communities to ensure that public and community safety are not compromised, MAG events have enjoyed a good record for being trouble free and this summer has been no different".
MAG has been in touch with the Anglesey Motorcycle Show event organisers and is offering all available support and advice to overcome the problems they have encountered in the hope that the Welsh National Motorcycle Show and the Anglesey Motorcycle Show can go ahead in 2009.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Editors should contact the MAG Press Office on 020 85566495 for further details
All enquiries relating specifically to the Anglesey Motorcycle Show should be directed to:
Steve Bennett 01656 841639 or visit the Welsh Motorcycle Show website at
www.welshmotorcycleshows.co.uk
|
