Race the Waves

Friday 11th September - Sunday 13th September 2026

Race the Waves is a thrilling celebration of vintage motoring, speed, and seaside heritage, set against the iconic backdrop of Bridlington’s golden sands. As one of the UK’s most unique coastal events, it brings together beautifully restored vehicles, passionate enthusiasts, and thousands of visitors for a dynamic weekend of head-to-head racing along the shoreline. Brought to you by Backfire Promotions and Visit East Yorkshire events Team.

What to expect

Race the Waves is an event like no other and a highlight in the East Yorkshire Coast calendar. Reminiscent of early coastal motor racing and drag racing culture, the event is a celebration of vintage, modified vehicles, hot rods, and custom motorcycles. With engines roaring so loud that you can feel it, the atmosphere is nothing short of thrilling along Bridlington’s south promenade. Be a part of the crowd along the seaside and enjoy live commentary, food and drink stalls, and plenty of opportunities to get up close to the unique vehicles and meet their owners. New feature's this year include the Yorkshire Bus bar, the Ken Fox Wall of Death and Tank rides along the beach.

Close by Bridlington Spa host the Bridlington Steampunk weekend. The Royal Hall is filled with vintage and retro finds to uncover in an interesting emporium, alongside presentations, workshops and authors.

Backfire Promotions

Race the Waves is organised in partnership with Backfire Promotions and Visit East Yorkshire Events.

Race the Waves founder and designer, Paul Garbutt of Backfire Promotions, first presented his proposal for a motorcycle show to the East Riding of Yorkshire Council in the winter of 2017. Following extensive consultation and a commitment to creating a free-to-attend visitor attraction, Race the Waves was established and first staged on 8 September 2018.

In 2019, a Steampunk-themed Emporium was introduced at The Spa Bridlington, and the event expanded to two days. Since then, Race the Waves has grown exponentially and now takes place over four days across the Bridlington area, offering an ever-expanding programme of entertainment and activities.

Our passionate community of motorcycling enthusiasts, supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, works tirelessly to create, develop, and enhance the event for both beach racers and coastal visitors alike.

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Plan ahead and stay for the weekend

Taking place across three days you can choose to visit for the day or stay for the weekend, either way there is more to explore in Bridlington. Take a scenic cruise on the Yorkshire Belle, wander the town's working harbour and enjoy fresh fish and chips on the pier, or discover Bridlington's Old Town with Georgian buildings, cobbled marketplace and Priory Church. With Flamborough and Bempton a few minutes drive there's even more East Yorkshire Coast to explore. You'll be spoilt for choice with the many restaurants and pubs to keep you fuelled and refuelled throughout the town with many places throughout the town serving Bridlington Bay Seafood. Find a place to stay in one of Bridlington's town centre B&B's or apartments that are close to the action or enjoy a peaceful stay in a cottage on the outskirts. Alternatively, there are caravan and camping sites nearby with options for quiet sceinc sites to holiday parks with plenty of onsite entertainment. 

Plan your visit · Find out what else is on in Bridlington · Discover where to stay in Bridlington

Stallholders at Race the Waves

On Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September, stallholders will line Bridlington's Princess Mary Promenade, offering the best in delicious snacks, tasty street food, refreshing beverages, entertainment and more. We are happy to announce the 2026 Race the Waves stallholders:

• Dreamshakers • Sama Sama • Two Tossers • Madama Crepe • Mix It Up Cocktails • Peaky Grinders • Duo Catering • Mr Hot Dog • Shiok • Treat Events • Spud Buds • Spirit n Soul • Greek Treat • Nags Shed • Mimi's Horsebox • Stuarts of Driffield • Average Joe • Autoprints • Love Hog Roast • Ey Up • Atomic 56

Sponsors and Supporters

Race the Waves would not be possible without the incredible support of our sponsors, partners, volunteers, and local organisations. Their commitment helps bring this unique event to life, transforming Bridlington into a celebration of motorsport, heritage, and community spirit. We are proud to work alongside businesses and organisations that share our passion for creating unforgettable experiences, and we thank them for their continued support in making Race the Waves a success both on and off the beach.

With special thanks to:

• East Riding of Yorkshire Council • Thorpe Hall Camping Site • Daneswood Caravan Site • Hall Bros Motorcycles • NORA Motorsport • Inferno Branding • Rum Runners Custom Builds • Joe Browns (Leeds) • Bridlington Red Admirals • RNLI Bridlington • The Echo (Bridlington) • Bridlington Town Council • Richie’s Café • Seacourt Hotel • Bridlington Lions • The Lords Feoffees • R.O.B.O.T. • Hall Bros • Brid Spa • King Street Market • ERYC Coastal Services • Ken Fox Troupe • SWB Motorsports • Burton Fleming Village Hall • NHS Yorkshire Ambulance Service • Peak Security • Advance Fire Services (York) • Bridlington Community Shed • All Occasions Hire • Addplant Toilet Hire • Wadsworth Quads (Malton) • Moorhouse Plant & Trailer Hire (Bridlington) • South Cliff Holiday Park • The Priory (Bridlington) • HG1 P/A Box Hire • WSW Events (Whitby) • Contact Radio Coms Ltd (Newport) • H & K Embroidery (Driffield) • Sign and Designs (Bridlington) • Rumble 59