Bridlington’s South Beach will once again host Race the Waves this September, as the popular motoring festival returns with vintage vehicle racing plus a range of other attractions.
The event pays tribute to the era when Yorkshire beaches were used for land speed record attempts, with vehicles of all shapes and sizes competing over a specially marked course. Motorcycles will race in groups of four or five.
First held in the town in 2018, the free-to-attend festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year and takes place this year from 11th to 13th September.
Promoter Paul Garbutt, from Backfire, said: “Visitors to our family- friendly event can expect an incredible atmosphere and a unique event within Mo the UK motoring calendar.”
A pre-event rally will be held at Burton Fleming’s village hall and events field on 10 September from 10am.
Vehicles and bikes will then gather at Church Green in Bridlington Old Town on Friday 11 September for official registration, followed by an evening event at Hall Bros on Carnaby Industrial
Estate featuring beach racing cars and bikes on display, plus food and music.
Beach racing itself gets underway from 11am on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September.
Near Bridlington Spa, the Ken Fox Hell Riders will present the Wall of Death, an 18ft high cylindrical wall with a viewing platform at the top.
Riders perform on vintage machines, with demonstrations including straight wall riding, dipping and diving, trick riding and the Hell Riders three-man race, along with a go-kart display. The show is touring the UK and will be in Bridlington for the weekend only.
New for 2026 is Tanks on the Beach, giving visitors the chance to ride in one of SWB Motorsport’s tracked CVRT military vehicles on the sand. Riders are given a camp jacket, helmet and ear defenders ahead of a briefing, before being taken out with the option to view from the top, stand in the turret or sit in the commander’s position.
Food vendors and trade stalls will line the seafront, and the official Race the Waves merchandise stand, near the Yorkshire Water pumping station, will sell T-shirts, posters, badges and other souvenirs.
The Steampunk Weekend will alsotake place at the Spa Royal Hall overthe same period, with themed stalls andentertainment, and visitors in Victorian inspired costumes expected on the promenade throughout the weekend.
