The Essex and Herts Air Ambulance has confirmed it will not hold its planned Motorcycle Run and Whirlybirds Family Fun Day, scheduled for 6 September, citing poor ticket sales and a clash with a competing biking event.
Why the event was pulled
Mark Jarman-Howe, chief executive of the air ambulance charity, said organisers had made strenuous efforts to revive the event after a break but ultimately could not justify running it at a loss. Venue availability and practical logistics also prevented a simple reschedule, the charity added.
"We worked so hard to bring this event back for our amazing biking community, but unfortunately ticket sales were very low, and with a clash against another popular biking event set to affect attendance, we sadly can't risk running an event at a loss."
He stressed that fundraising from such community days helps keep the service operational. The charity said planning work will not be wasted and that it is already looking ahead to a 2027 return, exploring alternative dates, routes and partnerships to boost future prospects.
What this means for supporters
The charity has committed to issuing full refunds to anyone who had purchased tickets or merchandise for the cancelled day. Attendees who bought through official channels will be contacted directly with details on how refunds will be processed.
- Event affected: Motorcycle Run and Whirlybirds Family Fun Day
- Original date: 6 September
- Status: Cancelled; refunds to be issued
- Future plans: Organisers planning for 2027 and seeking new partnerships
Local impact and context
Community fundraising days like this are a visible part of how regional charities raise cash and engage volunteers and supporters. The loss of a high-profile summer event is likely disappointing for local riders, families and businesses that benefit from the additional footfall and trade on event days.
While the cancellation does not affect the charity's operational flying capability, it removes an opportunity to raise funds and public awareness in the short term. The trust says it will continue to pursue alternative fundraising activities and local partnerships to make up the shortfall.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Organiser | Essex and Herts Air Ambulance |
| Event date | 6 September (cancelled) |
| Refunds | All ticket and merchandise purchases to be refunded |
Anyone with queries about tickets or refunds should contact the charity through its official website or customer service channels. The trust said it will publish further updates as plans for a revived event in 2027 develop.
