OVER 2,000 people turned out for the annual Hoggin’ the Bridge motorcycle event in Chepstow yesterday.

Swarms of motorcyclists from across the UK took the journey from Brightside car park in Bristol over the old Severn Bridge to Chepstow Race Course, for the 15th Hoggin’ the Bridge event. Driving along the A48 into Chepstow, dozens of residents had come out to see the motorbikes come in their hundreds. 1,800 motorcyclists started the journey at Bristol, with many more joining them on route, and a total of 2,143 people ended up at the race course.

This is the second year that the motorcyclists have finished their drive at this location. Up until 2012, cyclists would end their journey in Chepstow town centre, but as the numbers grew, the event moved for health and safety purposes.

Nigel and Neta Whitehead, from Pontypool, have been coming to Hoggin’ the Bridge since it started in 2000. Mr Whitehead said: “It’s an entirely unique event; there is nothing else quite like it. The atmosphere is incredible and everybody is so trusting.”

Mrs Whitehead said: “It’s really amazing we love coming here. It’s certainly different from when it was held in the town centre, but just as good.”

Gwyn Ayers and Linda Fallon have been coming to the event for eight years. Linda said: “We are from Worcester and just keep coming back because everyone here is so welcoming.

“We did the drive across the bridge and to see the people lining the streets as we go past is just great and I do like the new setting for the event.”

Hoggin’ the Bridge started in 2000 after Rex Forster, a member from Bridgwater chapter asked the Spencer Dayman Trust if a few Harley’s could escort walkers across the finish line during a sponsored walk they were running. The idea grew over the year until the first event was organised, where around 1,000 motorbikes crossed the bridge to raise money for charity.

Chairman of the Hoggin’ the Bridge committee, Steve Bayliss said: “Each one of our committee members works tirelessly to make this event success. It’s all about raising money for charity, that’s our priority. Our final count will be done on Thursday, but we estimate around £15,000 was raised for charities including Meningitis Now and Blood Bikes.”