Llandovery Motorbike Weekend returned for its fourth consecutive year on July 6 and 7.

Developed as a strategy to support the sustainability of the beautiful and friendly town of Llandovery and surrounding areas, this event has evolved to contribute to road safety whilst providing an all-inclusive series of activities for all members of the community.

Thanks to the support of Clee, Tomkinson and Francis, Llandovery Motorbike Weekend takes place in and around the Mart with free parking on one day thanks to Carmarthenshire County Council.

With ongoing major road works on the A40 in the town suspended for the weekend, it is estimated that over 3000 people visited the town and event.

The event is established as one of the many community activities in the town and seeks to attract more short, medium and long term visitors to the region.

Organiser Sue MacGill said: “As well as contributing to sustainability and raising road safety awareness, we are using this event to promote inclusivity, education and career opportunities throughout the community.

“In particular we were delighted to continue our close relationship with West Wales Motorcycle Club who were able to showcase their outstanding project which has resulted in the formation of the Club.

“They provide a unique environment which enables individuals to learn new skills, meet like-minded individuals in a safe inclusive environment.

“This year their current "Hedgerow-bike" played a key role in an Emergency Services demonstration and was the focal point of one of the presentations in the central arena.

“We also welcomed other Third Sector organisations such as HAFAL, WWAMH, Links and Arts Care Gofal Celf who all provide support for those who may be suffering from mental health difficulties.

“With road safety and sustainability being the rationale for the event, following its launch by Prince Charles in 2016, Llandovery Motorbike Weekend has grown in size".

Co-organiser Jonah MacGill, who is also a serving Military Police Officer based in Wales, added: “Whilst I am local resident, I am also a keen motorcyclist and obviously take issues of road safety seriously, hence the collaboration with the Carmarthenshire Road Safety Team and their Engagement Partners.

“This group includes Dyfed Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, GoSafe, Blood Bikes Wales, RoSPA, IAM and MAG, to mention a few who all supported the event.

“This year we also welcomed the support of the private Pegasus Ambulance Service.

“It is a sad fact of life that, given the increase in the number of road users, there are often accidents involving motorcyclists who are more vulnerable than other motorists.

“Amongst the many activities available this year we were treated to a display in the central arena by the emergency services.

“The scenario of a traffic collision with a car and motorcycle was used to demonstrate how multiple agencies work together.

“The Dyfed Powys Police Motorcyclist was the "first on scene" swiftly followed by the Llandovery Fire Crew and Pegasus Ambulance Service.

“What followed was a demonstration of skills which can be learned by anyone for free on the Biker Down Course run by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue as well as how the agencies operate seamlessly to respond to incidents.

“The casualties on the bike kindly acted out by ladies from the Carole Nash Insurance Stand were ‘evacuated’ before the car driver was extracted from the car by the medics and fire crew following the removal of the roof of the car.”

Other activities on offer were the Dragon Rider Enhanced Rider Course as well as ‘observed rides’ with the Institute of Advanced Motorists and a ‘moto-gymkhana’ within the main arena being run by Blood Bikes Wales and RoSPA.

Jonah added: "We will do whatever it takes to promote greater levels of road safety in the hope that we can contribute to a reduction in the instances of loss or harm on our roads whilst at the same time reducing the burden on our excellent, but overstretched, emergency services.

“The presence of so many motorbike clubs and individual riders as well as other road users is heartening as this extends the positive road safety message.

"Whilst local businesses are facing economic challenges, we have again been overwhelmed by the generosity of so many to ensure the event was a success.

“This includes those who have donated gifts for the raffle in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance and Blood Bikes Wales.

“We wish to again recognise Station Motors Bike MoT Centre, from Llandeilo, who once again were our Main Sponsor.

“Without their support and that of McCanns Group, West End Cafe, Llanerchindda Farm, Diogel, Bikerpics, Teglan Design, Brandon Hire, NISA and Coop Llandovery as well as Basel Cottage Holidays along with all our local dedicated volunteers this event could not take place.

“This is one of very few events for which there is no entry fee and we strive to make it attractive to people of all ages and backgrounds, whether a road user or not.

“We aspire to work closer with local youth and sports associations to create a weekend which has a wider range of activities providing fun as well as promoting fitness and wellbeing.

“This year we hosted the return of the Llandovery Youth Town Crier Competition run by the local Town Crier Joe Beard and his wife Sandra and they ran an impromptu ‘Biker and Business Crier’ in the arena which was won by ice-cream vendor Aber-Ice with runners up from Carole Nash Insurance and Vanguard Transport.”

The presence of International Blues Artist Debbie Bond, who performed in the Castle Hotel over the weekend, is one area where working in partnership with local businesses can lead to enhanced business opportunities.

The event was also supported by Llandslide who provided numerous local musicians to entertain visitors at the Mart.

Organisers would like to thank all the volunteers who contribute to the success of this weekend - many of them being from motorbike clubs from other counties.

Jonah added: “The most visible, yet hidden people who ensured the success of this event were the Rotary Club of Llandovery who directed traffic and aided the parking of hundreds of motorbikes in very hot conditions and other local volunteers who provided a friendly welcome and ensured everyone had a great weekend.”